A View of the Spreckels Mansion, near Lafayette Park in San Francisco

 The Spreckels Mansion is a French Baroque style masterpiece built by sugar magnates.  It is currently owned by romance writer Danielle Steel.  It isn't open to the public, but you can glimpse it from Lafayette Park.  You can get a good view from Octavia Street, as well.  The mansion is now surrounded by high hedges, but there are photos online of the entire mansion exterior.  Lafayette Park offers excellent views of the bay and city.  It is definitely worth a visit.