Adolph Spreckels, the sugar heir with grand ambitions, wasn't shy about claiming his piece of San Francisco real estate. He combined fancy lots to score prime views of the bay but his architect, Applegarth, had to work around a snag - Mrs. Spreckels loved the existing Victorian houses! So, they carefully picked up and moved six Victorians from Jackson Street and two on Washington Street to new spots, making way for the Spreckels' French-inspired chateau. Alma, Adolph's wife, was the daughter of poor Danish immigrants who rose to local fame for her beauty and artistic sensibilities. She even modeled for the sculpture atop the Dewey Monument in Union Square! Adolph, smitten, courted her for five years before marrying her in 1908, despite the 26-year age difference. Alma, with a passion for art, would later use her wealth to purchase major works by Rodin and even commission Applegarth to design the California Palace of the Legion of Honor specifically to house them. Adolph passed away in 1924, followed by Alma in 1968. Their legacy not only includes the grand Spreckels mansion but also a lasting contribution to San Francisco's art scene.