On a recent visit of California my adventurous brother suggested we head out in search of the “Painted Ladies” of San Francisco. Giving him my ‘Is this going to be another epic-almost-get-us-thrown-in-jail-kind-of-outing?‘ look, he quickly reassured me we were on the search of architecture not interesting companions.
The term “Painted Ladies” refers to Victorian or Edwardian styled buildings, usually houses, painted with three or more colors to embellish their architectural and angular details. Following the release in 1978 of the book ‘Painted Ladies – San Francisco’s Resplendent Victorians’, where the phrase was coined to describe these pretty houses, the term has become commonplace. Well apparently not to me but definitely if you live in San Francisco.
Although the term “Painted Ladies” would not be known until the late 1970’s the architectural history began much earlier. By 1915 48,000 Victorian and Edwardian homes had been built in San Francisco and many adorned in multiple bright colors.
During World War I and II many of these beauties were stripped of their make up and painted in battle ship gray with surplus paint from the Navy. Much of the intricate decor was removed and another 16,000 homes were demolished completely.
In 1963 Butch Kardam, a San Francisco artist, began painting his own Victorian style house in bright blues and greens. Although some of the neighbors were not amused, the majority began copying his style on their own homes.
As the ‘colorist movement’, as it came to be known, caught on a group or San Francisco artists began to transform dozens of houses into “Painted Ladies.” The happy and colorful epidemic continues throughout neighborhoods in San Francisco today.
Where Are the Painted Ladies?
The most famous grouping of “Painted Ladies” can be found at ‘Postcard Row,’ so named for the multiple photos and postcards taken of the homes with downtown San Francisco in the background. The houses, sometimes referred to as the ‘Six Sisters’, sit across the street from Alamo Park between 710 and 720 Steiner street. The hilltop park which covers four blocks park is bordered by Hayes Street to the south, Steiner Street to the east, Fulton Street to the north, and Scott Street to the west.
How Can I Get to Alamo Park?
If you are not staying within walking distance the best way to Alamo Park is by bus. Depending on where you are in the city you can take bus number 5, 21, 22 or 24 to get there. For more information on transportation in San Francisco click here. You can always take a taxi as well.
A Word About the Weather
Standing on any hill in San Francisco be prepared for wind and the possibility of fog. Dress in layers or at least have a jacket with you. That goes for all of the city not just when seeking out these pretty houses.
Can the Painted Ladies Be Seen Anywhere Else in San Francisco?
Yes the beautiful houses can be seen frequently, particularly in the districts of Haight, Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, Western Addition and Outer Mission. For a map of the neighborhoods click here.
Have you seen “Painted Ladies” in San Francisco or in other cities?
Beautiful houses, such amazing detail. Lovely photos too, thanks so much for sharing. π
They really suit their name these pretty buildings. Thank you for your lovely comment.
I think I thought something like this at the Martha’s Wineyard.
Thanks for sharing JF. I have never been but what I have seen in photos there are some lovely houses there.
Fascinating houses, excellent captures – I believe San Francisco must be a paradis for us who enjoy biking – with all these up hills and down hills… π
I will admit that this was a walking tour. There are some extraordinary hills in San Francisco that is for sure! Thank you for the kind words Drake. It was fun capturing these pretty ‘girls’. π
oh i love these houses, Sue. they are so charming but never knew they were called painted ladies of SF. i’ve seen some in singapore, too. happy friday! π
Lola I think that is fabulous that they are in Singapore! Thank you so much for letting me know. Wishing you a happy day too. π
Fabulous, I would love to see these…..
Thanks so much Sue. Coming home to our browns and greys these pretty houses seem all the more beautiful. I hope you get to see them. π
I hope so, one day!
Hi Sue, Beautiful captures of these fascinating architecture. I didn’t know they were called pained ladies of SF. Thank you for providing the travel info π
You are most welcome Amy. Full credit to my brother for making me aware of all of this. I thought we were going to see statues when the subject first came up. These pretty houses seem aptly named.
They painted ladies are so very beautiful AND so are your photos. π
Your words mean a great deal to me Cee. Thank you! π
gorgeousness! <3
Thank you so much Cindy!
