The famous house that served as the backdrop to Grove High School in “The Princess Diaries” is up for sale. This three-story mansion in San Francisco is over 4,500 square feet, and offers irresistible panoramic views of the bay. However, you might just have to be a princess to afford it. It’s selling at a whopping $8.9 million. You’d better have the dough if you want this iconic piece of real estate.
It was originally designed for owner Carlo Matraia in 1923 by famous architect August Headman. Located on 2601 Lyon St., this house is unique. One that sits adjacent to the Presidio Wall. At the time of “The Princess Diaries,” it was owned by San Francisco Giants owner Bob Lurie. Lurie owned the opulent house from 1980 to 1994 and happened to be on the market at the time. It was “dumb luck and perfect timing,” says location manager Laurie Noll. It served the perfect background of a girl’s prep school.
The house has seen its share of prolific residents. Current owners are former CEO of Just Desserts Michael Mendes and his wife Wendy. The couple has owned the home for 14 years, but are now moving to the east coast. They purchased the house for $5.7 million in 2009.
The Front Is All That’s Familiar
Of course, fans of the movie won’t recognize most of the interior. Apparently, Mia’s home interior shots are from San Francisco’s Excelsior District. While the roof of Grove High School was Hamlin School on Broadway. Obviously, that bit of movie magic tying several locations into one.
But the house itself is obviously gorgeous, as most million dollar homes are. With four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and a convenient elevator to all three floors. Not only that, a beautiful rooftop deck boasts an outdoor kitchen and a gorgeous panorama of the bay area. While most of us could never possibly afford it, the pictures are nice to look at.
Check out the official listing here.
