Former Warner Bros. producer and Dreamworks Animation executive Christopher DeFaria and his wife

Christopher DeFaria Buys Pacific Heights Home After Coyote vs Acme Box Office Milestone

Former Warner Bros. producer and Dreamworks Animation executive Christopher DeFaria and his wife, Alexandra, purchased a nearly 4,200-square-foot Pacific Heights home for $8.25 million, according to public records. The purchase of the turn-of-the-century residence at 2023 Pacific Ave. coincides with the animated and live-action hybrid film “Coyote vs. Acme”—which DeFaria produced—crossing the $100 million mark at the box office following its cancellation and subsequent revival.

The detached Victorian property sits two blocks north of Lafayette Park and features four bedrooms and three and a half baths. Public records and listing notes from Robert and Barbara Callan of Sotheby’s show that the home underwent a major renovation in 2019. That project preserved original architectural details, including millwork, pocket doors, bay windows, and fireplaces.

Market Activity and Property Features at 2023 Pacific Ave.

The home hit the market on August 17 with an asking price just under $8 million and entered contract one month later. Ruth Krishnan of Compass, who represented the buyers but did not confirm their identities or discuss their specific search, noted that the property spent a relatively long time on the market given current conditions.

“Every once in a while there is a house that gets overlooked for a myriad of reasons, and I think buyers sometimes think that it’s something to do with the house, but sometimes it’s just dumb luck,” Krishnan said.

She pointed out that while the house features a high number of steps leading to the front door and lacks a water view, those elements did not deter her clients. The upper level contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while the kitchen includes Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, and Miele appliances alongside three sets of French doors opening to a south-facing garden with stone terraces and a pergola. The attic space also offers potential for future expansion, and the location remains walkable to both Fillmore and Union streets.

Return to San Francisco and Chronicle Studios

DeFaria was born in San Francisco in 1959 and began his career as a child actor, providing the voice for the “Peanuts” character Peppermint Patty in late 1960s and early 1970s television specials such as “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” His adult career shifted to producing animation and live-action blockbusters, including “Gravity,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “Ready Player One.”

After spending much of his adult life in Los Angeles, DeFaria returned to his hometown after founding Chronicle Studios. The media and entertainment company raised $11.6 million in seed funding last year and utilizes artificial intelligence to attract audiences and boost brand awareness. The firm recently secured webseries deals involving an animator from “How to Train Your Dragon” and the illustrator behind “The Goonies: The Illustrated Storybook.”

Who Sold the Pacific Heights Property?

Who sold the Pacific Heights property?

A family trust owned the detached Victorian home for 20 years before selling it to the DeFarias, according to permit records and listing notes from Sotheby’s.

What architectural features remain in the 2019-renovated home?

Despite a major overhaul completed in 2019, the home retains original period details such as millwork, pocket doors, bay windows, and fireplaces.

Which real estate agents handled the transaction?

Robert and Barbara Callan of Sotheby’s represented the sellers, while Ruth Krishnan of Compass represented the buyers.