The Mrs Doubtfire House is more than just a pretty building—it’s a piece of movie history that pulls at the heartstrings of fans worldwide. Nestled in San Francisco’s charming Pacific Heights, this Victorian gem starred in the 1993 comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, where Robin Williams brought laughter and tears as a dad disguised as a nanny. Its pale yellow facade and iconic front steps have become a pilgrimage spot for fans, especially after Williams’ passing in 2014, when flowers and notes covered the sidewalk. Curious about the house’s story, its features, or its jaw-dropping value?
This article dives into the Mrs Doubtfire House, Robin Williams’ life, and his real estate ventures, giving you a front-row seat to a home that’s as unforgettable as the movie itself.
Who Was Robin Williams?
Robin Williams was a comedy genius and a beloved actor whose energy lit up every room. Born in Chicago in 1951, he became a household name with roles in Mork & Mindy, Good Will Hunting (which snagged him an Oscar), and, of course, Mrs. Doubtfire. His ability to make people laugh while tugging at their emotions made him a legend. Beyond acting, he was a philanthropist and a Bay Area local who adored San Francisco. His net worth at the time of his death in 2014 was estimated at $50 million. While he owned a few luxury cars like a Porsche and a Mercedes-Benz, there’s no record of him owning yachts or private islands.
He did, however, have a private jet for travel. Williams owned several homes during his life, including the famous Mrs Doubtfire House and a mansion in San Francisco’s Sea Cliff neighborhood.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robin McLaurin Williams |
| Born | July 21, 1951, Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | August 11, 2014, Paradise Cay, California |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian |
| Famous For | Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin |
| Net Worth (2014) | ~$50 million |
| Total Homes Owned | At least 3 (San Francisco, Tiburon, Napa Valley) |
| Cars | Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and others (estimated 3-5 luxury vehicles) |
| Yacht | None documented |
| Private Jet | Yes, used for travel |
| Private Islands | None documented |
| Awards | Academy Award (1997), Golden Globe for Mrs. Doubtfire (1994), and more |
Where Did Robin Williams Live?
Robin Williams called the Bay Area home for much of his life. He grew up partly in Marin County, California, and later settled in San Francisco as an adult. At the time of his death in 2014, he lived in a waterfront home in Tiburon, Marin County, where he tragically passed away. During his Mrs. Doubtfire days, he owned a stunning Italian Renaissance-style mansion in San Francisco’s Sea Cliff neighborhood, purchased in 1991 for $3.2 million. This home, where he lived with his then-wife Marsha Garces and their kids, was his primary residence while filming in the city.
He also owned a vineyard estate in Napa Valley, showing his love for California’s beauty. The Mrs Doubtfire House, though iconic, was never his personal home—it was just a filming location.
Mrs Doubtfire House
The Mrs Doubtfire House, located at 2640 Steiner Street, is a San Francisco icon. Built in 1893, this Victorian beauty played the Hillard family home in the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire. Its exterior, with its buttery yellow paint and turreted charm, stole the show as Robin Williams’ character danced with a vacuum cleaner and fooled his ex-wife, played by Sally Field. After Williams’ death, fans turned the front steps into a makeshift memorial, leaving flowers and heartfelt notes.
The house hit the market in 2016 for $4.45 million and sold for $4.15 million after seven weeks. Today, it’s valued at around $5.9 million, reflecting San Francisco’s soaring real estate prices. Owned by the Bijur family since 2016, it remains a must-see for tourists and movie buffs alike.
1. Where Is Robin Williams’ Mrs Doubtfire House?
The Mrs Doubtfire House sits proudly at the corner of Steiner and Broadway in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood. This upscale area is known for its grand homes, tree-lined streets, and views of San Francisco Bay. Just a block from Fillmore Street’s trendy cafes and shops, the house is a short walk from the Presidio, a scenic park with Golden Gate Bridge views. Its location makes it a hotspot for tourists, who snap photos outside while respecting the private residence.
The real address, 2640 Steiner Street, was even mentioned in the movie, making it easy for fans to find. Despite a 2015 arson attempt that damaged the door, the house still stands tall, its Victorian elegance unchanged since its Hollywood debut.
2. Features of the Robin Williams House
The Mrs Doubtfire House is a three-story Victorian masterpiece designed by architect Joachim B. Mathison. Spanning 3,300 square feet, it boasts four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. Its classic San Francisco style shines through with hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, and intricate millwork. The exterior features two turrets and four stacked bow windows, giving it a storybook look.
