house tours bay area

Bay Area Historic House Museums has member-houses in seven San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma. To be included, the historic site must contain a house.

Each House is independent and has its own hours, programs and amenities.

Weekend sellouts expected! Advanced reservations required, including member admission.

Inspiration in Every Season

Connecting our rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature and shared stories.

Spring Teas

Reserve your spot for tea in the Garden!

Experience blooming elegance in Filoli’s Garden House. Tuck into an array of finger sandwiches, scones, and patisseries while sipping tea and sparkling wine in an exclusive setting.

Explore a Vibrant Landscape

of the Bay Area

The Experience

What's blooming.

Welcome to Filoli

Filoli is a vibrant landscape of the Bay Area, situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone, in Woodside, California. Filoli is dedicated to connecting our rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature and shared stories, and we invite you to learn more about our story here!

Life of a Bulb

Every spring, Filoli plants thousands of bulbs around the House and Garden. Follow along their journey and watch their transformation from bulb to flower.

Support the Preservation and Conservation of Filoli

Alameda Legacy Home Tour

Come celebrate with us the 50th Anniversary of AAPS’ Legacy Home Tour. Sunday  September 17th from 10am to 4pm. Save the Date! Tickets, vendors, cafe and fun activities at Franklin Park .

Tickets will go on sale July 4th!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

The tour is hosted by the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS )  a nonprofit organization.

The funds raised by the  Alameda Legacy Home Tour benefit the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS).

CELEBRATE ALAMEDA’S GLORIOUS HISTORIC HOMES.

Alameda is blessed with over 4000 buildings on the Historic Study list, including many architectural styles. Our organization helps homeowners and business people appreciate the historic nature of their properties and learn restoration techniques that will bring buildings back to their original splendor.

HOME TOURS CELEBRATE PRESERVATION EFFORTS

We have hosted Legacy Home Tours since the 1973. The annual tour of historic homes is the main fund raising effort supporting the programs of AAPS.

Alameda, with its beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets is truly one of the best places to live in the Bay Area. Visit, take the tour, and find out for yourself.

Volunteer to help for our 2023 Legacy Home Tour!

Please email Denise if you would like to join us! .  We meet most months on the first Wednesday of the month. We are a fun group — join us! 

Contact Denise: [email protected]

Friends of the Tour

Please visit our advertisers and sponsors:.

American Institute of Architects San Francisco

AIA San Francisco Announces Selected Projects for the 2023 AIASF Home Tours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2023

Media Contact: Matthew Donohue, AIASF Communications Manager [email protected]

(San Francisco, CA) AIA San Francisco (AIASF), in collaboration with the  Center for Architecture + Design , is pleased to announce the 2023 AIASF Home Tours (formerly San Francisco Living: Home Tours) , an annual open house event featuring five residences designed by leading Bay Area architects will take place on Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. AIASF Home Tours tickets will be available for purchase on Friday, August 4.

"The AIASF Home Tours program provides a unique opportunity to engage and learn more about the impact of architecture and design in our everyday lives. We encourage curious minds to experience design and its evolving role in the future of the built environment," said Stacy Williams, AIASF Executive Director.

As the first tour series in the Bay Area to promote residential design, this highly-acclaimed event showcases five projects that promote innovative residential and represent a variety of architectural styles, neighborhoods, and residences, including single-family homes, multi-family complexes, and contemporary renovations. AIASF Home Tours takes place every year in September as part of the annual Architecture + the City Festival .

Tour participants view some of the latest residential projects from the inside out, examine new housing trends, and discover design solutions that inspire unique modern and sustainable living. This year’s Home Tours Headquarters will take place at the new Center for Architecture + Design located at 140 Sutter Street in San Francisco. Additionally, festival attendees will be able to attend the Architects’ Forum on Wednesday, September 20, featuring a panel discussion with the architects whose projects are featured in this year’s AIASF Home Tours.

Special thanks to the 2023 AIASF Home Tours Selection Team: Barbara Shands , Shands Studio ; Lise de Vito , Zack | de Vito Architecture ; Christina Cho Yoo , AIA, PE, LEED AP BD C , Atelier Cho Thompson & A Rising Tide ; Vivian Dwyer , Dwyer Design .

Congratulations to the architects and their teams!

2023 Architecture + the City Festival Sponsors

NEIGHBOR LEVEL

BLOCK LEVEL

33SIXTY | FLEXFORM

Bernal Heights Residence | Mork-Ulnes Architects |    https://www.morkulnes.com

The project started as a re-design of an old, shingled Victorian house, but the scope changed drastically when a fire ravaged the home on Christmas 2017. The single-story house was previously overshadowed by its taller two-story gabled neighbors. As the fire forced a reevaluation of scope and scale, Mork-Ulnes evaluated the proportions and exterior massing of neighboring homes. For the exterior, the charred black painted silhouette was intended to take cues from its quintessential San Francisco neighbors. The proportions, scale, and massing are derived from its surroundings, but reinterpret Edwardian design cues into more abstract decorative elements like siding patterns and solid-void composition.

Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

Golden Gate Heights Residence | John Lum Architecture   | https://johnlumarchitecture.com

Perched atop Golden Gate Heights with views of the Marin Headlands, this mid-century residence didn't do justice to its spectacular setting. A compartmentalized floor plan, with deteriorated fixtures and finishes, made for a dated feel. It was time for a major reset. The house was reconceptualized, inside and out. The goal was to elevate its roots and create a space that would accommodate large gatherings while keeping an intimate, personal feel for everyday living. The client had a strong aesthetic and having grown up in Eastern Europe wanted a house that would work with his collection of proto-modernist furniture. The focus was on simplifying the house. The exterior form was stripped of its dilapidated painted cladding and replaced with natural cedar siding and cement plaster; durable materials meant to weather in place. A shou sugi ban screen provides a unifying base, hiding the garage doors with the only penetration being the distinctive orange glass front gate. Passing through that gate is otherworldly, transforming the outside world into a surreal experience that recalls the Light and Space Movement of 1970’s California. Guests are ushered to a staircase that leads to a Zendo-inspired garden and front door.

Photo Credit: Paul Dyer

Russian Hill Residence | Dumican Mosey Architects |  https://www.dumicanmosey.com

Located at the end of a narrow mid-block alley in the pedestrian-oriented and densely rich context of San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood, this project involved a reimagination and expansion of an existing two-unit home while merging the subject property with a small adjacent vacant lot bordering the shared mid-block open space. The design maintains the small existing building footprint, focusing on preserving the adjacent open space while expanding the living space by converting a storage area at the garden level and up through a single-story vertical addition. The bold, faceted, object-like red stair provides a glimpse into the nature of the house from the alley level and connects all 4 floors vertically. A quiet, modern façade becomes the reimagined face fronting the narrow alley and frames the pedestrian view to Coit Tower.

Photo Credit: Blake Marvin Photography

Mint Hill Residence | Red Dot Studio |  http://www.reddotstudio.com

The home was built for another site and another time. Moved from Bernal Heights to Waller Street, adjacent apartments blocked light into the windows built for another place. On an early trip to the home the architect saw that the bathroom lightwell had the best light and became the stair location bringing sunshine through the core of the house. The team added a story and a housing unit to the property with a garden apartment and two-story home above. The client’s strong eclectic design and environmental sensibility inspired the integration of a fan, radiant heat, no AC, PV with battery backup throughout the entire house. The home is almost entirely electric, except for the hot water heater, as Heat Pump Water Heaters were not as prevalent or affordable at the time of the design and build phase of this house. Gas is routed to the water heater and the homeowner’s goal is to replace this with an electric water heater when the time for replacement comes.

Photo Credit: Leslie Williamson

Twin Peaks Residence | Michael Hennessey Architecture |  https://www.hennesseyarchitect.com

On a downslope lot in San Francisco, a restrained composition of steel frames, aluminum windows, and deep gray cement plaster makes up the facade of this three-unit residential building. On the lower level, a two-story unit makes the most of its connection to the outdoors, opening to a spare garden finished with fine gravel and concrete, onto which dappled light spills through the canopy of a new tree. A double-height volume holds the living room and kitchen, while the bedroom tucks into a mezzanine for a private, cozy retreat. Strategically placed vertical windows provide privacy for the building’s one-story middle unit, the space slowly decompressing to culminate in a high-ceilinged living room that leads onto a generous deck with sweeping views of San Francisco. The distance from the street on the building’s highest level allowed the architects to give the owners’ suite, located on the top unit’s second floor, an entirely glazed front facade, producing a space with visual connections to its surroundings in both the front and the back.

Photo credit: Adam Rouse Photography

About AIA San Francisco | www.aiasf.org  

Serving the Bay Area for over a century, the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco (AIASF) is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Bay Area by promoting excellence in architecture, design, and the built environment. AIASF represents members practicing architecture, as well as allied community professionals in San Francisco and Marin counties. As a resource for our members and the public, AIA San Francisco strives to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area through community involvement, education, advocacy, public outreach, and member services.

About the Center for Architecture + Design | www.centersf.org

The Center for Architecture + Design is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to creating a public-focused dialogue on architecture, design, and the built environment in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco (AIASF) in 2005, the Center enhances public appreciation for architecture and design through virtual and in-person exhibitions, lectures, tours, film series, and other programs.

About the Architecture + the City Festival | www.archandcity.org

Presented by the Center for Architecture + Design in collaboration with AIA San Francisco, the Annual Architecture + the City Festival takes place every year in September featuring behind-the-scenes programs, tours, lectures, film presentations, and more. These month-long programs provide an excellent opportunity for all communities to experience architecture and design in a myriad of ways throughout the city. Since 2003, we have worked to enrich these core events and have collaborated with countless design and community partners, firms, and organizations to further creative ideas and advance the conversation surrounding our local built environment, to celebrate accomplishments, and together work towards building a more sustainable future.

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WELCOME TO THE HAAS-LILIENTHAL HOUSE

 A NATIONAL TREASU RE

D esigned by architect Peter R. Schmidt for William and Bertha Haas, and constructed in 1886, the 11,500 square foot  Haas-Lilienthal House embodies both the ambitious spirit of San Francisco’s pioneers and its grand Victorian-period architecture.   

Surviving the 1906 earthquake and fire, it remained in the family until 1973, when the three adult children of the recently deceased Alice Haas-Lilienthal entrusted the House to a new architectural preservation organization, The Foundation for San Francisco's Architectural Heritage (now SF Heritage ).

After some preparation, the H-L House eventually became their new headquarters, and they quickly converted it into offices, a house museum featuring docent-led public tours, as well as a sophisticated venue for private events . SF Heritage also developed a highly successful educational program designed for third graders to learn more about architecture, preservation and 19th century living.

Today, this exuberant Queen Anne style home survives as a site of national cultural and architectural significance.  In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places and San Francisco Landmark #69, the House was designated a National Treasure in 2012 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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• Ardenwood Historic Farm
• To Reach the Park
• Accessibility ADA
• Attractions

Tue. thru Sun., 10am-4pm.  Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day  Open Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day

Entry Fees: see Entry Fees section | Parking: No Fee | Dogs: No Dogs Allowed

34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555

(510) 544-2797 Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4504

Internet & Cellular Access

Check AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon Coverage .  Select 'Map Layers' and switch on 'No Data Coverage Areas'

Park Activities

Ardenwood Historic Farm offers a glimpse into life on a family farm between 1890 and 1930. Step back in time as you explore the remnants of the once vast estate of George and Clara Patterson, whose family farmed the land for over 100 years, beginning in the 1850s. East Bay Regional Park District has operated the property as a fully functioning, turn-of-the-last-century farm since 1985. Today, Ardenwood demonstrates the role farms play in providing vital resources, driving innovation, and bringing together communities. Using carefully restored farm machinery, staff and volunteers invite visitors to join in the harvest and processing of crops once common in the region, including corn, wheat, and hay. A farmyard with a variety of animals, a large hay barn, an outdoor kitchen, and a working blacksmith shop create opportunities to make connections between everyday life, local farming history, and the land. Historic buildings and grounds, including the Patterson’s lovely Victorian farmhouse and surrounding formal gardens, give a glimpse of life at the turn-of-the-last-century.

Since Ardenwood is a working farm, the daily activities change from season to season so no two visits will be exactly alike. Visit our  Naturalist Program  page for more information and schedules before your next visit.

Ardenwood Historic Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, year-round, including Labor Day and Memorial Day. Ardenwood is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For picnic reservations call 1-888-EBPARKS or  1-888-327-2757 , press option 2. There is no parking fee. Dogs are not allowed in the Ardenwood Historic Farm.

Note:  Dogs are not permitted in the park. Modern recreational equipment (e.g., frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, bicycles, balloons, and BBQs) are prohibited.

Restoration and operation of the Patterson House Museum is a project of the city of Fremont. For information call  (510) 791-4196 .

Ardenwood Bird Checklist

Ringed by major roads and industrial and residential areas, Ardenwood Historic Farm is an island of agricultural land, providing critical habitat for wildlife.  It is a refuge for birds that feed, roost, nest or just pass through. Over 99 species have been spotted around the park’s orchards, gardens, fields and groves.  This handy checklist includes seasonal information and abundance on everything from red-shouldered hawks and western bluebirds to Nuttall’s woodpeckers and Allen’s hummingbirds.  Download:  A Guide to the Birds of Ardenwood Historic Farm  [PDF]

January through March, and the Wed. before Thanksgiving through December: Tues. through Sun.: $4/adults (18+ years), $3/seniors (62+ year), $2/children (4-17 years), under 4 years - free. April through the Tues. before Thanksgiving: Tues., Wed. & Sat.: $4/adults (18+ years), $3/seniors (62+ year), $2/children (4-17 years), under 4 years - free. Thurs., Fri. and Sun.: $6/adults (18+ years), $5/seniors (62+ year), $4/children (4-17 years), under 4 years - free. 

Special Event Entry Fees

$8-$30/adults* (18+ years), $6-$30/seniors* (62+ year), $5-$25/children* (4-17 years) *Special event entry fees may vary. Please call  (510) 544-2797  or email  [email protected]  for updated information.

Ardenwood Naturalist Programs

Join us for our monthly programs!

To Reach The Park

Main entrance.

From I-880 in Fremont, take the Decoto Road/Dumbarton Bridge/Highway 84 exit. Go west on Highway 84 toward the Dumbarton Bridge. Take the Ardenwood/Newark Blvd. exit and turn right (north) onto Ardenwood Blvd. The park entrance is ahead, on the right.

Public Transit

Public transportation: Take AC Transit buses #232 or #264 on weekdays and #332 on weekends from Union City BART to the bus stop on Newark Boulevard under the freeway. To return, the bus stop is on Newark Boulevard just south of the freeway in front of the shopping center.

Public transit information  or call 511 (TDD (hearing impaired line)/TTY: 1-800-448-9790) to confirm transit information. 

Park Accessibility

The majority of facilities in Ardenwood are wheelchair accessible: Patterson House, Hay Barn, Train Ride, Granary, Cafe, restrooms, and wedding and reception sites. Most of the roads are paved and there are no significant grade changes.  Public transit information .

Some of the park features include the followings:

• Arden Station and Deer Park Station:  During its operating season (usually April-mid November), board the farm’s train here. It takes you back more than 100 years to a time when railroads connected the East Bay’s farms to towns and cities. The train is operated by Ardenwood’s Railroad Museum with staff and docents dressed in period costumes. For information,  visit the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources (SPCRR) website
• Victorian Garden:  The garden area looks much like it did near the turn of the 20th century.
• Patterson House:  Home to three generations of the Patterson family. It began as George Patterson's bachelor farmhouse built in 1857. The house was expanded with a Queen Anne addition in 1889 as the family, the farm, and their place in East Bay society grew. Costumed docents conduct house tours seasonally (April-mid-November). For information call  (510) 791-4196 .
• Farmyard Cafe:  Open on weekends serving Mission Coffee, healthy snacks, delicious lunch options and locally made treats and treasures. Birthday Party Catering offered as well. Please contact Lindsey at 510-754-9877 or email:  [email protected] . Open from 10:00am-4pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Animal Farms:  At Ardenwood, you will see sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, and cows. Download:  Ardenwood Farm Animals  

Naturalist Programs

Through Ardenwood's educational programs, visitors can see and participate in many activities common to a turn-of-last-century farm. Weekdays, naturalists provide programs for school classes and other groups by reservation. Please see our Educators Resources information here or call (510) 544-2797 for further information.

• Fieldtrip Online Form

Non-reservation weekend programs include the planting, tending and harvesting of Ardenwood's organic crops, farm chore demonstrations, and hands-on experiences for the whole family.

Special Events

Special events include an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration, Harvest Festival in October, special music concerts, recreations of Victorian social events, and more. To see a list of upcoming special events, visit the  Registration, Facilities and Permits  website to browse programs or register online.

Ardenwood Farm Docents

Share your enthusiasm for history! We're looking for people who want to learn to cook on a wood stove, demonstrate antique farm machinery, and teach historic crafts such as spinning, weaving, and toy making. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to help our staff create a welcoming atmosphere for schoolchildren and families. Our next docent training date is TBD. Call  (510) 544-3285  or email  [email protected]  for an application and details.

Weddings and Picnics

For picnic information, see our Ardenwood Picnic Areas  webpage.

For more information, see our Event Venues webpage.

The Pool Site is open for weddings and special events. This gorgeous space is cradled by mature redwood trees, soft wisteria draping the dance floor arbor and bistro string lights hanging overhead to create a magical reception venue. Please contact Lindsey Caravelli at  (510) 754-9877  or  [email protected] . More information:  Ardenwood Events .

Activity Schedule: April to November

Ardenwood Historic Farm is closed on Mondays (except Memorial Day & Labor Day).

Upcoming Events

Meet The Bunnies

Pollinator power, earthy eggs, learn the ropes, meet the chickens, old fashioned butter makin', park calendar.

Ardenwood Historic Farm is open on Memorial Day & Labor Day.

• Ardenwood Historic Farm - Activity Calendar

Wild Plant Guides

• Wildflower Photo Guide  [PDF]
• Wild Plant Photo Guide  [PDF]
• Ardenwood - Calflora Plant List
• Ardenwood – PlantID.net ID Guide

Interpretive Brochures

• Ardenwood Historic Farm - Spanish
• Ardenwood Historic Farm Animals

Program Flyers

• Brownie Recipe Handout
• Cookie Contest Recipes
• Popcorn Popping Instructions (For popcorn picked from Ardenwood)
• Vegetable Histories
• Plan Be Nimble, Plan Be Quick  – NAI

Ardenwood Historic Farm - Wayside Map

Leal Tank House

Japanese Teahouse

The Patterson House

Ohlone Indian Village Site

The William Patterson House

Wandering Butterflies

Why Are There Trains On The Farm

Digital walking tour.

Ardenwood Digital Walking Tour

2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 1-888-EBPARKS, 1-888-327-2757 (Deaf or Hearing Impaired, use the TRS at 711)

6 Historic Homes You Need to Visit in San Francisco

San Francisco is infamous for having expensive homes, but it’s also famous for having important historic properties that have been dutifully preserved since 1850.

Meld your affinity for real estate, history, and San Francisco’s aestheticism by paying a visit to some of these architecturally fascinating estates. You can even spend the night at one if admiring them from afar isn’t satisfying enough.

Painted Ladies aside, here is a compilation of 6 properties in San Francisco that every history buff and real estate aficionado should visit.

Related: Homeownership Under $1M: 7 Cheapest San Francisco Neighborhoods

1. The Grateful Dead House

The Grateful Dead House, the dark brown Queen Anne house photographed above, lives true to its name: it’s the house where the Grateful Dead lived during the 1960s. Located in the Haight on 710 Ashbury Street, visiting this home is an absolute necessity for all Dead Heads and lovers of hippie history. Fair warning, this home is privately owned, so don’t go knocking for Jerry.

Related: Love It or Haight It: Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Guide

2. The Octagon House

The McElroy Octagon House, also known as the Colonial Dames Octagon House, is a historic property located at 2645 Gough Street. Built in 1861, this architectural treasure is a Colonial and Federal Periods Decorative Arts Museum. The museum and garden are open to the public from 12PM to 3PM on the 2nd Sunday and the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month except January. Notably, it carries the shape of an octagon.

3. The  Abner Phelps House

Though the stories about this residence vary depending on the teller, the Abner Phelps house is considered to be the oldest unaltered residence in San Francisco, dating back to 1850. This Gothic Revival home was built by John Middleton & Sons, who was one of the first real estate “concerns” in the City. This house has changed locations a few times, but it is now settled at 1111 Oak Street.

4. The William Westerfeld House

Nestled on the northwest corner of Alamo Square at 1198 Fulton Street, the eye-popping William Westerfeld House is San Francisco Landmark Number 135 and sure to grab the attention of the most distracted of passersby. The first owner of this House of Legends was William Westerfield, a German-born confectioner who arrived in San Francisco in the 1870s. He hired builder Henry Geilfuss to construct a modest 28-room mansion for his family of 6.  After Westerfeld died, John Mahony, who built St. Francis Hotel and the Palace Hotel, purchased and expanded the property. The current owner is Jim Siegel, who purchased the mansion in 1986 and has since retrofitted and upgraded the home.

Related:  Views and Victorians: Things to Do in Alamo Square Park

5.  The Chateau Tivoli

Residing in the Alamo Square Historic District at 1057 Steiner Street, Chateau Tivoli is not only a restored 1892 structure embedded with Victorian antiques, it’s a bed and breakfast! As such, if you really want to indulge your penchant for history, this property might be as close as you can get to time traveling.

6. The Haas-Lilienthal House

Plotted on 2007 Franklin Street, the Haas-Lilienthal House is the the only period era home open to the public in San Francisco. This traditional Queen Anne house exemplifies upper-middle class life in the Victorian era. Designed by German architect Peter R. Schmidt in 1886, this home was commissioned William Haas who was a Bavarian immigrant and considered a leader in the Jewish community. Built of redwood and fir, the house withstood both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes with only minor damage, making it one of few existing landmarks to have survived the quake.

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• Haas Lilienthal House

Haas Lilienthal House: Visit a Historical Victorian in San Francisco's Pacific Heights

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: November 16, 2023

The Haas Lilienthal House has been temporarily closed, but will reopen on May 4, 2024 with a book sale and open house. The house will be open for tours on the Saturdays following the reopening.

The Haas Lilienthal House is a historic beauty in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. This Queen Anne is the only Victorian House in SF regularly open to the public for tours.

William Haas, a local merchant, built the house for his family in 1886. Three generations of the Haas family lived in the home until 1972.

The remaining family gifted the house to the San Francisco Architectural Heritage Organization, who continues to maintain it to this day.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Visiting the House

The Haas Lilienthal House will be open for tours on Saturday and Sunday and select Wednesdays.

Admission and Hours

The Haas Lilienthal House tours are offered at three times depending on the day. The entire tour runs about an hour.

• Saturday & Sunday : 12 noon, 1 pm and 2 pm
• Second and Fourth Wednesdays : 12 pm, 1 pm and 2 pm

Tickets are only available on site and no advanced tickets are for sale. 

General admission is $10, seniors (60+) and kids (6-12) is $8, kids 5 and under are free.

*The venue is closed at times due to private events. Make sure to check their site for current prices and opening dates .

Haas Lilienthal House Tour Details

Your tour begins in this area with an overview and history of the Haas Lilienthal family. Here you will also learn a little more about the house and the standard elements of a Queen Anne Victorian.

After this brief discussion, you will head outside, so you can enter through the front door.

This grand staircase is one of the first things you see when you enter.

You will then walk through the main level of the house including both the dining room and the kitchen.

From here, you will head to the second floor. On this level, you get the chance to see the unique curved windows.

Along the way, you will continue to learn more about the family and see several family photos. You also get the chance to find out more about their furniture and the other pieces they collected throughout their lifetime.

