Rare, Secret 1910 S.F. Home Boasts 'Magical' English-Style Garden

The property features a sprawling hidden garden spanning across a second lot, creating an oasis in the heart of the city.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 1910 Edwardian home in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood has hit the market, featuring a rare, secret and 'magical' English-style garden spanning across a second lot behind the main house. The property, which is listed for $4.7 million, includes two full-floor residences and a lush, terraced garden complete with a greenhouse, fountain, and pool.

Why it matters

This unique property offers a glimpse into San Francisco's past, showcasing a hidden garden oasis that has been meticulously maintained for decades. As the city continues to evolve, properties like this that blend historic charm with modern amenities are becoming increasingly rare and sought-after.

The details

The main building contains two full-floor residences, each with its own connection to the outdoor space. The upper home is a four-bedroom, two-bath unit with a penthouse-level primary suite, while the lower residence is a three-bedroom plus office home with direct access to the garden terraces. Both units have newly renovated kitchens and feature original hardwood floors and period architectural details. The garden itself is the result of decades of work by the current owners, who were inspired by traditional English gardens and old roses.

  • The property was purchased by the current owners' parents in the mid-1980s.
  • The garden's 'heyday' was between 2000 and 2018, when it reached full maturity.
  • The classic greenhouse was added as a later addition to the garden.

The players

Michael Bellings

A listing agent with Compass who is co-listing the property.

Aaron Bellings

Michael Bellings' brother, who is also co-listing the property with Compass.

Roberto Martinelli

The current owner, whose parents bought the property in the mid-1980s.

Camille Martinelli

The current owner's mother, who was the driving force behind the garden's creation and maintenance for decades.

Paul Lowsley-Williams

The current owner's mother's Realtor assistant, who helped with the garden's upkeep.

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What they’re saying

“I live a few doors down, so this property is even extra special to me as a neighbor. Aaron and I grew up in Presidio Heights (down the street from the property) and I've never seen a yard this big or this magical. It truly is one of a kind for Pacific Heights.”

— Michael Bellings, Listing agent (sanluisobispo.com)

“The garden was connected when my parents bought it in 1985, (but) it was overrun with weeds. My mom organized fixing it up. She was inspired by traditional English gardens and old roses. My parents would go to Sonoma County to get fertilizer over the years. So many bags. The pots and decorations were brought back from Provence in France over the years.”

— Roberto Martinelli, Current owner (sanluisobispo.com)

“My mom kept a garden journal for decades that I have. She was part of a club at the SF Botanical Gardens and was asked to be on the garden tour, but never did it. However this led to garden being featured in SF Fillmore magazine maybe around 2010. I wish I knew where that magazine was.”

— Roberto Martinelli, Current owner (sanluisobispo.com)

What’s next

The property is currently on the market, and interested buyers will have the opportunity to tour the unique home and garden in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This rare, hidden gem in the heart of San Francisco showcases the city's rich history and the enduring appeal of carefully curated outdoor spaces. The property's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes it a highly desirable find in a competitive real estate market.