Sue, this post takes me back to a wonderful few days I spent in SF – we had tour which inluded Postcard Row and Haight and I photographed these very same houses. They are beautiful and your photos do them justice.
Jill that is wonderful that you have been to see them too! We stayed in Lower Haight so down the road I will do a post on that as well so perhaps you might recognize some of the spots. Thank you so much for the kind feedback which I really appreciate.
Sue, I’m really stunned as I took almost the same pix, but not as gorgeous as yours, I’m such a dilettante… π Frisco is my favourite US-city… we also met Americans who spoke honorable French, other pix here: π
http://myvirtualplayground.wordpress.com/2014/03/20/1st-day-of-springtime/
Mealnie You are very kind. I have just looked at your post and your photos are gorgeous. I commented there that you had a time without any fog! The bridge photos from above are fabulous. Thank you for your visit, lovely feedback and for sharing your own experience.
Beautiful houses! Looks so refreshing and clean!
Thank you. They do look very pristine and pretty. π
so colorful and chic π beautiful architecture and lovely captures…
I appreciate your generous words. We really enjoyed finding these beauties. Thank you!
You captured them exquisitely!!! Aren’t they beautiful.I love Victorian architecture! A cousin of mine use to own a stunning Victorian in the Pacific Heights area! Gotta love San Francisco – I’m sure you had a great time!!
Kirt your words come as high praise. Thank you very much. they are so beautiful these little houses. We did have a remarkable time with my brother and sister in law who live in the area. Always fun to travel with locals. π
Our oldest went to college up there and the west coast operation of my company (pre-retirement) is located up there! Great city!! (You can tell I live south of there as I keep referring to it as “up there”…for you it’s “down there” π )
Yes imagine if you came all the way ‘up’ here! π Obviously you would have spent a great deal of time in San Francisco. Did you have a favorite district? It really is amazing to see the differences in areas that are so close together.
I really don’t have a particular favorite…there are so many unique things in all the districts. Very unique city!! Way too pricey to live there:)
Yes very pricey indeed and I agree such unique characteristics in different districts.
Only been to LA in the west coast, so haven’t seen these, but they look very pretty!
Miia if you ever get the chance Northern California is truly beautiful and San Francisco such an interesting city. Thanks for your visit and yes these houses are picture postcard pretty . Thank you. π
Hey Sue, I always like road trips and traveling along “borders” (not necessary legal borders, can be natural borders too), so would like to drive along the western coast (not forgetting a trip to Napa Valley of course .-) ) from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Wonder how long that would take though…?
Well it depends if you want to stop along the way to enjoy aome of it. π would you fly to San Diego and drive to Seattle? I think it could be done in 4 daya of intense driving. My guess is 10 days? I havent done it myself.
Just checked, over 2200km by road… 2 weeks with stops? Not in the near plans, but I am sure it would be a lovely drive!
People I know who have done it say it is spectacular. Two weeks should give you lots of time to take in the sights. π
Good to know π And I think it is one of those trips that you can do in spring and autumn too!
Yes I think you have to be a bit careful about snow in the very northern part of the drive if you were to go very late in the fall or very early spring. Again I am no expert but seem to have snow on my mind these days. π
Do you have a lot of snow at the moment? It snowed in Helsinki today so I received photos from friends. Looks lovely and everyone is immediately a lot happier (otherwise November can be a depressing months bc it is SO dark).
We did have a lot of snow but the past few days we have been having a Chinook where warm winds blow off of the mountains. So the snow is melting like mad. It is one of the great things about living in Calgary as we get these breaks from winter. I think the forecast has some snow tomorrow but this has been lovely. π
I had to google a Chinook –it is great learning something new every day π
That describes our weather actually. If you visit Calgary come in layers. The joke often is if you don’t like the weather in Calgary just wait 10 minutes an it will change. π
A micro climate! We say that about one place in Bretagne (Cancale). It is impressive how fast it changes and yes during 10 minutes you can have everything. It is nice π
Off to bed, have a great evening!
Sweet dreams!
We did San Fran to San Diego in 5 days (stopped at Carmel, San Simeon, Santa Barbara and LA) so took it easy and stopped to do things too. I reckon if you did it in reverse then added a few days in SF the trip up to Seattle would also be around 5 days so 2 weeks would be fine to reach Canada. You can read about the southern part of our trip here if you would like to:http://wp.me/pL5Ms-ko is the first part, the rest are in the related links on that post.
Jude xx
Hi Jude, thanks so much for your input!! The trip is not in the near-future plans but it is something I’d definitely want to do one day. I will consult your posts closer to the time again!
Yesterday when I was looking at the map (I am map obsessed π ) I said to myself why not to continue all the way to Alaska π
PS Great blog you have. Lucky you, been to Afghanistan!!! I have only been at the border (on the Uzbek side).
Have a great WE! Greetings from Paris, Miia
Alaska sounds good, not sure it is easy to drive all the way up there though π
I just looked at the Google map and you are right, that part of Alaska (the tip that kinda comes into British Columbia) has almost no roads! Well, Alaska should then be another trip π
You CAN drive up the PCH or Highway 1 all the way up past Powell River on the Sunshine Coast in BC to a town called Lund (sounds very Scandinavian). Wish I’d done that!
http://wp.me/pL5Ms-xz
but we caught a ferry at PR so missed out on the last section.
Thanks for the tip! It looks (and sounds!) yes very Scandinavian. I studied Swedish (mandatory in Finland) so I should know what it means, but all I can think of is Lund furniture π
Beautiful…. and to think at one time they were all battleship gray. I am so enamored with this style of architecture and all the bright colors. One day I’ll make it to San Fran for now I’ll enjoy the Victorian beauties in Galveston π
Ingrid when I looked at your post I thought of the similarities in the two different cities. Yes a trip to San Francisco would put your camera in over drive I think. Thank you for your visit and have a great weekend! π
They’re so lovely aren’t they! How nice to live there, you know, apart from the constant threat of earthquakes π
Yes there is that earthquake thing and apparently in the big quake of 1906 a lot of these houses were lost. Happy to show you these refurbished beauties. π
This was a terrific overview of the Painted Ladies and really great photos, too, Sue. Having lived there for many years, I discovered that there are house painters in SF that specialize in the Victorian and Edwardian architectures, as you might guess. Great post! π
Jet thank you so much for this kind feedback, especially since you lived in San Francisco. I appreciate you sharing the specialty of the house painters. I would think it is almost like being an artist, rather than a house painter. Thanks again!
Sue, those homes are so beautiful…and worth a mint, too, I’m sure, SF prices being what they are. We had a few days in SF last fall. I didn’t see these, but there are many other beautiful and beautifully painted houses there. Thanks for the background information, too
janet
Janet the cost of housing in San Francisco is astronomical. In researching this post I found out that the largest of the Painted Ladies on Postcard row recently sold for $3.1 million but was listed at $4 million. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/13/321689163/a-san-francisco-painted-lady-sells-for-900k-under-asking-price
San Francisco is a wonderful, diverse city. I’m glad to hear you got to visit. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I have some of these same painted ladies in my photo archives from a visit in 2007. In 2013, my father and I visited his old haunts and he took me to the Haight-Ashbury district where he used to live. He said the last time he was there the buildinsg were all falling apart- or looked like they were. He was very surprised by how beautiful they now are!
We stayed in lower Haight on our visit Emilio. Your Dad must have some interesting stories from his time living there years ago. It certainly has been transformed. I will do a post down the road on that area. I have no doubt your photos are incredible. Perhaps you will show us a glimpse in a post one day?
They were taken with a little point and shoot camera but they actually came out pretty good once I played with them. You’re probably the only one who would like to see them but I will “throw” something together for you!
Thank you Emilio. I am smiling away in anticipation. Just so you know we are still at the little point and shoot stage with some ‘playing’ following so I certainly won’t be one to be critical. π
Sue, you can be critical all you want!
Thanks for sharing these fabulous houses. I hope to get to San Fran very soon!
You are most welcome! San Francisco has so many wonderful things to see and do. I hope you get that visit very soon. π
Beautiful…I’ve seen painted ladies elsewhere, but never San Francisico…enjoyed your perspective on them.
Thank you so much. Can I ask where you have seen them? I have visions of a ‘Painted Lady’ tour’ π
Love these houses π They are just so pretty to look at! Gosh, seeing this post, reminds us that we need to do some catch up on our blogs since getting back! Let’s see what else you guys have been up to….
Thanks so much for the visit and kind words. Always happy to see you. If you look at anything check out my husband’s post on how to survive being married to a blogger. Oh my goodness it is hilarious. π
Us painted ladies don’t mind a Friday night stroll, Sue π Have a good weekend!
Wishing you a good weekend too Jo!
I saw them about 20 years ago but remember well. Thanks for sharing this great post with us. Your photos are divine!!!
Thank you so much for your kindness. I am happy to hear that you have had the pleasure of seeing the ‘ladies’. π
I have many similar photos Sue, but had you noticed that unlike the English Victorian and Edwardian styles, a lot of these houses only have the front faΓ§ade designed like this? The side and back are just box-shaped. Not sure about the ones on Postcard Row (how quaint) as I haven’t been around them, but others are. You could have linked this to Ailsa’s Travel Theme too as it is Colour this week π
Have a good weekend, hope it isn’t TOO cold!
Jude xx
Jude it does seem that a lot of the houses are decorated at the front primarily but like you I did not see the back of the Painted Ladies.
Good advice about Ailsa’s theme. I have created a link. π
We are having mild weather right now with war chinook winds blowing off the mountains most of our snow melted. It’s one of the lovely things about living in Calgary with this funny little weather anomaly.
Sue, you just post more and more magnificent photos each time! I can’t wait to see these in person in a few weeks, so beautifully captured!
Jess you are incredibly kind. I will confess that my sister in law is a professional photographer so I was stalking behind her watching her angles for some of these photos. π
Have you been to San Francisco before? So much to see and do in this wonderfully diverse city.
Oh that must be wonderful to follow her around, you’re a lucky lady! I’ve never been to America before, I’m so excited!!
I hope you have a marvelous time! Any stops in Canada?
Yup – new years in toronto with a friend!! βΊοΈ
Well have a marvelous time. Next visit do come to Western Canada. π
Oh and I forgot to say thank you for all the information. I love to read stuff like that. So interesting to know about the background! There is a lovely area in Toronto too – Cabbagetown – that has some gorgeous architecture. Don’t know if you have visited there, but if you are ever in Toronto go and see. They do tours I think, but we just ambled idly around as usual π
Thank you Jude. I am delighted the post was a good read for you. I have visited Toronto quite often as I have an Uncle and Aunt who live there. I will definitely go for a wander next time we are there. I had a quick look on Google and the houses look fabulous!
It’s what I love about the blogging community, being able to share places with others and learning so much about our world (and each other) π
I agree completely! π
I didn’t care one way or another about architecture for many years. One day I woke up and started to notice these building beauties. I L.o.v.e. San Frans architecture the best. The colors. The detail. The air. Oh, wait. I haven’t really been there, though I feel that I have after reading this wonderful post. π <3
We are always delighted to take you traveling with us Tess. These are quite the pretty girls aren’t they. San Francisco is such a wonderfully interesting and diverse city. There are more posts to come but we may have to hop back to Italy inbetween. π
I don’t know how or when I fell in love with San Fran and I have never been there. All that architecture does it for me.
Well I am delighted to be able to show you a bit of this special city. π
Fabulous San Francisco.
These are lovely! The brightly-painted ones on Kensington Road in Calgary remind me (a little) of these, but the Calgary ones are not nearly as beautifully detailed and tastefully painted. Thanks for sharing your photos!
Diane now you have me thinking about Kensington road. I am driving there tomorrow so I will have my eyes open for them. Thank you!
Actually, now that I think of it, they may be on Memorial Drive in the Kensington area. It’s been a while since I’ve been down that way.
You may be right Diane. I live in the area so I will have to do a little investigating. π
Great photos Sue π why paint something beige when it can be pretty and colourful? I hadn’t heard of the term ‘painted ladies’ either but it’s very descriptive. I’ve seen them featured in movies though and thought how delightful they are. I didn’t get to see them when I was there many moons ago so it’s good to see them now. In Deloraine we have some lovely Edwardian and Victorian homes some of which have been done up in their true character. There are even a few on the market at the moment.
