you're the inspiration.

this is the burr mansion. i lived one block away from it for over ten years. when i moved to san francisco, and was lucky enough to find a beautiful victorian apartment to live in, i would often wander past this house - stopping to smell the roses, pausing to get a night time peek in the windows. it is indescribably beautiful.

fast forward a few years and i come to find out that a new friend of mine, mirjana, worked there as an au pair after moving here from serbia. sadly she could not take me to visit, but she told me about the interior and the views and the parties (they'd often set up lighted tents on the property and stationed 5 valets outside - i'd just dream of holding an invitation so i could wander).

view from the top level

it's for sale now, for just under 7 million dollars. if i had it, i would buy it - what a dream come true... i just hope that the next family cherishes it as much as the last and that, someday, i receive that party invitation.

here's some more information about the house from the sfgate:

envy-inducing photo gallery here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2009/11/11/BU241AI386.DTL&o=

and some detail:

"Asking price: $6,995,000, or about $999 per square foot

Description: This city landmark survived the 1906 earthquake in style after being built in 1875 by Ephraim Burr, one of San Francisco's earliest mayors. The estate-like gated property has four levels and includes a wine cellar, a media room, a front parlor, a main parlor, a foyer, a private study, an exercise room and a garden cottage.

Don't miss: The parklike gardens

Size: Approximately 7,000 square feet (plus 700-square-foot guest house), with 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms and 2-car garage. Lot is 12,535 square feet.

Built: 1875

For information: www.sfproperties.com

To suggest homes for the Walk-Through: realestate@sfchronicle.com. To suggest homes for the Walk-Through: realestate@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page D - 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle"