See mansion shipped across San Francisco Bay on barge to Belvedere—now priced at $12M
A Pacific Heights mansion, originally built in 1904, was cut into two pieces, rolled along several city blocks and then shipped on barge across San Francisco Bay to its new California location in Belvedere.
That big, expensive move happened in 1962. Sixty years later the luxury residence is on the market for $11.95 million, according to Compass real estate firm.
“It is an exciting opportunity for us to represent this example of historic San Francisco architecture that has traveled across the bay on a barge to find a new home,” listing agent Sally Williamson of Compass told the Sacramento Bee in an email. “This Belvedere residence truly is a showplace and one of the most admired in Marin (County).”
The home, which hit the market seven days ago, is co-listed with Janet Williamson of Compass.
It spans 5,728 square feet with five bedrooms and five baths. The property has easy access to bay ferries, shops and restaurants.
“With a premium location, a storied history and a sophisticated, turnkey interior, this luxurious trophy home makes a statement,” according to the official property listing.
The home at 8 W. Shore Road sits close to the water on a level, .433-acre lot on a quiet street across from Richardson Bay. Completely renovated, the estate features high ceilings, hardwood floors and custom millwork and moldings throughout. There are also four fireplaces, a custom-made kitchen and dining room with large, dual French doors.
The living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable glass doors open directly to the pool area.
The large primary suite comes with a spa-like bath and private covered balcony. There’s an office, a third-floor bonus room, a three-car garage, built-in fire pit and mature trees in a private setting.
In 1962, the house was aging when it was purchased for $3,500, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The move on the 285-foot barge cost more than $13,000.
“The story of the Moffitt Mansion is one of spectacle,” the San Francisco Chronicle wrote in article accompanied by black-and-white photographs of the move from the city to the suburbs. “But it’s also a bold idea that didn’t get a sequel. Developers hoped the cross-water property transfer would be the first of many, replacing single-occupancy mansions with multistory apartments — a turn that might be welcomed in San Francisco 2020 by the (non-mansion-dwelling) masses. Instead the journey is a curiosity ...”
This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