The San Francisco Archeological Heritage did a great job in keeping the house and furniture in the manner the family left it. The family collected all of the pieces inside the house while they lived there between 1886 and 1972.

After finishing on the second floor, your tour heads back to the starting point on the ground level. Here you get a sneak peek at the train room.

The entire tour is just over an hour long. If you've always wanted to see inside a Victorian, you will love this tour.

The most famous Victorian Houses in San Francisco are near Alamo Square. Often dubbed the "Seven Sisters", these colorful houses are a beautiful site. You can even capture a postcard moment with a view of downtown SF behind them. See pictures and read more about them here .

How to Get Here

You will find this Queen Anne Victorian at 2007 Franklin Street.

From Union Square

The fastest way to get here from Union Square is to take the Powell Hyde Cable Car . Pick it up at Powell and Post Streets (instead of waiting in the long line at the cable car turnaround near Market Street).

Take it to the stop at Hyde and Jackson Streets. From here you will walk west on Jackson Street and take a left on Franklin.

This option includes a five block walk from the stop to the Haas Lilienthal House. 

This option will take you about 25 minutes.

From Fisherman's Wharf

It's easy to get here from Fisherman's Wharf . Simply hop on the 28-Daily City bus at the corner of Powell and Beach Streets.

You will take this six stops to the corner of Van Ness and North Point. Here, you will transfer to the 49-City College bus.

Take it to the corner of Van Ness and Jackson.

Walk up the hill one block to Franklin and then south a couple of houses until you see the entrance sign. This route takes about 25 minutes. 

Parking Near the Haas Lilienthal House

If you plan to drive for your visit to the Haas Lilienthal House, you will find that parking on the street in the Pacific Heights neighborhood is challenging. I recommend heading straight to one of these lots that is just a few blocks away.

Holiday Inn Parking Lot : This is your best option as it's a safe and secure spot for your car. It's about a five block walk away and partly uphill, but it's one of your best options. It's at 1500 Van Ness Street. 

Old First Parking Garage : This lot is an indoor lot at 1725 Sacramento Street. Look for its bright blue and yellow sign. It's about four blocks away from the Haas Lilienthal House.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

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California News | Historic East Bay homes to reopen for public tours

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‘as we reopen the economy, it’s exciting to have our recreational and cultural opportunities opening up as well’.

HAYWARD — Two historic East Bay homes that have been shuttered for a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic are reopening for tours.

Meek Mansion will open on the first Saturday of each month, starting this Saturday.

The McConaghy House will open on the second Saturday of each month starting July 10. Hours for both homes will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visitors will find some changes: Crews from the Hayward Area Park and Recreation District have repainted rooms on the first floor of the Meek Mansion and its exterior, while staff with Hayward Area Historical Society — which helps oversee the Victorian with the park department — have installed period-appropriate furniture to show how it once may have been furnished.

Currently, only the first floor of the three floors at the Meek house will be open to the public. At McConaghy House, visitors will be able to explore both the first and second floors.

Both places will feature new informational panels, highlighting details about rooms, as well as self-guided tours, according to Marcess Owings, the historical society’s advancement manager. Docents also will be on hand to field questions.

“As we reopen the economy, it’s exciting to have our recreational and cultural opportunities opening up as well,” Hayward Councilwoman Sara Lamnin said in an email. “This past year, we’ve been more aware of our history than ever, and I appreciate the hard work of the historical society to ensure there are meaningful moments to walk in Hayward’s history.”

William Meek, a California pioneer who once served as an Alameda County supervisor known for planting cherry, apricot, plum, and almond orchards and who built his mansion, died in 1880.

Neal McConaghy, a farmer, built his Victorian in 1888, according to the historical society. The park department acquired the house in 1973 and opened it as a museum three years later.

Tours of the homes are free. There is a suggested $5 donation for entry to help pay for ongoing maintenance. Health and safety guidelines from the state and Alameda County will be enforced.

Meek Mansion is located in Meek Estate Park at 17365 Boston Road in Cherryland, an unincorporated area north of Hayward. McConaghy House is located next to Kennedy Park at 18701 Hesperian Blvd. in Hayward.

More information is available at www.haywardareahistory.org or 510-581-0223.

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Benicia & Vallejo Annual Demonstration Food Forest Tour: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23, Benicia and Vallejo. Tour demonstration edible gardens irrigated with greywater and learn simple techniques you can apply to your own yard to create a vibrant, food-producing ecosystem that uses water wisely. Check-in and receive an itinerary between 9 and 11 a.m. at Benicia’s Avant Garden, corner of First and D streets. Tour the Benicia garden from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Vallejo garden from 1 to 4 p.m. Free, $10 donation appreciated. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3wdgRWH

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour & Green Home Features Showcase: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 30-May 1 (virtual 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 16-17) at 50 residential gardens in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Visit beautiful, water-conserving native plant gardens and learn how to grow beautiful native plant gardens, lower your water bills, protect your family’s health and help the environment by gardening without pesticides. $15 suggested donation. bringingbackthenatives.net/registration

Growing Native Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 2-3, Santa Clara Valley, Peninsula. Each self-guided tour features up to 60 gardens that demonstrate reduced water use, reduced chemical and pesticide use, improved habitat and California native plants. Free. gngt.org/GNGT/About.php

Incredible Edible Plant Sale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 9-10, Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Ave., Pleasanton. More than 5,000 vegetable seedlings and culinary herbs will be for sale ($4 per 4-inch pot). Order the plants online beginning March 27 and select a curbside pickup time at incredibleedibleplantsale.com

Oakland Spring Garden Tour: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24, Oakland locations. This year’s tour features seven gardens and showcases stunning views, garden art and rare plant specimens. The Garden Gift Shop will offer handicrafts, pottery, garden-related gifts and plants for sale. $25-$30. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3Ibv4Wx

Vallejo Garden Tour : 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15, Vallejo. This tour, which benefits the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, features eight gardens throughout the city, with master gardeners at each location to share their expertise. $40. vallejogardentour.com/about-us

If you have a garden tour that we missed, please click on this link https://bit.ly/3uAx8Vc and fill out the form.

