Before & After ~ San Francisco Italianate in 1974 and today. The “before” photo was taken in 1974 by Judith Lynch, who documented the condition of many Victorian houses before they were restored. Many of her photos can be found on OpenSFHistory.org. The current photo is from SFARMLS.
This beautiful Italianate style house in the Dolores Heights neighborhood of San Francisco was stripped of its Victorian ornament and covered in fake brick asphalt siding in the post-WWII period. Fortunately, subsequent generations have learned to appreciate Victorian architecture, and the house has been restored to its original appearance based on physical evidence under the asphalt siding.
The current paint scheme is not exactly period correct, but it is pretty close. More importantly, the house has had its character and proportions restored with the return of its frieze, cornice, and other trim elements.
Italianate is one of 25 styles and types described and illustrated with hundreds of color photos in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save with our multi-book combo packs!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2026.
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #aplacetocallhome #homerestoration #houserestoration #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation #italianate #sanfranciscovictorian #victorianhouse #victorian #beforeandafterhome #beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterrestoration