A Norman-style stone castle. That’s Albion Castle. Right here in San Francisco. Few know its secrets.
Built in 1870 by John Hamlin Burnell. An Englishman who dreamed big in the burgeoning city. He chose this spot for its natural spring. A hidden aquifer providing 10000 gallons of pristine water daily. Perfect for his Albion Porter and Ale Brewery. He built not just a brewery but a home. A castle home. Albion Castle became his masterpiece.
The castle sits above two 200-foot cisterns. These caverns held the precious spring water. The beer was reportedly as good as Guinness. Much cheaper though. Burnell imported hops and malt from England. The San Francisco Chronicle raved.
Prohibition hit in 1919. The brewery closed. Fanny Burnell John’s wife continued the water business. Albion Castle then became the Albion Water Company. Bottling and selling the spring water. Sculptor Adrien Voisin bought it in 1933. He lived and worked there for nearly 20 years. Adding Art Deco touches.
The castle almost faced demolition in the 1960s. A highway was planned. But fear of a nuclear attack saved it. The spring water was deemed a vital resource. The San Francisco Mountain Springs Water Company took over in 1964.
Albion Castle changed hands several times. It was even rumored to be haunted. A young dark haired woman’s ghost. Ghost Adventures filmed there in 2019. Today it’s a private venue for small events. A unique piece of San Francisco history. A hidden gem. A testament to a bold brewer’s dream. And the enduring power of a natural spring.