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These 12 Unique Houses In Northern California Will Make You Look Twice... And Want To Go In

Joanne Kraft

Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.

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California has a million different types of houses, but there are some mansions in Northern California that will blow your mind. Where we lay our heads at night is important. It’s the place we call home. It’s our sanctuary spot, and looking at the place we live says a lot about ourselves. Spanish style, ranch, colonial, or just a good old suburbia design might be your cup of tea. But there are a lot of houses that are way different than you can imagine, and a lot more that have been around a long, long time. Either way, each one deserves a good old-fashioned shout-out for just being awesome. Here’s a list of some historic houses in northern California that are sure to catch your eye.

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Not everyone can live in a mansion, but it sure would be nice! Do you have some other famous mansions in California in mind that you think should make this list? Let us know below in the comments section.

Looking for more NorCal content? Check out these 11 must-visit historic landmarks in Northern California .

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What are some fun things to do outside in Northern California?  

Northern California is known for its natural beauty. It’s home to some of the most amazing state parks and recreational areas. Northern California is also a great place for all the outdoor activities like camping, hiking, climbing, and fishing, and many more. And for those who love being on the water, there’ll be plenty of opportunities! Check out our NorCal article that showcases 10 epic outdoor adventures in Northern California that won't cost you anything. Such adventures await you like sunset beach walks, prehistoric petroglyph sightings, and wilderness hikes. Happy exploring!

What are the most haunted places in Northern California?

Northern California is known for lots of things: gorgeous landscapes, high-tech cities, wine country, and fabulous beaches. But many don't realize that there are some pretty haunted places in this area. Take a look at these places that supposedly have paranormal activity. Number one on the list is the Battery Point Lighthouse. According to reports, this stunning landmark is haunted by a former lighthouse keeper. Those who have made the visit have noticed a ghost climbing the spiral staircases... spooky! Other claims have been made indicating that guests have felt a person touching them when no one else was present. Another spot you probably haven't guessed to be haunted is Humboldt Brews. This bar has experienced its fair share of paranormal activity, like drinks sliding by themselves and other odd phenomena. A few other haunted places in Northern California are: Samoa, Fort Humboldt Historic State Park, Ferndale Repertory Theater, the Scotia Inn, the Grey Whale Inn, and the MacCallum House. Take a look at all of these locations of haunted places road trip through Northern California .

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This Sacramento Stunner Is Built to Beat Intense Heat. Learn How They Did It on The Bay Area Modern Architecture Tour.

The Annual Bay Area Modern Architecture Tour is BACK. And thanks to technology, its borders have expanded to include wine country—and this gem that’s designed to maximize shade and natural circulation on toasty days.

A couple of new habits and trends that have developed during lockdown are likely here to stay. One is our willingness to do things online that we may have never considered before—like take virtual tours. And our fixation on turning our homes into high-functioning havens for work and play doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. These two ideas collide in the Bay Area Modern Architecture tour this Saturday, June 26th, organized by the Modern Architecture + Design Society, an organization that plans these events in neighborhoods across the country, in places like Austin and Seattle. The best part is that if you miss the livestream this Saturday, it’ll be available for viewing online, at your leisure. There’s a $5 discount on the ticket price for Sunset readers , too. (See—technology isn’t so bad.)

Another bonus for this year’s digital tour: Because travel time and distance is not a factor, homes are scattered from Sonoma to Sacramento . Prominent architects like Gustave Carlson, Andrew Morrall, Timeline Design + Build, DNM Architecture, Feldman Architecture, and Klopf Architecture have opened up some of their favorite properties to real estate voyeurs and design buffs. And they’re all packed with great ideas for living in the West.

Mariko Reed

Klopf built this modern Sacramento ranch house for a chef and a television producer, empty nesters who plan to stay in the house through their retirement. The priority was to create an easy-living house with a connection to the outdoors. It’s sited on a large plot in a semi-rural area surrounded by an open field, large oak trees, and a seasonal creek.

The Klopf Architecture team designed a wide plan for the house that allows the main living space, bathrooms, and master bedroom to open up to the landscape at the rear of the house, with sliding doors for direct access. It was important for the house to sit lightly and keep a relatively low profile out of respect for neighboring houses and the natural feel (i.e., low-impact landscaping) of the area. They sloped the roof to be at its lowest in the front and open up to the rear, intended to create a humbler appearance from the front and open up the back view with larger windows.

The plan was also focused on using energy, namely air conditioning, efficiently. In the morning when the sun is low and direct in the front of the house, the residents open their rear sliding glass doors or live outside on the rear decks. In the middle of the day when the sun moves overhead from the south, the extra deep overhangs and shading devices keep the rear patios comfortable. At the end of the day, when the sun is blasting the rear of the house, the front patio is in shade, but still bright because of openings in the roof. In-wall insulation and a continuous layer of rigid insulation was applied to the exterior walls of the house to lower the heat gain from the sun.

A “cool roof” metal roof was used to reflect much of the direct sun and heat before it can heat up the house. The windows are all thermally broken aluminum. In addition to these defensive strategies, the Klopf Architecture team specified high efficiency heating and cooling units. Composite siding from Tru-Grain, made with recycled materials, maintains the look of wood and lasts longer than wood could in the intense Sacramento sun. Smooth white stucco is a visible separation of the main living area from the exterior.

The main living space has an exposed concrete floor with composite granite counters and white oak cabinets. The bedroom wing uses reclaimed white oak flooring from Blackwood Farm to create a more restful, quiet feeling.

“People often ask about challenges during demolition and construction. The house project started as an option between tearing down and replacing the existing home and renovating it. The owners originally decided on a renovation, but during construction Sean van Gelder, the builder, discovered that the slab and foundation were too damaged to keep. At that point everyone shifted gears and turned the project into a new house design,” says John Klopf, Principal Architect. Once it was finished, there were no regrets.

A 2021 Season Pass is also available that grants access to all virtual tours in 2021 and includes a ticket to pass holders once live events resume. For more information on the 2021 Virtual Modern Home Tour Season Pass and to see the current schedule of 2021 tours, check out the MADS site.

