Marin's Blog: All Categories

McMansions, Hummer homes, starter castles, megahouses – or whatever you call super-sized homes in your neck of the woods – were, I thought, on their way out as the popular trend has been wending its way back to mid-century sensibilities.  Not so, apparently in Belvedere CA, where two high-rollers are embroiled in a fierce battle over a proposed 10,280 square foot home.  Having already been scaled down from the original 11,523 sq. feet, the project – if it goes forward – will create the fourth largest home in Belvedere.

A key issue is that the new home will have a negative impact on views from neighboring homes – and anyone who knows Belvedere will understand that concern. Real estate in Belvedere CA is highly valued for the stunning views it provides of…

A hands-on approach to sustainability has earned students at the Marin Academy in San Rafael CA a role in a PBS documentary scheduled to air this fall. Filmmakers for the 26-minute special, Nourish: Food + Community, recently visited a number of schools, including Marin Academy High School, as it examines our relationship with food and the impact it has on our earth, ranging from a global perspective to grassroots efforts at conserving resources.

Marin Academy was chosen to participate in the film for several reasons.  Part of the biology curriculum is an organic garden that serves as an outdoor classroom.  Not only do students practice sustainable gardening with its environmental and social implications, but scientific experimentation is also part of…

Calling all Bay Area mid-century modern home enthusiasts!  Clear your calendar for tomorrow evening and come to Mrs. Dalloway’s in Berkeley for a slideshow and lecture on Cliff May and the mid-century modern ranch house that has become synonymous with the California life-style of easy, breezy, indoor-outdoor living.

The presentation will feature Daniel Gregory, architectural historian and author of Cliff May and the Modern Ranch House.  With a Ph.D in architecture and a long-running stint as Senior Home Editor at Sunset magazine, Gregory is well versed in the casual charm of California living. Currently Daniel Gregory is Editor-in-Chief of Houseplans.com, which is an architectural plans website based in Novato, CA.  Houseplans.com offers one of the…

We justed listed a contemporary, spacious and light-filled single-family home in San Rafael California that was built in 1993. 

Spacious San Rafael Home

This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,728 squarefoot property features fabulous views of tree-covered hillsides, distant vista and the nearby Marin Civic Center designed by noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright.    

The open and airly floor plan is accentuated by the abundance of light and dramatic vaulted ceilings in both the Living Room and Master Bedroom.   California Closets in all Bedrooms as well as the Garage and Laundry Room.    Property includes numerous custom built-ins including fireplaces, shelving and entertainment center.  Central air-conditioning and heating.

Professionally maintained, care-free…

 Modern, luxury home buyers in the San Francisco Bay Area should be sure to check out our brand new listing situated in a scenic, wine country like setting yet still within easy commuter proximity to both San Francisco or the East Bay.  

Located in the prestigious Green Point area of Novato in Northern Marin County,  this 3,254 square foot designer home features:

• 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths (2 of the bedrooms are Master Suites)
• European designer kitchen with appliances by Sub Zero, Gaggeneau and Miele,
• Custom cabinentry and built-ins throughout,
• Gorgeous views of the surrounding hills, valleys and Mt Tamalpias,
• Amazing outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing (Over 1,600 sq fit of Brazilan Walnut (Ipe) decking)
• Green…

Despite a somewhat rocky road in 2007, the real estate market in Marin County just seems to keep chugging along.  Yesterday, the Novato City Council approved a proposal for a small housing development on a 34-acre ridgeline just off Shevelin Road. The new project, Oak Ridge Estates, was proposed by developers KSK Properties and Jerry Frates & Associates and will consist of only four single-family homes, ranging in size between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet.

This venture is the last in a succession of projects that have been proposed for the area.  Several larger developments, including one that called for 16 hillside homes, had failed to gain approval – primarily because of environmental concerns.  The property is in an open space and, as such, is a…

The real estate industry is encouraged by the news that the Feds increased the ceiling on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages from a $417,000 limit to $729,750.  Hopefully Thursday’s action will help boost the rather listless Marin real estate market.  Although the median price for a single-family Marin County home has appreciated, overall Marin home sales plummeted early this year, and foreclosures in Marin were at an all time high in 2007. Despite these numbers, Marin real estate has fared better than most other Bay Area communities; nevertheless, the availability of higher limits for conforming loans is very welcome.  With the new limits on conforming loans, homeowners just barely keeping their heads above water may be able to refinance and not loose…

Even with California’s down market, the real estate business remains relatively brisk in Marin County.  A comfortable climate, beautiful surroundings, great commuter options, and a wide selection of housing options all come into play; but one of the most significant factors is, quite simply, that Marin is family friendly.  There are lots of recreation opportunities, playgrounds, parks, and activities for the entire clan to enjoy.  More importantly, Marin County schools are great, and a good local school system is high on the priority list for any family looking to relocate.

One of the most exciting recent developments for Marin schools is that the Tamalpais Union High School District board of trustees has approved a proposal for Redwood High School (4…