Thanks for sharing that Annie. I hope the house prices there are a bit more reasonable than these in San Francisco. In another comment I mentioned that the largest just sold for 3.1 million.
You are absolutely right about these houses being commonly seen in films. Do you remember the TV show Full House? the opening of that sitcom was on the park with these homes in the background.
Thanks for your comment Annie and for sharing. I’d love to pop over to see the houses you describe. π
Beautiful architecture. Love the bright colours. We do have Victorian styled houses in Melbourne, similar to the ones in your photos. That is houses that boast Victorian architecture on the outside. On the inside it’s usually all renovated and modern, and a lot of them are dark brown or red in colour. These houses are some of the most expensive in the country and fetch millions if they are auctioned – very rarely since they most of them are owned by the State.
Hope you had a great time in San Fran π
Mabel thank you so much for sharing the information on the house in Melbourne I really appreciate that. We had a wonderful time visiting my brother and sister in law. Have you been to San Francisco?
Yet to been to San Fran but it’s near the top on my travel list. I heard the city is similar to Melbourne in many ways – architecture, weather and transportation (trams). I’ll probably will feel right at home.
Great to hear your trip went well π I’m sure they were very gracious hosts.
Does Melbourne get a lot of fog? San Francisco is notorious for it. When it rolls in it can feel amazingly cold so definitely bring a jacket. π
We don’t see fog too often in the city of Melbourne, perhaps five or six times each winter. Definitely a lot more fog in the suburbs and rural areas. I hope you rugged up well. I’m sure where you live the winters are cold π
Oh yes San Francisco is balmy compared to Canadian winters that’s for sure. Still it’s that damp air coming off the ocean that makes one feel so cold. Going to California most people expect to be hot. San Fran doesn’t always deliver that. π
Ooh, I love old architecture like these, especially the victorian ones..makes me feel very sentimental. .Unfortunately, we don’t really have much of this here but I did get to indulge in some when I was in australia…? I like the name for these ones though…?
Sha thank you for letting me know that Singapore does not have many of these. I just was replying to Mabel who was talking about the houses being present in Melbourne. I wonder if it is a Commonwealth thing, the Victorian houses?
Think it’s to do with our historical background…in singapore’s case, we were colonised by the british until after the world war 2..so there are quite a number of old buildings here that carry traces of this past…? *history geek moment* hehehehe…?
Well I did not know you were a history geek! Thanks for the information. π
It comes out once in a while..haha..I don’t really advertise it to everyone though..haha…?
We will keep it our secret. π
??
Try that sort of thing in the UK and the town planners would get really cross!
There are a lot of communities in Calgary that would go wild with the concept. The colors here are very tame.
Wow. What beautiful photographs! So colorful and interesting! I have been to see the Painted Ladies but your photos make them so so fabulous. Loved it completely. Have a great weekend ahead. Thanks for visiting my post. π
what beautiful colors! Love the detailing π Thanks for sharing!
So glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate that. π
I lived about an hour north of SF and saw these beauties many times over the years. But as it often is with something that you see all the time, I never truly appreciated their beauty. Now seeing them in pictures makes me feel nostalgic. Thanks for the quick trip home. I hope you enjoyed smSan Francisco!
Jenny I didn’t realize you had lived in the area. As you say that is often the way isn’t it. I think sometimes I take the mountains forgranted. I hope the glimpse home left a smile on your face. Have a great weekend!
I didn’t know that the past of the “painted ladies” is as “colorful” as their appearance. I have always been fascinated by the history of famous buildings. Thank you Sue for this very interesting post.
You are most welcome Vasilis. This is one of the great things about traveling is that we are always learning. I assure you I did not know anything about painted ladies prior to this trip. π
Thanks for the visit Vasilis. Always a pleasure to chat.
Oh yes, we went looking for the Painted Ladies (and found them). Well, the famous ones as you’ve shown. Of course, we were interested in their pop culture significance, like the fact they were used in the tv show Full House. What? I was travelling with Gen Ys. π
That’s great that you got to see them!. I was going to put the Full House reference in the post and then I wondered if half the readers would say “What??”
My goodness, Sue – they are REALLY good-looking ! Imagine living in one of ’em: you’d have to look this way and that before emerging, eh ? π
Yes I think it would be far better to live in one that is not on Postcard Row where people like me are snapping photos of every square inch of someone’s home. π
Still, it’s their choice: they would’ve known what was ahead …
True enough. The biggest home in the row was on the market for some time and sold in June for $900,000 less than the asking price.
Wish that would happen here: the Sydney market is out of control: last week a burned-out shell of a house sold for just under AUD 1mill.
Wow that is unbelievable!
Wow M-R I had no idea the cost of housing was so high in Australia. Yikes!
It’s only here in Sydney, Sue: total madness. And currently it’s being driven by Asians. I simply don’t know how come so many of them have so much disposable income !!!! – lucky them!
What is the population of Sydney? Calgary is growing like mad and there would be some spots in the city where a lot was worth $1,000,000 but that would not be the norm.
http://snag.gy/1hJxF.jpg
That is a big city! We are about 1.2 million.
Which is enough for anyone.
Sydney’s stretch is the thing:
http://snag.gy/eMAjs.jpg
Yesterday it was 30Β° on the coast, and OVER 40Β° in Richmond: that gives you some idea …
A massive amount of land. Calgary is very stretched out too and the focus in on increasing density in the inner city as we can’t keep up with the infrastructure.
Nor we. Infrastructure to our ‘beloved’ PM means roads – well, tollways, actually. Trains he doesn’t ever give consideration to.
Well we do have a rapid transit train but of course the legs continually need to be extended. We have the most marvelous mayor so one can’t complain. The cost of housing here though is high as it is a desirable spot to live in Canada.
So I have heard !
π
There’s something about painted old buildings that captivates me, so a trip to San Francisco means I have to include the Painted Ladies in one of the places I have to visit when I’m in town. Thanks for a little history here, Sue.
You are most welcome Bama. I hope you get to see them for yourself one day. They are such pretty buildings. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it. π
Gorgeous photos on a beautiful day. I like the way that you packed a lot of information in a visually striking post. I pass by these homes once or twice a month and their beauty never ceases to amaze me.
Thank you for your kind words Allan. As I am doing these posts on San Francisco I am definitely thinking of you living there. Your words mean a great deal to me. Just as we arrived at Alamo Park the fog, which I now understand is named Karl and has it’s own Twitter account, began rolling in . π
I have heard about the fog having a name, but I didn’t know it was Karl. Thanks for that tidbit, more research is in order on my part.
Apparently Karl has his own web site and is hooked up all over social media. http://about.me/karlthefog
Enjoy. π
Thanks for the short-cut. I just took a look at the page and I do believe that Karl and I have spent a lot of time together at The Gate.
Oh I bet you have Allan! Have a great day and i hope Karl is aleeping today. π
Beautiful houses! The architecture is lovely. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend π
Thank you very much Lucy. Wishing you a lovely weekend too. π
Brings back some fun memories. Makes me want to head the Biergarten for some refreshments. Your photos captured the experience beautifully.
That was a great day Wendy. Yes i cpuld have added the Biergarten as a great refreshment stop in the area. π Thanks to your coaching on capturing these prety girls.
Great and colorful and original virtual tour :)! Thanks! Have a nice weekend. Kamila
Thanks so much Kamila. Wishing you a good weekend too!
I have to return to San Fran one day to see these for myself. They are indeed really lovely. It must have been awful during the wars, when they were painted in battleship grey, and what a shame to demolish so many of them. Nowadays, it looks like a really happy neighbourhood to live in. π
It would be ao interesting to have time lapse photography over the past 100 years. I don’t imagine anyone will be slapping grey paint on these beauties anytime soon. π
OMG – all your photos are so amazing! Each one looks like a postcard. I especially like the one at the very beginning on the left – #7126. It’s such a great angle … not to mention the great colours π
Thank you Joanne. My sister in law is a professional photographer and i was basically hanging over her shoulder taking photos while she offered up coaching. I do love those colours of that photo. Thank you!
ahhh – you have private coaching!! So lucky π
Very lucky!
Sue, there are a few of them in our home town and we’re fortunate to live in one of the granddaddy’s of the victorian era. We drew inspiration form the painted ladies when choosing our home’s colour scheme. – http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/porch/stickhouse500.gif
Oh my goodness it is SO beautiful! My mouth dropped open when the photo opened on my screen. Thank you very much for sharing the photo. π
Gord has a love-hate relationship with the house – especially when it comes to painting – it never ends:)
Definitely high maintenance but what a ‘Wow’ factor. π
Truly beautiful houses with all their interesting details and colors. Now I want to go to San Francisco and check them out myself….:-)
Always happy to inspire travel! Thank you for this lovely comment. π
Indeed Sue, the painting are beautiful. I admired the building colors, really amazing!
Thank you kindly Della Anna. π
Beautiful shots you have there π
WeeklyPhotoChallenge@EverythingNyze
Amazing ! Amazing ! Amazing ! I am at loss of words π
That is very kind of you Andy. Much appreciated. π
How beautiful they are! I am inspired – pity my home is unsuitable for this magical transformation!
They are so pretty but my home as well would not suit this, not to mention ho my neighbours might react. π
Great post! Must be a foggy city thing since we have our own version in St John’s, Newfoundland.
Yes I wonder if most sea side cities have the fog roll in like that? Thank you for the kind words about the post.
kewl one …er i mean 6 π ………
Thank you π
“you did the city proud” – ha! seriously – these photos could be in a brochure – nice Sue – and I love the row feel to these expensive colorful houses too – π
Yvette i am humbled by your generous words. As I have mentioned to others my sister in law is a professional photographer so I definitely hung on her shoulder and her words.
oh well that is cool to have a sis like that – π and I like how you gave us so many little details in the selection – from the colors to the chimneys to the different roof lines to even some power wiring – and then the color variety – ohhhh enough from moi – but hope you are having a nice weekend π
I have been watching other photographers as well and how with buildings they often share the details. The old brain is firing up and learning, learning. π
well you put that so nicely – but I also sense that you have a natural eye for certain things – especially with structures – <3
Thank you Yvette. I think I have a little of that and trying to learn as I go along. π
Beautiful houses! Thanks so much for introducing this set Sue! I have no idea about these type of housings and I find it really unique..I wonder if I can see inside as well.. π hah..maybe too much to ask π
Thank you Indah. Yes I don’t suppose these folks would be too keen on the doorbell ringing for a tour. π Delighted to share them with you.
Reblogged this on Carole McCall Author and Coach and commented:
My favourite place…
Very cool! I love finding things like this when traveling or even at home – those little treasures of beauty that go unnoticed behind bigger attractions. Another fun and informative read! “Architecture…not interesting companions…”
Thank you Sue! Yes it is often some of these lesser known spots that are such fun to find. Glad you enjoyed.
How are things going in your world?
Busy- I had a work project I had to get done (blog coming on that) and I joined the bell choir at church so blogging took a back seat for a bit but things are getting back to normal. You?
All good here Sue. I will look forward to reading more in your posts! Glad to hear life is getting back to normal. π
Fascinating! I was there a few years ago, staying in a neighborhood of beautiful painted ladies, but I didn’t know that’s what they were called. I love the stories as the photos too.
How fun that you got to experience these beautiful gals too, no matter that you didn’t know their name. π I am delighted you enjoyed the post! Thank you.
Awwwwn I almost forgot you told me you were going to SF! Now that Im finally back home I can catch up with your posts!!
I love these houses, I would love to live in one of them!! As always you have taken amazing photos.
I didn’t know about their story, very interesting. Thank you for sharing a bit about them and for the information on how to get there… when I went to SF I didnt spend enough time to stop by Alamo Park… next time I have to stay enough time to enjoy the city! π I wish a very nice week Sue!
Thanks so much for the visit! There is so much to see and do in San Francisco. Another time you will have the Painted Ladies to add to your itinerary. Wishing you a good week too. π
My pleasure Sue π
Yes, it should be a must nest time!
Thank you, you too π
You are most welcome. π
π thank you.
beautiful houses and very informative. Tx for sharing π
Thank you Jackson! How are things in your world? Any trips planned?
Hello Sue! World’s crazy with too much work.. I hope to visit Dubai before I head home to celebrate Christmas with family. Do you have any trips planned?
