Mill Valley Cabin(s) Story
This is a beloved place in every sense of the word. Steeped in history, this two-parcel, two- structured property (main cabin and second, large meditation hut) is now being offered for a quick estate / probate sale. This property abuts Marin County open space with expansive views and privacy. She will not be on the market long, and is not listed on MLS because we are looking to find a personal match.
Please read this website fully however to get the complete picture of this listing as it is quite unique.
This property is not going to be for the average buyer. She is for the outdoor, adventurous types who love the incredible access to hiking trails, nearby beaches and close proximity to San Francisco. Based in Mill Valley, you have to walk into her location down steep steps and a short pathway to access her. However after a long day at work and a commute, you are met with nearly complete silence accompanied by occasional owl hoots throughout the night.
I lived here for years, so I am going to share all the details
One of the most important aspects to living here is RESPECT.
This is a property to make your home - not for a developer or those interested in setting this up as an Airbnb. We have the utmost respect for nature and our neighbors. It also follows the sentiment of the owner who passed away. She was incredibly careful with whom she chose to live here, and we want to respect her in this decision as well. It is not a place for parties, loud music, etc. It is truly a pristine and beautiful spot, and this way everyone can hear the wildlife and nearby waterfalls. We are looking for the right fit for this property..
The most amazing parts first
Location
This spot was heaven on earth for me as I had an hour commute to the East Bay for work, and then felt like I landed on a different planet when I got home. I was on the highway one minute, and then in a forest looking at Mount Tam after parking in a spot facing the Pacific Ocean from high atop Panoramic Ridge..
It is literally on a local hiking trail, so walking out the front door puts you immediately onto a network of trails taking you in every direction.. You can also walk to the Dipsea Stairs to go into downtown Mill Valley for a coffee, or hike or bike directly to Muir Woods, Muir Beach or Stinson Beach.
By car, it’s 5 minutes to Muir Woods, 9 minutes to Muir Beach, 7 minutes to downtown Mill Valley, 15 minutes to Stinson Beach, 17 minutes to land directly on the Golden Gate Bridge, and 12 minutes to highway 101 .
Having grown up in Maine, I am a weather fanatic, and one of my two, FAVORITE things about this location is that when the fog and winds blow in during the winter months, the property sits in a tucked away sun belt just below the ridge. I LOVE driving through fog on Panoramic and rounding the corner to park in the sun and watch the sunset. My second favorite weather-related love is that when it rains, you hear multiple waterfalls from the front deck. I promise I’m not making this up. :) The harder the rains, the louder the waterfalls are afterwards.
Still on the Grid
Even though you feel as though you are “off-grid,” you are still plugged in. The cabin is on town water, has a working septic and super high-speed internet. (It took a tree-climber with AT&T 7 hours to install it.) Cell service is strong (although I have AT&T and haven’t tested the other networks). Thus, it makes working from home very easy, and my aerospace engineer son had no problem with all of his gorkle sprorkle technology.
It is fully wired for electricity with outlets everywhere which have been used to date, however the new owner will need to officially connect to power through PG&E from the nearby pole which is already right there (as it is set up for the neighbors down the path or paper road).
The main cabin was rebuilt by a very talented German builder about 17ish years ago which is a big bonus as far as structure. A second house was built I’m guessing about 25 years ago just below and off to the side of the main cabin, and was dubbed a “meditation hut.” People have lived there on and off in the past. It is in terrible shape however and needs a lot of repair.
Conveniences
Here is where I tout the not so adventurous parts and focus on the lazy-person’s guide to life where folks can access amenities. Even though I shared that this place would be a great fit for adventurous types, I wouldn’t describe myself that way. I simply love beauty and nature, and felt so lucky to escape the grind to a place that felt like you were a million miles from everything, when in reality, you were very close to so much.
Within easy reach right in Mill Valley and just a few miles away are Good Earth, Whole Foods, Mill Valley Market and Safeway. Mill Valley is great for music and theatre, and there are a large number of great restaurants and parks. I admit that you can be in the middle of a storm at 2am in the morning, and pop on a headlamp to climb the stairs to meet your UberEats driver for a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream even through you feel as though you are living a million miles away. That’s the lazy, gluttonous part done with.
As I mentioned before, 101 is so close, and if you commute to and from SF, Mill Valley is one of the first few towns in Marin, so you avoid the bulk of the rush hour traffic heading north to the rest of Marin. The school system is excellent here too. My kids and I were big hikers back in the day, and you can even hike to Old Mill School.
I will fully admit that I felt, and was told numerous times by visitors to the cabin, that I was completely “spoiled” by living here in such an exquisite spot, and it is absolutely true. I felt it alongside a deep appreciation of being lucky enough to live there every year that passed by.
The not so easy parts
Parking
This spot does not come with parking where you can pull up in your driveway and walk on in. Thus, you need to have a little bit of stamina for stairs.
Many in the neighborhood walk in and out of their homes after parking on Panoramic where there are many parking spots. When you park there, it takes your breath away as it is so beautiful looking out over the forested hills and ocean, and then it is a 7 minute walk to the cabin through the neighborhood and down the stairs.
The good news is that you can pull up and unload your things (groceries, etc.) at the top of the stairs, and then go park. There is a wooden staircase that descends below into the forest, and the cabin is right at the base. It is an easy and beautiful walk, but what goes down must come up. It is not easy if you are physically impaired, and it is not for everyone. I keep a headlamp in the car when I return home and park the car at night. I did love the walk home however as you smell the forest, flowers and loads of fruit trees.
Time Has Passed
This image above is not what the cabin looks like today. Once the owner passed away, the cabin was primarily emptied so people could envision it the way they want to with their own things. However that has left it looking bare and a little lack-luster. I wanted to show you what it looks like however when people live there as it’s much warmer. Once the owner passed away it was vacated.
The previous folks and I that have lived here lived here year round, however it is not insulated. Heaters worked just fine, but it was originally built as a summer cabin, so you may want to shore it up with some insulation as it can get chilly in the winter. Again, we kept warm just fine, however if you like warmer temperatures, you will need to make a few adjustments. .
The deck facing Mount Tam when you first walk in needs to be replaced, and the small refrigerator was just removed. You will want to modernize things a bit for sure and spruce her up.
Because this is an estate / probate sale, it is being sold “as is.” Some colorful, old time renters from long ago have left a few items under both the house and meditation hut, and it looks junky under there. If this were a regular sale, everything would be cleared out, but you will see a little underbelly that needs some cleaning up. An estate sale is something a bit different, and we are aiming for a quick sale to close probate.
You Need a Little Strength
This is a reminder that the sleeping loft requires climbing on a built in, sturdy ladder. If you have pets like I did, it means hoisting them over your shoulder. A middle of the night pee can be much less opportune with a loft and ladder to contend with, but it did become second nature.
The hot water heater and grill also used smaller propane tanks which I carried in and out up the wooden stairs. I’m sure you could hire someone for this, but if you are a “do it yourself” type of person, put this on your to do list every once in a while.
Even though you are close to so much, wildlife is abundant here. For the past 25 years, deer return to a foliage under the kitchen window which was magic, and I loved watching them grow each year. However, it means that the element of surprise is always there. Coyotes, fox, bobcats, deer and owls are a regular part of your life here, and I never felt any danger whatsoever. However, if you prefer your wildlife only watching National Geographic, this wouldn't be for you.
Gorgeous views you see everywhere you look…
As mentioned before, this place meant the world to the owner and all those who have had the good fortune of living here over the years.
A second parcel was added right next to the cabin approximately 23 years ago which sits empty. According to the Marin County Planning Department, this new lot can offer a combined, larger footprint to build one larger dwelling between both parcels, but cannot house a third dwelling separately as it needs to tie into the same water system.
Questions regarding zoning use and build-ability should be directed to Marin County Planning Dept. The property is just outside of Mill Valley town limits on county property. Exact lot sizes of both parcels will be updated on this website soon. All responsibility falls on the new owner for doing their own research with the county department.
Serious buyers only will be given a private tour upon request, and there is no trespassing on the property at any time. Please message me for the exact address.
Muir Woods is within walking distance of the cabin
We hope you enjoy this amazing place as much as we have
Drive home
Downtown Mill Valley
Muir Beach
Don’t hesitate to get in touch or schedule a visit to the property. Absolutely no visiting the property or a walking in on your own as this is private property and we want to be respectful to our neighbors. They play a big part in the sale of this property.
Please make sure that you have read the entire website before getting in touch. We look forward to talking with you!
Listing price direct to estate - $695,000