If you haven’t seen Walt Disney’s ‘The Princess Diaries, you should definitely give it a watch. The 2001 coming-of-age teen comedy features Anne Hathaway in her first movie role, alongside other stars such as Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo. The movie is based on a series of books written by Meg Cabot.
The Princess Diaries follows a typical 14-year-old American girl, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway), who lives in an old firehouse with her mother. However, all is not what it seems; it is revealed to Mia that she is actually a princess in the country of Genovia.
Below are a couple of exterior shots of The Princess Diaries house from the movie, including one with a limo outside, flying the Genovia flag. Genovia, of course, is not a real country; it is entirely made up for The Princess Diaries.
THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCESS DIARIES HOUSE
The firehouse used in the movie is located at 724 Brazil Avenue, San Francisco, and was once owned by Engine Company No 43. It is a wood frame mission revival built in 1911 to provide fire protection to the Excelsior Homestead District.
Between 1911 and 1970, Engine Company 43 was disbanded and reorganized numerous times before finally being relocated nearby.
Unfortunately, finding photos of Engine Company 43’s building while in use in the ’60s or earlier has been a futile task so far. However, the E43 fire truck is still around today.
After Engine Company 43 remained empty for a few years, the firehouse was sold at a city surplus property auction in 1976 to Dr. Steve Shohet. Dr. Shohet used the property as a private residence and still owned the property when it was used for exterior shots in The Princess Diaries.
THE HOUSE IN THE MOVIE
The photos above are exterior shots of The Princess Diaries’ house from the movie. The bottom one shows a Limo waiting outside flying the flag of Genovia, which is, of course, an entirely fictional country.
Interior shots were not actually filmed inside Firehouse 43; they were actually filmed on a soundstage. Art Director Caty Maxey posted set photos on her website and said, ‘The main set was designed to match a vintage firehouse in San Francisco.’
Mia’s mother Clarisse uses the firehouse as an art studio, as well as her home.
No firehouse would be complete without a fire pole, which of course, Mia uses in the movie.
The cat, Fat Louie, was said to belong to Anne Hathaway in real life.
THE PRINCESS DIARIES HOUSE TODAY
After The Princess Diaries in 2001, the property continued to belong to Dr. Steve Shohet. That was until late 2014 when The Princess Diaries house was put on the market for $2.6 million, eventually selling in 2015 for $1.85 million.
This listing stated: ‘Engine Company 43, a Mission Revival Firehouse built in 1911, is a fantastic opportunity for units, live-work space, or your favorite tech start-up! Almost 4,800 interior square feet, on a double lot, with parking for four (at least) and a 340 square foot * outbuilding, (originally the firemen’s kitchen), this spectacular property, most recently used as a 2-unit rental, will be delivered vacant. Originally built for horse-drawn carriages, it is situated on the top of a hill with wonderful views in the hot Excelsior neighborhood. A rare opportunity to own a piece of San Francisco history. Great Development opportunity!!’
Below are some photos from the listing back in 2014/2015. Would you still recognize The Princess Diaries house? Not much appears to have changed outside.
The new owners of the property have since used Firehouse 43’s on-screen fame to their advantage. They now list the ‘Captain’s Room’ on Airbnb, so if you fancy staying at the property, then you can do so.
This is the second on-screen house we have featured in San Francisco, previously featuring the house from Mrs. Doubtfire. If you haven’t seen that one, take a look, it’s only located 7 miles from here.