Inside, the formal living and dining rooms are spacious and filled with natural light, thanks to curved windows with plantation shutters. A remodeled chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops adds modern flair. The lower level has a family room and office, while the master suite upstairs offers high ceilings and a luxurious bath. A rare two-car garage seals the deal, making it a practical gem in car-crowded San Francisco.
Mrs Doubtfire House Details
Overview
- Location: 2640 Steiner Street, Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA
- Built: 1893
- Architect: Joachim B. Mathison
- Size: 3,300 square feet
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3.5
- Last Sold: 2016 for $4.15 million
- Current Estimated Value (2025): ~$5.9 million
Architectural Features
- Style: Victorian
- Exterior: Pale yellow facade, two turrets, four stacked bow windows
- Interior: Hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, classic millwork, plantation shutters
- Key Rooms:
- Formal living and dining rooms with high ceilings
- Remodeled chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances
- Master suite with adjoining bath
- Lower-level family room and office
- Unique Feature: Two-car garage (rare for San Francisco)
Recent Updates
- 2016 Redesign: Interior designer Josephine Fisher Freckmann revamped five rooms and the front garden for owners Janet and Nick Bijur.
- Notable Changes: Lighter, airier interiors; clear staircase windows (replacing stained glass); modernized dining room with Roman shades.
Cultural Significance
- Starred as the Hillard family home in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).
- Became a fan memorial for Robin Williams after his 2014 death.
- Popular tourist stop, featured on San Francisco movie tours.
Robin Williams’ Real Estate Portfolio
Robin Williams had a knack for picking stunning properties. Besides the Mrs Doubtfire House, which was only a filming location, he owned several homes that reflected his love for the Bay Area. In 1991, he and his wife Marsha Garces bought a 1926 Italian Renaissance-style mansion at 540 El Camino Del Mar in San Francisco’s Sea Cliff neighborhood for $3.2 million. This 10,000-square-foot home, where they raised their three kids, featured secret passageways and sweeping bay views.
It sold in 2023 for $18.1 million after being listed for $25 million. Williams also owned a waterfront home in Tiburon, Marin County, where he lived until his death in 2014. Additionally, he had a Napa Valley vineyard estate, perfect for his quieter moments. His childhood home was in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, before he moved to California as a teen.
Conclusion
The Mrs Doubtfire House is more than a movie set—it’s a symbol of Robin Williams’ legacy and San Francisco’s charm. Its Victorian elegance, prime Pacific Heights location, and $5.9 million value make it a standout in the city’s real estate scene. From its light-filled rooms to its rare two-car garage, the house blends old-world style with modern comforts. Williams’ own homes, like his Sea Cliff mansion and Tiburon retreat, show his deep connection to the Bay Area. Whether you’re a fan snapping a photo outside 2640 Steiner Street or just curious about celebrity homes, the Mrs Doubtfire House remains a timeless piece of pop culture history.
FAQs about Robin Williams:
What was the cause of Robin Williams’ death?
Robin Williams died by suicide on August 11, 2014, from asphyxia by hanging. His death was driven primarily by advanced Lewy body dementia (LBD), a brain disease that was only definitively diagnosed after his autopsy. While depression was present, it was a symptom of LBD rather than the root cause of his suicide.
Was Robin Williams LGBT friendly?
The search results did not provide specific information related to Robin Williams’ stance or support regarding LGBT issues. However, based on his public persona and philanthropic efforts widely known outside these sources, he was generally regarded as empathetic and supportive of diverse communities. For a fully verified stance, further specific sources would be needed.
Was Robin Williams sober at the time of his death?
Yes, according to his wife and toxicology reports, Robin Williams was sober at the time of his death. No alcohol or illicit drugs were found in his system, only prescribed medications at therapeutic levels, including antidepressants and medication for Parkinson’s disease, which was initially misdiagnosed before his true condition of Lewy body dementia was confirmed.
What was Robin Williams diagnosed with?
Robin Williams had been diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s disease, but an autopsy revealed that he actually suffered from diffuse Lewy body dementia—a severe brain disease that causes a wide range of symptoms including confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, and movement difficulties. His diagnosis was a critical factor in his mental health struggles and eventual death.
