$27 Million Sam Altman House in San Francisco

Sam Altman house sits perched on Russian Hill in San Francisco, offering breathtaking views of the city and bay. The OpenAI CEO purchased this stunning property in March 2020 for $27 million, making it one of the most expensive residential purchases in San Francisco at that time. But this luxurious mansion is just one piece of Altman’s impressive real estate portfolio. His collection of homes spans from the hills of San Francisco to the vineyards of Napa and even stretches to the sacred shores of Hawaii.

As one of tech’s most influential figures, Altman has built not just a career but also a collection of remarkable properties that reflect his success and taste for architectural innovation.

Who is Sam Altman?

Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind the revolutionary ChatGPT. Born on April 22, 1985, he’s become one of the most influential figures in the tech world. His journey began when he dropped out of Stanford University to pursue entrepreneurship, co-founding Loopt, a location-based social networking startup that was later acquired for millions. But that was just the beginning of his impressive career.

As of May 2025, Altman’s net worth is estimated at around $1.5 billion, though different sources place it between $1.2 and $2 billion. Surprisingly, his wealth doesn’t primarily come from OpenAI. Instead, it stems from his smart early investments in companies like Reddit, Airbnb, Stripe, and numerous other tech startups. He’s known to have an 8.7% stake in Reddit, which went public in March 2024.

Altman’s taste for luxury extends beyond real estate. He owns an impressive car collection worth approximately $20 million, featuring rare and exotic vehicles. His collection includes two McLaren F1s, which alone are worth over $20 million each, a Lexus LFA, and a rare Koenigsegg Regera that he was spotted driving in Napa, California. He also owns several Tesla vehicles, including a first-generation Tesla Roadster, showing his support for electric vehicles.

Despite his enormous wealth, Altman has been married to Oliver Mulherin since 2024, and the couple maintains a relatively private personal life. Together, they’ve participated in the Giving Pledge, initiated by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, committing to donate a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes.

Where Does Sam Altman Live Now?

Sam Altman currently splits his time between several luxurious properties, but his main residence is his $27 million mansion in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. This property serves as his weekday home and the base for many of his business operations. Several of his investment vehicles, including Apollo Projects, 9Point Ventures, and Uncommon Ventures, list this address as their home base.

For weekends and getaways, Altman retreats to his 950-acre ranch in Napa Valley, which he purchased in late 2020 for $15.7 million. This working ranch features five homes and vineyards spread across picturesque Northern California landscape. Altman often flies friends and colleagues to this property for relaxation and informal business meetings.

When seeking more tropical surroundings, he heads to his $43 million estate in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, which he acquired in July 2021. This property features 12 bedrooms and is situated on historically significant land adjacent to a national landmark-a reconstruction of the royal temple of King Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the unified Hawaiian islands.

Sam Altman House

Sam Altman’s primary residence in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood is a true architectural marvel. Purchased in March 2020 for $27 million, it was the most expensive residential listing in the city at that time. The estate spans 9,500 square feet and features two turn-of-the-century residences that have been extensively renovated and modernized.

The property is designed to maximize its stunning location, offering sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay from multiple vantage points. It includes a main residence and a separate wellness center, creating a compound-like feel in the heart of the city. One of its most striking features is a cantilevered infinity pool that extends from the edge of the house, creating the illusion that it’s floating above the city.

However, this dream home hasn’t been without its problems. In July 2024, news broke that Altman was suing the developer, Troon Pacific, and its contractors over what his legal team described as a “lemon” with shoddy construction. The lawsuit alleges significant issues including water leaks, sewage spills, and hazardous mold resulting from poor craftsmanship. The infinity pool alone reportedly needs over $4 million in repairs due to leaks that have caused water damage to the lower levels of the house.

Despite these challenges, Altman has doubled down on his commitment to the neighborhood. In January 2025, he expanded his Russian Hill footprint by purchasing the adjacent property through an LLC managed by his cousin, Jennifer Serralta. This acquisition included a 5,400-square-foot five-bedroom home at 855 Chestnut Street and two adjoining vacant lots on Lombard Street, creating an even more impressive urban estate.

