A slice of comedic history is now up for grabs, as the late, great Robin Williams’ former San Francisco abode — adorned with secret rooms and hidden passageways designed for his children — is set to make waves in the real estate world with a jaw-dropping price tag of $25 million.
The captivating tale of this Sea Cliff gem began back in 1991 when Williams and his then-wife, the famed “Mrs. Doubtfire” producer, Marsha Garces Williams, acquired the property for a humble $3.2 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.
It was the same year when Williams left audiences in stitches with his portrayal of Peter Banning in “Hook,” solidifying his stature in cinematic history.
Interestingly, Williams first found his way to the Bay Area as a teenager, an intriguing nugget shared in the 2018 book “Robin.”
After a whirlwind romance, the couple tied the knot in 1989, only to part ways in 2010.
When the dust settled, Marsha Williams was granted ownership of this remarkable home. With the children now all grown up, she has decided to downsize.
“It’s a beautiful, happy house,” Marsha told the Journal, reflecting on the years of joy and laughter they shared under its roof. “We had many, many fantastic years of fun and play and joy there.”
Situated behind imposing gates and fortified walls, this corner-lot mansion is an architectural masterpiece.
Erected around 1926, the residence originally belonged to Oliver J. Olson, an interesting tidbit uncovered in the 2014 book, “The Liberty Ships of World War II.”
The Italian Renaissance-style structure sprawls over approximately 10,600 square feet across three levels, boasting enchanting views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands and the breathtaking expanse of San Francisco Bay.
“Marsha and Robin Williams took the house down to the studs and rebuilt it in the early nineties, updating all the major systems,” Compass agent Steven Mavromihalis told The Post in a statement.
“They expanded the home to its current 10,598 square feet on three levels. However they took great pains to preserve the rare and valuable building materials used in 1926, which are simply no longer available in the construction of modern homes.”
The work included preserving original elements such as woodwork, moldings and ornate ironwork. The angled wooden beams over the main staircase stand as a testament to their devotion to the property’s character.
What truly sets this home apart is the whimsy infused into every nook and cranny.
Above the main entrance, flanked by majestic stone columns, the couple added cast-stone Comedy and Tragedy masks, reflecting the duality of life in true Robin Williams fashion.
Hidden passageways linking children’s bedrooms, a Prohibition-era-style bar concealed behind a wall in the media room and a drop-down projector for cinematic experiences in the same room add to the appeal.
Outdoors, metal gargoyles — iguanas and turtles — appear to come to life as they crawl along the house’s facade.
This six-bedroom marvel includes a primary suite complete with a Japanese-themed bathroom, featuring a raised soaking tub. For guests or extended family, there’s a separate one-bedroom guest apartment with a private entrance.
The home also hosts a library and a media room, both boasting French doors that lead to the outdoor splendor. In addition, wine connoisseurs will be delighted by the wine cellar, while the pantry and walk-in vault offer a touch of luxury. Multiple storage rooms and cedar-lined closets are a homeowner’s dream. Outside, several patios and a loggia reveal breathtaking views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Despite a recent lull in San Francisco’s luxury real estate market due to climbing interest rates, there’s been a flurry of activity in the past few weeks, with numerous high-priced deals in the mix. According to Mavromihalis, “The market had so much inventory that everybody was frozen. All of a sudden, a number of properties have gone into contract.”
