California Governor Gavin Newsom’s San Francisco childhood home has hit the market for $4.5 million, decades after his family sold the property. Newsom lived in the two-level house for the first five years of his life, and the home now looks dramatically different following an extensive renovation.The 1,445-square-foot Cole Valley property, built in 1951 and situated on nearly a quarter of an acre, features panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Downtown San Francisco. The property also includes a buildable second lot, a finished cabin currently used as an artist’s studio, a rear patio and a Japanese soaking tub.
Gavin Newsom’s former childhood home underwent major renovation
Gavin Newsom’s childhood home, once owned by his maternal grandfather and later inherited by his mother, is now listed for $4.5 million. (Photo: Kit Castagne, Arbor Visual Media)
The house was reportedly renovated nearly down to the studs after current owner Sandra McBride, founder of a public-relations firm, purchased it in 2019 for $2.8 million, according to Zillow records. McBride subsequently transformed the property while retaining its wooded, secluded setting.“As a country girl asked to live in the city, I found the best of both worlds,” McBride said in a statement, according to Mansion Global. She described the home as a “woodland refuge” surrounded by nature and located across from hiking trails in Mount Sutro Forest, while also being close to San Francisco’s cultural, sporting and nightlife attractions.Newsom has not immediately responded to requests for comment about the sale.
Property was once owned by Gavin Newsom’s maternal family
Gavin Newsom’s former childhood home boasts panoramic Golden Gate Bridge views and is now listed for $4.5 million. (Photo: Kit Castagne, Arbor Visual Media)
Published reports say the property was originally owned by Newsom’s maternal grandfather before being inherited by his mother, Tessa. In 1967, the year Newsom was born, his father, William Newsom, listed the house as his official address while campaigning for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.The Newsom family sold the property in the 1970s. In 1979, the new owners added redwood siding, significantly changing the exterior appearance of the San Francisco home. They reportedly held onto the property for nearly five decades before McBride purchased it in 2019.
San Francisco home offers Golden Gate Bridge views
The San Francisco home where Gavin Newsom spent the first five years of his life has been transformed and listed for $4.5 million. (Photo: Kit Castagne, Arbor Visual Media)
Located in Cole Valley, one of San Francisco’s smaller neighborhoods, the property sits near the top of the street and benefits from elevated views. Listing agent John DiDomenico of Compass San Francisco described the parcel as unusually large for the neighborhood and surrounding areas.“This is one of the biggest parcels of land that you can find in this neighborhood or in any of the adjacent neighborhoods,” DiDomenico said. He highlighted the privacy, trees, birdsong and natural surroundings, comparing the atmosphere to what buyers might expect farther north in Marin County.The main floor of the renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom home features an open-plan kitchen, dining area and living room, with the interior flowing directly into outdoor spaces.
Primary suite spans the entire second floor
A renovated San Francisco property tied to Gavin Newsom’s childhood is seeking $4.5 million, complete with Golden Gate Bridge views and a buildable second lot. (Photo: Kit Castagne, Arbor Visual Media)
The primary suite occupies the entire second level and includes a walk-in closet, meditation space and walkout deck. Large windows provide expansive views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Downtown San Francisco, adding to the appeal of the property.The landscaped grounds include a rear patio and Japanese soaking tub. DiDomenico said the wooded surroundings make the outdoor space feel particularly secluded despite the property’s location within San Francisco.The second lot is also buildable and contains a small finished cabin that McBride has been using as an artist’s studio, providing additional potential for the property’s next owner.
Gavin Newsom’s political profile adds interest to property
The listing comes as Newsom remains a prominent figure in national Democratic politics and is widely discussed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. He has also attracted national attention through public exchanges and social-media battles with President Donald Trump.For prospective buyers, however, the property’s combination of Gavin Newsom’s childhood connection, Golden Gate Bridge views, privacy, substantial land and development potential is likely to be central to its appeal. The $4.5 million listing represents a significant increase from the $2.8 million McBride paid for the property in 2019.
