If you’ve ever walked through Pacific Heights, you know the vibe. It’s all quiet wealth, manicured hedges, and Victorian architecture that looks like it belongs in a museum. But one specific corner always has a crowd. They aren’t there for the view of the Bay, though it’s spectacular. They are there for 2640 Steiner Street San Francisco CA.
Most people just call it the Mrs. Doubtfire house.
It’s a strange thing, honestly. Living in a world-famous landmark that isn't a monument or a bridge, but a private residence. Since the movie came out in 1993, this specific address has become a pilgrimage site for millennials and Gen X-ers who want to touch a piece of Robin Williams’ legacy. But there’s a lot more to the house than just a Hollywood backdrop.
The Victorian Bones of 2640 Steiner Street San Francisco CA
Built in 1893, the home is a classic example of Victorian architecture, specifically the Queen Anne style that defines so much of San Francisco’s visual identity. It was designed by Joachim B. Feldman. Back then, it wasn't a movie set. It was just an elegant four-bedroom home for the city’s upper crust.
The detail is incredible. You have the classic turret, the intricate woodwork, and those massive windows that let in the gray, moody San Francisco light. It spans about 3,300 square feet. In a city where space is the ultimate luxury, that’s a massive footprint. It sits on a corner lot, which is why it looks so prominent in the film.
Robin Williams didn't live there. Obviously. But his character, Daniel Hillard, did—or rather, his estranged wife Miranda and their kids did. The movie used the exterior for those iconic scenes, like when Daniel (as Euphegenia Doubtfire) arrives for his interview. The interior scenes? Those were mostly filmed on a soundstage at a warehouse in the Presidio.
If you go inside today, you won't find the exact kitchen where the "run-by fruiting" happened. Real life is a bit more polished.
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A Real Estate Rollercoaster
Talking about San Francisco real estate is basically a sport. And 2640 Steiner Street San Francisco CA is the MVP of that conversation.
The house has changed hands a few times since the 90s. In 2016, it sold for $4.15 million. People thought that was high at the time. Looking back at the city's market trajectory, that was actually a decent deal for a piece of pop culture history. The buyer was a plastic surgeon named Douglas Ousterhout.
He didn't mind the tourists.
Actually, he was famously kind about it. After Robin Williams passed away in 2014, the sidewalk in front of the house became a makeshift memorial. Thousands of people left flowers, candles, and notes. Dr. Ousterhout let the fans grieve. He understood that while he owned the deed, the house belonged to the public’s imagination.
Eventually, he sold it in 2016 to another buyer who prefers more privacy. Can you blame them? Imagine trying to get your DoorDash delivery through a crowd of people doing "Helloooo!" impressions on your front porch.
Dealing With the "Doubtfire" Fame
Living at 2640 Steiner Street San Francisco CA comes with a specific set of rules. You can't just change the color of the front door on a whim without people noticing.
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A few years ago, someone actually tried to set the house on fire. It was a bizarre incident involving a disgruntled former patient of the previous owner, not a movie fan. Luckily, the damage was minimal. But it highlighted the vulnerability of living in a "famous" house. You’re on the map. Literally.
Google Maps marks it. Tour buses idle outside.
If you’re planning to visit, be cool. It’s a neighborhood. People live there. They walk their dogs and try to get to work. The best way to see it is to walk up from Fillmore Street. Grab a coffee at Jane on Fillmore, hike the two blocks up the hill, and take your photo from across the street. Don't sit on the stairs.
What the house tells us about SF history
San Francisco is a city of layers. You have the Gold Rush layer, the 1906 Earthquake layer, the Summer of Love, and the Tech Boom. 2640 Steiner Street represents the 1990s cinematic era of the city. It’s a reminder of a time when the city felt a little more "neighborhood-y" and a little less "corporate headquarters."
The house is located in Pacific Heights, which remains one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States. Nearby, you have:
- The Getty Mansion: A massive palatial estate just blocks away.
- Alta Plaza Park: Where you can get a panoramic view of the neighborhood.
- Lyon Street Steps: For when you want a workout with your sightseeing.
Why We Can't Let Go of This Address
Why does a house at 2640 Steiner Street San Francisco CA still matter thirty years later?
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It’s the Robin Williams effect.
He was the city's adopted son. He lived in the Sea Cliff neighborhood, but this house is where we see his most "human" performance—a dad who just wanted to be with his kids. People don't visit the house because they love Victorian architecture (though they should). They visit because the movie makes them feel something.
It’s nostalgia in brick and mortar form.
Every time the house goes on the market, it makes national news. Not because of the square footage or the updated plumbing, but because we all want to know what’s behind that door. We want to see if the magic is still there.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you're actually going to Steiner Street, keep these things in mind:
- Parking is a nightmare. Don't even try to park right in front. Find a spot near Lafayette Park and walk.
- The fog is real. Even if it's sunny at the Ferry Building, it might be freezing and misty in Pac Heights. Dress in layers.
- Respect the line. There is almost always a line for photos. Be quick, be polite, and don't block the sidewalk for locals.
- Check out the neighbors. The whole block is stunning. Take a second to look at the other houses; they are just as historic, even if they didn't star in a Golden Globe winner.
What's Next for the Steiner House?
The home is currently a private residence. It isn't a museum. You can't buy tickets.
However, its status as a landmark is permanent. As long as Mrs. Doubtfire is streaming on some platform, people will keep showing up at 2640 Steiner Street San Francisco CA. It has become a symbol of the city's resilience and its deep connection to the arts.
If you’re a fan of the film or just a lover of San Francisco history, seeing the house in person is worth the trek. Just stand back, take it in, and remember that for a few months in the early 90s, this was the center of the cinematic universe.
Actionable Next Steps
- View from the Park: After taking your photos at the house, walk two blocks south to Alta Plaza Park. The view from the top of the grand staircase gives you a perfect perspective of how these houses fit into the San Francisco skyline.
- Support Local History: Visit the Haas-Lilienthal House on Franklin Street. It’s a Victorian that is open for tours, so you can see what the inside of a house like 2640 Steiner actually looks like.
- Explore the Film Trail: If you're on a movie kick, head over to the Palace of Fine Arts (Vertigo) or Lombard Street (What’s Up, Doc?).
- Check Property Records: If you're a real estate nerd, you can track the historical sales of the property via the San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder to see how its value has outpaced the rest of the market.