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13 BEST Bay Area & San Francisco Haunted Houses [2024 Guide]

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TL;DR: The best San Francisco haunted house takes place at the old San Francisco Mint, which is transformed into an immersive storytelling experience by Into The Dark. Before or after the haunt, make sure to also check out their Fang Bang Vampire Bar and market stalls with odd and creepy curios.

Haunted houses in San Francisco are some of the best in the state and perhaps even the whole country. 

When I say haunted houses, I don’t just mean the Halloween-themed attractions by nationally recognized teams aiming to make you shiver for weeks to come. 

San Francisco has some seriously ghostly history lingering in its many century-old houses, buildings, and streets. 

If you like real, active ghost hunting, you’re looking in the right place! Abundant paranormal experiences are available in the Bay Area at any time of the year. 

Still, around the Halloween season , there’s a particular spook in the air, and the many ghost tours around the city amp it up a notch to ensure your ghostliest experience. 

The Bay Area loves ringing in the spooky season with all things haunted and making sure everyone can join the Halloween fun. 

I’ve divided this list into two sections based on scare level and age requirements. 

Those who want to be left shaking in their boots will get their fearful fix, and those who just want a little “Boo!” without the terror can still get a good night’s sleep. 

There are also many haunted houses and haunted attractions in the Bay Area for kids with varying degrees of spook. 

So glance at this list of San Francisco haunted attractions, and then get out there to join in the creepy fun!

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Table of Contents

Scary San Francisco Bay Area Haunted Houses

Winchester mystery house – unhinged.

When : Select nights through October Where : Winchester Mystery House , 545 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA Cost : starting at $64.99

If you’re looking for a haunted house in San Jose, you don’t want to miss Unhinged at the Winchester Mansion. The historic mansion is perhaps the scariest haunted house in the SF Bay Area! 

Claiming to be the Bay Area’s most haunted house, the Winchester Mystery House offers a new annual theme. 

The seasonal interactive show brings guests a unique and terrifying experience as they wander the house’s eerie halls. 

Afterwards, head to the Spookeasy Bar to unwind with a ghoulish cocktail; they’ve got spirits poured by spirits!

Into the Dark SF: Terror Vault (21+)

When : 2023 dates TBD Where : The San Francisco Mint , 88 5th St, San Francisco, CA Cost : Tickets start at $55

Each Halloween, Into The Dark brings SF a fully immersive, interactive, scary experience with its annual Terror Vault show. 

The San Francisco Mint haunted house is one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated Halloween haunts and one of its best haunted houses!

Combining classical and avant-garde horror with elements of theater, immersive storytelling, audiovisual effects, and even a maze, Into The Dark transforms The Mint into your worst nightmares.

The attached Fang Bang Vampire Bar will be open to the public as the show runs into the wee hours of the night. 

This haunting bar has no cover charge, so come out and drink with the shadowy figures lurking in the bar’s corners. Just check what’s in their glasses before you join… they’re vampires, after all!

Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Erwin Chin (@erwin_chin_yk)

When : Select dates in October Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Ave Gate 8 , Pleasanton, CA Cost : $40 (timed entry tickets)

**Age requirement: 16+**

The Pirates of Emerson return annually to Alameda County for this Bay Area favorite haunted Halloween tradition. 

Perhaps the most intense haunted house in Northern California, it’s sure to shake you to your core. 

Expect a sensory adventure with multiple scare zones, attractions, live characters, and practical effects that include fire and water. 

This walk-through event uses timed entry to ensure the most immersive experience for each group of brave visitors. 

If you’re in for a proper scare, the folks behind this one have been at it for over half a century– they won’t let you down!

Fear Overload Scream Park

When: Select dates in October Where: NewPark Mall , 2086 Newpark Mall Rd, Newark, CA Cost: starting at $19.99

**Age requirement: 12+** 

Brave visitors to the multi-attraction haunted experience, Fear Overload Scream Park , are in for exactly what the name suggests: a proper case of fear overload!

There are good reasons why this attraction is one of the scariest haunted houses in Northern California and one of the best haunted houses in San Francisco.

Two different themed scare zones filled with endless creepy characters, ghosts, and scares are waiting to haunt your dreams for the rest of your life!

Haas-Lilienthal House Mayhem Mansion

When: Select dates in October Where: Haas-Lilienthal House , 2007 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA Cost: starting at $15

Mayhem Mansion is the annual haunted house at the historic Haas Lilienthal House. This experience takes the “ghost tour” to a new level! 

Guests venture into the nationally celebrated cultural heritage home-turned-ghost tour attraction.

As you wander through the mansion on a guided tour, you never know who–or what – is waiting for you in the hallways. You may not want to venture off alone…did someone say ghost? 

Once thoroughly immersed in the paranormal activity throughout the mansion, head down to the Spookeasy Bar (21+) to calm your nerves with some snacks and refreshments.

Alcatraz Night Tour & Other Haunted Places

When: Ongoing with booking Where: Alcatraz Island , San Francisco Bay, CA Cost: Adults: $56, Kids: $33

Determined to visit the scariest places in San Francisco? You must add Alcatraz to your list! 

Alcatraz is the city’s favorite and most popular destination for folks seeking real-life ghost hunting and paranormal activity.

This former federal military prison famously held many of the most dangerous civilian prisoners, including notable names like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. 

Now, the prison is open to the public and offers spooky night tours that allow you to peer into the past. 

Around Halloween season, Alcatraz Island has a particularly eerie feel in the air. 

So, if you want to experience the best of all San Francisco haunted house tours, taking a night tour at one of SF’s most haunted places will be an experience you won’t forget. 

Remember that you must take the ferry and plan your trips according to ferry schedules! Transportation information is available on their website.

Grimm’s Hollow Oubliette

When : Select dates in October Where : Easterbrook Discovery School , 4835 Doyle Rd, San Jose, CA Cost : $12 

Oubliette is an after-hours, after-dark maze at Grimm’s Hollow. 

This attraction is an immersive haunted house that will leave you scared senseless as you search for your way out of the world of the undead. 

Don’t worry– you won’t find yourself alone in the maze at this scary version of the Grimm’s Hollow attractions. 