1. Where Is Sam Altman House?

Sam Altman’s main house is located at 950 Lombard Street in the prestigious Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This location is just a block away from Lombard Street’s famous “crooked” section, one of San Francisco’s most iconic tourist attractions. The property is strategically positioned to offer panoramic views of the city, the bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Russian Hill is one of San Francisco’s most exclusive neighborhoods, known for its steep streets, historic homes, and breathtaking vistas. The area has long been a favorite among the city’s elite, offering a perfect blend of urban convenience and secluded luxury. It’s centrally located, providing easy access to downtown San Francisco while maintaining a quiet, residential atmosphere.

The property itself is unique in that it spans from street to street, with access points on both Lombard and Chestnut Streets. This “through lot” configuration is rare in San Francisco and adds to the property’s exclusivity and privacy. With his recent acquisition of the neighboring properties, Altman now owns a significant portion of this prime San Francisco real estate, creating what amounts to a private compound in one of America’s most expensive cities.

2. Features of Sam Altman House

Sam Altman’s San Francisco home is a masterpiece of modern luxury design combined with classic elements. The 9,500-square-foot estate features two turn-of-the-century residences that have been extensively renovated and expanded with ultra-modern additions. The property showcases a blend of historic charm and cutting-edge technology, creating a unique living experience.

The main residence offers multiple bedrooms and bathrooms finished with premium materials and fixtures. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the home maximize the stunning views of San Francisco and the bay. The interior design emphasizes open spaces, natural light, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living areas.

One of the most impressive architectural features is what’s been dubbed the “Batcave” entrance-an underground garage with a car turntable that allows vehicles to easily enter and exit the property despite the steep hillside location. This James Bond-worthy feature provides both practicality and a touch of theatrical luxury.

The property also includes a separate wellness center equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, spa facilities, and treatment rooms. This dedicated space for health and relaxation reflects Altman’s interest in wellness and self-care.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the cantilevered infinity pool that extends from the edge of the house. This four-sided infinity pool creates the dramatic illusion of water merging with the sky, with the city spread out below. The pool area includes spacious decking for entertaining and enjoying the panoramic views.

The property also boasts eco-friendly features, including a rainwater recycling system for irrigation and toilet flushing. This sustainable approach to luxury living demonstrates Altman’s awareness of environmental concerns despite his lavish lifestyle.

The architectural style can be described as contemporary minimalist with warm touches. The exterior features clean lines and modern materials, including Cor-Ten steel that has been “rusted to perfection” to create a distinctive aesthetic. Large glass panels and sliding doors blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a sense of expansiveness despite the urban setting.

Sam Altman’s Real Estate Portfolio

Sam Altman has built an impressive real estate portfolio worth over $85 million, with properties strategically located in some of California’s most desirable areas and beyond. His collection of homes showcases his appreciation for architectural innovation, natural beauty, and privacy.

San Francisco Properties

Beyond his main residence at 950 Lombard Street, Altman recently expanded his San Francisco footprint in February 2025 by purchasing the adjacent property. This $14 million acquisition (though some records suggest a higher price of $38.5 million) includes a 5,400-square-foot five-bedroom home at 855 Chestnut Street and two adjoining vacant lots at 952 and 954 Lombard Street. The property features a steep, tree-covered driveway built into the bedrock on Chestnut Street and was previously owned by Thomas Rohlen, a Stanford University professor who specialized in Japanese studies, and his wife Shelagh, a philanthropist.

This expansion creates what amounts to a private compound in Russian Hill, giving Altman control over a significant piece of prime San Francisco real estate. The acquisition is particularly interesting given the ongoing lawsuit regarding construction issues at his main residence, suggesting that Altman may be considering a more extensive redevelopment of the entire property.

Napa Valley Ranch

In late 2020, Altman purchased a 950-acre working ranch in Napa Valley for $15.7 million. This property serves as his weekend retreat and includes five homes spread across picturesque Northern California landscape. The estate also features vineyards, making it not just a residence but potentially a wine-producing property as well.

The New York Times described the ranch as “both folksy and contemporary,” noting that “the Cor-Ten steel that covers the outside walls is rusted to perfection.” This description highlights Altman’s taste for modern design elements that complement natural settings.

