Casa San Rafael
SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
3 BR | 2 BA | SLEEPS 6
Architect Beverley Thorne's masterfully crafted home represents the golden age of mid-century architecture in California. One of only a handful of the groundbreaking Case Study houses built between 1944 - 1967, this holiday home in Marin is one of those strikingly preserved gems whose visionary design remains relevant and modern over a half century later.
Built in 1962, the home’s distinctive lines, structural details and finishes have been sensitively restored, allowing the original beauty of the residence to be preserved. Thorne famously enjoyed the challenge of designing homes for hillsides and working with steel, creating large expanses of space and a bold cantilevered structure. The simple shoebox design of the home features eight identical bays with a dramatic roof line that follows the slope of the site. The social spaces are accentuated by a double height ceilings and glass allowing for the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience and panoramic views.
Smartly curated design touches include a striking selection of vintage modern furnishings and art that perfectly complement the expressive architecture in a flawless homage to a bygone era. Read more about it in our Stories section.
Constructed of steel, glass, concrete and wood, the design is a masterful example of architectural simplicity, and an illustration of Thorne's preference for industrial and prefabricated materials. Straightforward and minimal with spare clean lines, the walls of glass completely immerse you into the land but with a sense of intimacy.
The central living area is a bright and expansive space that communicates with the rest of the house seamlessly and is anchored by a stacked brick fireplace and divider wall. The kitchen has been updated into a gleaming modern space for foodies with the separate indoor dining area and smaller outdoor dining area through the glass doors. There are three double bedrooms that sleep up to six guests.
A polished selection of furnishings and finishes along with treasures from the owners' personal collection decorate without detracting.
The outdoor habitat and gardens were designed by landscape designer Garrett Eckbo to complement the house, with lounge areas for dining and enjoying the beautiful California scenery.
Location
Airport
San Francisco International Airport (50km), Oakland International (50)
The oldest city in Marin County, San Rafael is a lively and culturally diverse town with a vibrant arts and culinary scene. Bordering the San Pablo Bay and China Camp state parklands, the city abuts areas of great natural beauty and picturesque California coastline.
Part of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Stinson Beach, and the over 1,000 acres of protected wetlands and estuaries in the Bolinas Lagoon are home to migratory shorebirds, harbor seals, and other wildlife. Just north of San Francisco, you can visit the city or stay in the Marin region for great shops, markets, and restaurants in the quaint towns of Mill Valley, Point Reyes, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Tomales, and Inverness.
The area around Point Reyes is also a foodie mecca with many homegrown organic products and a seasonal farmer's markets on Saturday mornings as well as summer events.
There are literally hundreds of trails in West Marin with amazing views of the mountain, ocean, and rugged coastline, and expansive beach walks to explore including the Estero Trail, the Pierce Point Tule Elk preserve, Chimney Rock, Drakes Beach and the sand dunes at Abbott's Lagoon.
Farther afield there is Mt. Tamalpais and the Golden Gate National Seashore, and the Muir Woods, all within a short drive. Seasonal whale watching is also popular and there are great viewing sites within the Point Reyes National Seashore.