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The Painted Ladies houses

Steiner Street, San Francisco, California

Description

Painted Ladies is a term used in American architecture to describe Victorian and Edwardian houses that have been repainted in several colours to enhance their architectural details. The trend started in San Francisco in the 1960's with artist Butch Kardum and spread to his neighbours, then other neighbourhoods and on to other cities in the country. The most famous and photographed lot is in Lower Haight, opposite Alamo Park, at 710-720 Steiner Street. The lot is also known as the 'Seven Sisters'.

Access & Transport

If you are heading to the 'Seven Sisters' row then bus stop 'Hayes St & Steiner St' (21) and 'Fillmore St & Grove St' (22) are both 1 min away. Other options with good connectivity include 'Duboce Ave & Church St' and 'Market St & Church St' / 'Church' stations

Instructions & Recommendations

Nearby attractions include the Asian Art Museum, the Castro and The Mission neighbourhoods.

Meta review

Often pictured in travel magazines but reviewers are decidedly less impressed. They confirm the houses do look nice and the park is a welcome place to take a break, but many do not find the painted ladies that impressive and wonder what the fuss is about, even stating that there are better instances in other parts of town.

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint and socially/community neutral

Conclusion

San Francisco has several rows of painted Victorian and Edwardian houses. The one on Steiner St is somehow the most famous and worth a passing look and picture but is not unique by any means. A clear case of self-fulfilling fame.

Key positive

Photogenic

Key negative

Nothing exceptional

Suitability

No restrictions but Steiner St has a significant gradient (this is SF after all...)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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