If these walls could talk.

Built in 1897, the house has outlasted the great earthquake, more than a century of San Francisco, and more dinner parties than anyone could count.

A diplomat once lived here. So did a firefighter’s mother, and an architect who worked downtown.

Then it became a family home, where nobody watched the clock, the music was just right, and there was always room for one more at the table.

Now the Rallo family is opening the door.