Several of Altman’s companies are registered to this address, including the mysteriously named Project 2024 LLC and another venture firm, Hydrazine Capital. At the time of purchase, one of the property’s former owners described the buyer as having “complete passion for the land,” suggesting that Altman values the natural beauty and agricultural potential of this property.

Hawaii Estate

In July 2021, Altman made his most expensive real estate purchase to date, acquiring a 12-bedroom estate in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii for $43 million. This property is particularly notable for its location adjacent to a national landmark-a reconstruction of the royal temple of King Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the unified Hawaiian islands.

The estate features a private inlet and several houses, offering ultimate privacy and luxury in a tropical paradise. Videos of the property showcase amenities like cliff jumping, motorboating, and scuba diving, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and adventure.

The security manager of the property has described the land as “very sacred,” noting that it “is presently on the platform that the original house of King Kamehameha I resided” and is “one of the most historical places here in Hawaii.” This cultural and historical significance adds another dimension to the property beyond its luxury amenities.

With this purchase, Altman joined other tech titans with significant Hawaii properties, including Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Marc Benioff, Jeff Bezos, and Peter Thiel. This trend of Silicon Valley executives establishing bases in Hawaii reflects both the islands’ natural beauty and their relative proximity to the tech industry’s West Coast hub.

Conclusion

Sam Altman’s impressive collection of homes reflects his success as a tech entrepreneur and investor. From his $27 million primary residence in San Francisco’s Russian Hill to his $43 million Hawaiian estate and $15.7 million Napa Valley ranch, his real estate portfolio showcases his appreciation for architectural innovation, natural beauty, and privacy. Despite facing challenges with his San Francisco property, Altman continues to invest in premium real estate, recently expanding his urban footprint by acquiring adjacent properties. As his net worth continues to grow through his tech investments and leadership at OpenAI, we may see further additions to his already substantial real estate holdings.

FAQs

Is Sam Altman LGBTQ?

Yes, Sam Altman is openly gay. He came out at the age of 17 during high school, when he spoke out after some students objected to a National Coming Out Day speaker. Throughout his career, Altman has been open about his sexuality and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In January 2024, Altman married engineer Oliver Mulherin in a ceremony at their estate in Hawaii. The couple lives in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood and often spends weekends in Napa, California. In February 2025, Altman and Mulherin welcomed a baby boy, who was born early and spent some time in the NICU.

What is Sam Altman’s IQ?

Sam Altman’s IQ is not publicly documented or officially known. While some sources claim to estimate his IQ at around 170 or in the range of 150-160, these are merely speculations without factual basis. Intelligence experts note that IQ is just one limited measure of cognitive ability that doesn’t account for many forms of intelligence crucial for success in business, leadership, and innovation. Altman’s achievements demonstrate various types of intelligence beyond what standardized tests measure, including strategic thinking, technical knowledge, visionary thinking, and emotional intelligence.

Is Sam Altman religious?

There is no information in the search results about Sam Altman’s religious beliefs or affiliations. The available information focuses on his professional career, personal life regarding his sexuality and marriage, and his business investments, but does not mention any religious views or practices.

Where did Sam Altman make his money?

Sam Altman’s wealth, estimated at $1.2-2 billion as of 2025, comes primarily from his investments rather than his role at OpenAI. His money comes from:

1. Early Entrepreneurship: His first significant financial gain came from selling Loopt, a location-based social networking app he co-founded at age 19, for $43.4 million in 2012.
2. Strategic Investments: Altman has invested in numerous successful startups, including:
   • Reddit (where he owns an 8.7% stake)
   • Airbnb
   • Stripe
   • DoorDash
   • Instacart
   • Asana
   • And over 100 other startups
3. Y Combinator: As president of Y Combinator from 2014, he helped nurture numerous successful startups, which contributed to his wealth and investment opportunities.
4. Real Estate: He owns several high-value properties, including homes in San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Hawaii.

Notably, Altman does not own direct equity in OpenAI and reportedly receives a modest salary from the company (around $58,333-$76,000 annually).

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