That work really gets in the way! π Yes headed to Mexico in Jan and in June to Peru and Galapagos! Hope you have a wonderful Xmas and looking forward to seeing Dubai through your posts!
Lovely post, Sue. I don’t think I’ve seen painted ladies in any other cities (I’ve only been to San Francisco through books and art and posts like yours), although several cities I have seen in person do have some great “old” homes, sometimes literally colorful. Oh, and, dear owner of the purple Victorian above (the long vertical photo): I am your long-lost sister/cousin/something-or-other; as a familial kindness, could I borrow your gorgeous home for about 50 years? Thanks! π
Isn’t that purple one just gorgeous? Yes I am sure if you just rang the doorbell they would let you move right in. π
Leigh thank you for this lovely comment which i really value. Always a pleasure to have you visit.
Sue, I love the Painted Ladies, and your photos are gorgeous! I had no idea they’d been painted gray during the war. That makes the story even more interesting. When we lived in Charleston, South Carolina, there is also a row of “painted ladies” along the waterfront. I love them no matter where they are. π ~Terri
Terri I am always delighted when I can share something the two of you don’t know. π Thank you for the kind words about the photos. Between my Californian sister in law who is a professional photographer coaching me with many of these shots and the stalking, I amen studying I have done of your photos of buildings and other blogs I admire, these pictures came about.
I appreciate you sharing your Charleston ‘Painted Ladies’!
How fitting: while you were in San Francisco admiring architecture, I was in San Francisco consuming as much cioppino as was possible. π Alamo Park is a great place to catch not only the Painted Ladies but also the city skyline.
Agreed with all of those hills the views of the San Francisco skyline are superb and Alamo Park is certainly one of those. Well that is if Karl the fog stays away.:)
Lots of delicious food to be found too. We are just covering different aspects if the city for readers out there. π
Ooh, I love the Painted Ladies. We also had to check them out the last time we were in SF. Your lovely images make me want to hop in the car and head north. π
Thank you LuAnn. They really are so pretty aren’t they? That’s wonderful that you have seen them too. π
Absolutely gorgeous houses (and stunningly captured as usual). I’m trying to imagine what a row of grey ones would have looked like…
Thank you Bronwyn. I expect the grey ones would have been a sad looking lot without their make up.
Maybe just austere? Certainly a different mood.
Austere is likely a far better word than sad. Perhaps just the thought of it being war time makes me sad and I pass that on to the painted ladies.
Well that’s true. But would they be showing it on their outer surfaces? Or more of a brave, solemn face?
Brave and solemn …let’s go with that. π
One of the few cities in the States I have always wanted to visit. Thanks for the postcards, Sue. Very pretty!
You are most welcome Paula. I am happy you enjoyed seeing this glimpse of San Francisco. I hope you are able to see it for yourself one day.
Really interesting Victorian buildings!
They’re bigger and more colourful than those we have in England. π
Thank you and I appreciate hearing about the ones you have seen!
Absolutely beautiful Sue π
Thanks a lot for sharing… I felt I was almost there!…
Best wishes. Aquileana π
I am delighted that you felt along on our walk in San Francisco. A delight to have you! All the very best always Aquileana.
Excellent post and photos. I have been there and photographed those beautiful homes also. In fact, one of the times I was there I got to see a hollywood film being shot in the grassy park across the street. It was the final scenes of the movie The Five Year Engagement. It was the scene at the end when he was running from spot to spot to pick up a cake, tux,etc… I LOOOOOOOVE San Francisco. All photographers, foodies, travel junkies need to go there if they haven’t been. So much to do and see, something for everyone. You have inspired me to dig out some of my San Francisco pics and do a post with some of them. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you for sharing this fabulous experience. Your enthusiasm oozes through your words. Wonderful! We love San Francisco too. Definitely one of our favorite cities in the world. Happy to have inspired you to revisit your photos of time spent there. π
I loved the architecture in San Francisco. I wandered for hours just marvelling at the variety. Those hills were a killer though.
After 4 days in SF my legs felt like I had climbed a mountain or two! Beautiful architecture though that’s for sure.
I love the painted ladies! Good thing that the GPS my phone have is reliable enough to bring me there while in San Francisco. π
Thank goodness for GPS! Amazing how much easier traveling has become over the past years. π