Historic homes in Pacific Heights, S.F.

Historic homes, Pacific Heights, S.F.: Those with a penchant for Victorian-style homes will find a bounty of these grande dames in Pacific Heights. While searching for the Italianate, Stick, Queen Anne or other varieties you fancy, discover historic mansions fashioned after chateaus, Georgian manors and more. Put on a comfortable pair of shoes, a backpack with lunch and bring a canister of water, then stroll among some of the city's architectural treasures.

- Stephanie Wright Hession, 96hours@sfchronicle.com

1. Haas-Lilienthal House

2007 Franklin St.: Peter Schmidt designed this Queen Anne-style Victorian home, constructed in 1886, for merchant William Haas. The family resided here until 1972, when it donated the house to the San Francisco Architectural Heritage, a nonprofit, historical preservation organization. Learn more on a docent-led tour. (415) 441-3000, links.sfgate.com/ZKOZ.

2. Spreckels Mansion

2080 Washington St.: Sugar magnate Adolph Spreckels hired architect George Applegarth to design this French Baroque-style chateau for his wife, Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. A former artist's model and passionate art collector, she, along with her husband, donated the California Palace of the Legion of Honor to the city of San Francisco, dedicated to Californians who died in World War I.

3. Lafayette Park

Washington, Laguna, Sacramento and Gough streets: Children romp about the slide, bridge and structures of the playground here, as pooches and their people gather for a canine social hour and others read on the park's tree-covered hill. With city and bay views, benches, pathways, a picnic area and tennis courts, it's an urban oasis.

4. Bourn Mansion

2550 Webster St.: If you've visited Filoli, a grand, country estate on the Peninsula, this mansion may look familiar. That's because William Bowers Bourn II commissioned architect Willis Polk to design both. Completed in 1896, this once-elegant brick and stone manor has faded over time but is currently being renovated.

5. Captain Leale House

2475 Pacific Ave.: After years spent on the waters of the San Francisco Bay, ferry boat Capt. John Leale purchased this home in 1883. Today it takes some imagination, but this understated house was part of a 25-acre dairy farm that once existed here. The front facade was added after the original construction.

6. 2640 Steiner St.

2640 Steiner St.: While not its official name, this 1906 home has become commonly known as the "Mrs. Doubtfire" house - thanks to the 1993 film of the same name starring Robin Williams as a divorced father who disguises himself as a sweet, elderly nanny in order to see his children.

- Stephanie Wright Hession, 96hours@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page ED - 25 of the San Francisco Chronicle