Before & After: A Transformed Castro Compound Seeks $3,195,000

This unique property with two standalone dwellings had been owned by the same family for over four decades before falling into the hands of one of the city’s more notorious real estate collectors in 2016. After gathering dust for another few years, 4440 20th Street landed on the market in late 2021 and, after one failed attempt at selling and a 15 percent price cut, finally found a buyer with creative vision and a formidable renovation budget this past spring. By June 2022, building permits were issued to turn this early 20th century fixer into a chic mini-compound equipped for modern living.

That project has been completed in what seems like record time, and this week the property returned to the market. Listed together for just over $3 million, the 2-bed/2-bath main house and 2-bed/1-bath rear unit do not disappoint. Check out the before and after photos below, and contact us today to arrange a private showing.

We’re delighted to see that a number of vintage elements are preserved including hardwood floors with an inlaid border, coved ceilings, built-in cabinetry and a wood-burning fireplace.

The home’s original formal dining room is now part of an expanded entertaining area. A new stairway provides access to the lower level.

From drab to fab, a bathroom that hits the right notes.

Removing walls and relocating the kitchen, a wide-open gathering space is created at the rear of the home. Notice the new flooring color-matched and installed seamlessly.

Eliminating a bedroom is rarely a good idea for resale value, however, in this case it was entirely worth it. The new kitchen with four-seat island is a beauty, and there’s also a dining area (not pictured).

A new bedroom suite downstairs occupies a previously unpermitted bonus room. This area adds approximately 500 square feet of habitable space to the main home.

A passthrough to the garage has become a full bathroom without compromising enclosed parking for two vehicles.

Some paint and pruning goes far in transforming an uninspiring yard into a welcoming place to relax and unwind. There is opportunity for the next owner to further elevate the space decking, turf and raised planters, perhaps.

The second unit at the rear of the property also received an extensive cosmetic refresh as well as an expanded first-floor entertaining area.

An open-concept layout is accomplished by removing a wall between the living room and kitchen. At the far end of the home, an enclosed porch has become part of the new kitchen.

The bathroom has been relocated to that porch area, also.

Upgrades in the lower-level bedroom make a dramatic difference. In addition to new flooring, lighting and paint, a window facing the neighbor’s property is deleted for added privacy.

Upstairs, the volume of this flex room is kicked up a notch by vaulting the ceiling and capturing a few additional linear feet where a closet once existed. 

The adjoining bedroom received a similar treatment. We’re loving it.

4440 20th Street is marketed and listed exclusively by cooperating broker Compass. All listing photos courtesy of SFAR MLS.

You can always live chat with us to get real-time data and a qualitative take on the market. We’re actively identifying unique opportunities and making deals happen. We know what’s good!

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