Why were the Filbert Cottages built?

They were built in 1907 by William Bush to provide housing for survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire that devastated Russian Hill.

What is the history of the cottages?

Over the years, the cottages have served as apartment housing and a design school. In the 1940s, Marian Hartwell ran the School of Basic Design & Color there, and she also designed the common garden, brick walkways, and patios that remain on the property.

Are the Filbert Cottages a designated landmark?

Yes, the city designated the property landmark status in 2003 following a controversial development proposal.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Filbert Cottages in San Francisco

Q: What are the Filbert Cottages?

The Filbert Cottages are four separate, historical vernacular frame cottages located at 1338 Filbert Street in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood.

What to know

The Filbert Cottages are four separate historical vernacular frame cottages located at 1338 Filbert Street in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood. Built in 1907 by William Bush, these modest structures were originally created to provide housing for survivors of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Their early design is noted for presaging the popularity of the Craftsman style within the city. Throughout the 20th century, these homes evolved in purpose, serving as apartment housing and even a design school. During the 1940s, Marian Hartwell lived in one of the cottages and established the School of Basic Design & Color. Hartwell's influence extends beyond the interiors; she designed the brick walkways, patios, and the common garden that still exist on the property today. Despite their charm, the cottages faced a period of disrepair at the end of the century, leading to a preservation battle involving lawsuits and arguments that lasted over a decade. This conflict eventually prompted the city to grant the property official landmark status in 2003. This designation ensured the survival of these unique structures against controversial development proposals. Today, the cottages remain a rare architectural glimpse into the city's recovery era. Some units have undergone modern renovations, with one featuring a soaring cathedral ceiling and wide-plank French oak floors, while others have been utilized as thoughtfully designed guesthouses.

Visitor tips

Walk slowly along the mews perpendicular to Filbert Street to see the vernacular frame construction.
Look for the historic brick walkways and common garden elements designed by Marian Hartwell.
Visit during the morning for the best natural light on the cottage facades.

Nearby context

Nestled in the steep terrain of Russian Hill, the Filbert Cottages provide a quiet contrast to the nearby bustle of Lombard Street and the classic atmosphere of The Buena Vista.