Moffitt Mansion: Historic Home Relocated Across San Francisco Bay

Nearly six decades after it was built in 1904 in the Pacific Heights district of San Francisco, Moffitt Mansion was physically relocated across the bay to its current position in Belvedere, California.

In 1962 architect Norman Gilroy purchased the home, originally built for Dr. Herbert C. Moffitt, and had the historic home moved to save it from being destroyed by plans to build new apartments. The massive undertaking began by sawing the huge home in half with a chainsaw. In order to make the trek through the city streets with the two halves, Gilroy convinced utility companies and city officials to temporarily move overhead wires to clear a path. Barges then floated the sections to Belvedere Island, where Gilroy utilized original house plans and detailed drawings to return the mansion to its turn-of-the-century glory. While many historic luxury homes have a story to tell, the tale of Moffitt Mansion is truly unique.

Today, the home still exudes its original character as the mended exterior is largely unchanged from the historical photos. Moffitt Mansion is currently on the market, listed by Frank Howard Allen Realtors.

See the current property detail on Luxury Portfolio.