Prepare for the spirits and creatures of the afterlife to stand in your way to safety every chance they get. Surviving the maze will be a battle of wits to test your nerves.

Blind Scream in Santa Rosa

When : Select dates in October Where : 98 Santa Rosa Plaza , Santa Rosa, CA Cost : starting at $25

If you dare to venture into the world of Blind Scream , you’re in for an experience to scare you to death.

Be warned, these folks have been terrorizing Northern California for 15 years; they know how to keep themselves on the San Francisco haunted houses map!

They say the devil himself is present in this haunted house of horrors, and you can expect a shadowy figure lurking in every corner as you make your way through the walk-in attraction. 

Costumes are also encouraged as long as they don’t include masks. Visit this haunt to test your nerves and your courage.

Family-Friendly San Francisco Bay Area Haunted Houses

Grimm’s hollow labyrinth.

The Labyrinth is the family-friendly version of the haunted mazes at Grimm’s Hollow, and it’s sure to take you on quite a journey. (The scarier version, Oubliette , takes place after hours in the dungeon.)

“Part labyrinth, part choose your own adventure, part escape room, all MAZE,” this attraction is for those who prefer a quest in good fun over creepy things that may come out after dark. 

Bring the whole family together to journey through this one; there is only one way out!

Tricks and Treats at Great America, Santa Clara

When : Select dates through September & October Where : California’s Great America , 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA Cost : starting at $44.99

Head to Santa Clara for the Halloween special at Great America Amusement Park. It’s lots of “spooky, not scary” fun for all ages!

Go on spooky adventures throughout the park, explore the Land Of Tricks and the Land Of Treats, ride your favorite rides, eat lots of candy, meet some friendly Halloween characters, and wear your costume!

The Haunted Garden at Camron-Stanford House

When : 2023 dates TBD Where : The Camron-Stanford House , 1418 Lakeside Dr, Oakland, CA Cost : $5

Over the past couple of years, the annual Halloween event in the garden at the Historic Camron-Stanford House has become a family favorite. They’re returning in 2023 with lots of spooky garden fun for everyone! 

You’ll find family-friendly haunted houses (mild scare zones) spread throughout the inside of the museum alongside a Halloween-themed exhibition. 

Outside, there are games, music, and arts and crafts. Remember to wear your costumes!

Six Flags Boo Fest

When : Select dates in September & October Where : Six Flags Discovery Kingdom , 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA Cost : starting at $40

Boo Fest is Six Flag’s annual Halloween event for kids at the SF Bay Area Sig Flags location. As the theme park offers “BOO by Day, FRIGHTS by Night,” they keep the monsters at bay until later.

The younger ones can come out during the day to ride roller coasters, trick-or-treat, and get lost in the hay maze. 

But after dark, the ghosts and characters who haunt the pathways populate the park for Fright Fest , ready to scare!

Other Haunted Places In SF

Are you particularly into ghost tours in real haunted places? Perhaps you’re interested in a haunted hotel or theater known for paranormal activity. 

For lots of death, spirits, and the long saga of San Francisco haunted house history, you may be interested in paying these haunted places a visit.

SF haunted places to visit include:

• Whittier Mansion, San Francisco
• Curran Theater, San Francisco
• The Haskell House Fort Mason, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
• The Atherton Mansion, Pacific Heights, San Francisco
• Miss Mary Lake’s School – The Queen Anne Hotel, San Francisco

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Neal

Taylor is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, yoga instructor and frontline worker who spends most of her time in her van (Vannigan) winding through the coastal and mountain roads of California where she feels most at home. From navigating the realities of van-life to the fluctuations in diverse climates and landscapes, Taylor is excited to bring everything she’s learned about California to fellow wanderers seeking beauty and adventure.

Looking for more San Francisco and fall travel inspiration? Check out these related articles below!

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Drew Barrymore’s house goes viral for being ‘normal’

Is Drew Barrymore's house too normal for a Hollywood star?

For the past few months, fans have been spotting the simplicity of Barrymore's living space, most recently through a TikTok video she posted about how much she enjoys being home.

"I love staying in," she captioned the post , showing multiple clips of her cooking, eating, dressing up and resting. By doing so, she showed fans a glimpse of her residence. The host of "The Drew Barrymore Show" lives between New York City and the Hamptons, she told the L.A. Times .

“I love that your house looks like a home and not just a show piece,” one TikTok user commented.

"You give off the vibes of you just bought your apartment and are staying there," one wrote.

Another asked, “Is it possible that you live in a normal house?!”

The size of her kitchen caught peoples' eyes. Knowing the popularity Barrymore has, they expected a larger cooking space.

“I know your kitchen is not that small,” one fan commented.

The talk about her seemingly modest home sparked in January, when Barrymore posted a video of herself on Instagram watching "The Wedding Singer," the 1998 movie she starred in with Adam Sandler.

Watching the film made her emotional and she shared a sweet note for Sandler. "I love you so much @adamsandler. The Wedding Singer came on my TV as I was getting ready to leave the house and I had to take in this moment and watch it," she wrote in the caption.

But her getting emotional wasn't the only thing fans pointed out in the comments.

Fans commented about how they "love how modest her house is" and they love that her apartment is "so casual."

"I was expecting a big huge mansion but this is so much better," one person commented.

They focused especially on the TV size.

“Girl why is your tv so small,” one person commented.

"Next time someone makes fun of my small tv ill just say its the drew barrymore aesthetic," one X user posted .

After a February 2023 video, her apartment's simplicity wasn't called out — the messiness was. She posted a video on Instagram showing her bedroom before she cleaned it.

"Show me your room before and after you clean it," she wrote in the caption.

The "before" clips got fans talking, and many appreciated her room looking so much like theirs.

“If Queen Drew’s room can look like this sometimes, then it’s okay if mine does too. Thank you for your authenticity,” one person commented.

"You have no idea how much better it makes me feel. My bedroom is my little nest and soft office. Piles, projects, and important clutter," another wrote.

Dea is an editorial intern at TODAY.com and is frequently keeping up with pop culture news and emerging trends.