Garden Recluse

in Duboce Triangle

Originally built in 1865, this home is a well-loved relic of the past. It’s easy to imagine the slope on which it sits as a wild, undeveloped landscape—exposed rock and scrappy shrubland sweeping down into what is now Duboce Triangle and the Castro. Back then, it was the only property on a much larger lot. At some point in the early 20th century, the land was subdivided and another building was constructed directly on this street, leaving behind a small triangular island of a lot.

Today, that front building serves as a quiet portal from the hustle and bustle of the city into a serene rear-lot garden. Tucked this far back, the only sounds are the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. Two outbuildings - one of which, legend has it, was once the kitchen - now function as an exercise room and an office. A western red cedar deck connects the spaces, allowing comfortable movement between the areas and creating a sun-filled lounge area.

The garden was designed to be an even deeper retreat, with a wild, natural look full of color and texture. Small vegetable beds cradle kale and herbs, ready to be plucked and brought straight into the kitchen. Different sitting areas offer the choice of morning or evening sun. Pollinator-friendly plants such as lavender and echinacea mingle with specialist natives like buckwheat and white sage, forming a broad, diverse palette that pleases both people and wildlife.

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