The illustrious San Francisco Bay Area boasts many architectural gems, but none quite as iconic as the homes conceived by Albert Farr, whose legacy unfolds across neighborhoods from San Francisco to Piedmont. Today, the spotlight falls on 395 Hampton Road in Piedmont, a sprawling, 11,870-square-foot Neoclassical estate designed by Farr. Listed at a cool $14.9 million, this masterpiece, with its historical essence and modern comforts, has a lot to recommend.
Stepping through the lavish entrance of this 1926-built residence, you’re met with soaring ceilings, a gracefully curved sinuous stairway, and an embrace of space: eight bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms, to be exact. Originally christened the “Hampton House” by its first owners, financier William St. Cyr Cavalier and his spouse, Camille, the house exudes history and grandeur.
“The big part for me is that it’s a historic house that has been completely overhauled,” Michael Dreyfus, co-listing agent with Sotheby’s International, told the SFGATE, which first broke the news. By overhaul, Dreyfus means everything: the core systems, drainage, and the works. “Here, you have an opportunity to buy a house of this vintage that has been completely redone, and yet it retains all of its classic original elements,” Dreyfus further noted.
He meant that the house isn’t just a nod to the past but a state-of-the-art architectural marvel, even by today’s standards, because the Hampton House seamlessly merges the past with the present. Despite its extensive restoration, the estate retains its original charm, evident in its oak hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and striking front door crafted from wood, copper, and wrought iron. Added to these are contemporary amenities, including a theater room, wine room, and a gym, ensuring a lavish living experience for the modern dweller.
Outside, the property stretches over an acre. It comprises two expansive courtyards adorned with lush gardens, a quaint one-bedroom guest cottage, and a lighted tennis court, perfect for leisure and sport.
While 395 Hampton Road is a marvel, it is only one of the many exquisite creations born from Farr’s genius. The Nebraska-born, Japan-raised master of craft’s opulent designs adorn San Francisco’s neighborhoods, from Russian Hill and Pacific Heights to St. Francis Wood. Perhaps most notably, he was the mind behind the almost-completed Wolf House for the revered author Jack London in 1911. Although a fire tragically prevented its completion, the majestic ruins still stand in the Jack London Historic State Park, a silent testament to Farr’s architectural brilliance.
Gail Lombardi, an architectural historian and chair of the Piedmont Historical Society, emphasized Farr’s unparalleled contribution: “In the small, well-heeled city of Piedmont, Farr designed more than 40 homes.” His designs weren’t just homes; they were bold statements. Lombardi said, “People who wanted a statement house hired Albert Farr.”
395 Hampton Road isn’t just another property listing. It’s a testament to Farr’s enduring legacy and the rich heritage of the Bay Area’s architectural landscape. For those with a penchant for history, a love for design, or simply an appreciation for timeless elegance, this estate offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the past, masterfully reimagined for today’s discerning buyer.
