There are few houses I have seen in Marin County that conform more closely to the realtors repeated refrain of location, location, location. Travelling west from Novato Boulevard on Wilson Avenue, you go by churches, schools and well-kept single-family homes until the road begins to narrow. Then you continue along what has now become a tree-lined country lane with larger, dignified homes, dog walkers and the occasional horse and rider from Indian Valley. Soon, you come to a narrow bridge, cross over and begin winding your way up a private road, travelling about ½ mile until you reach a rosemary covered retaining wall and finally arrive at the wrought iron gate of number 269. You quickly discover that you are surrounded by nature on all sides, with acres of wooded open space opposite the house, mature oak, pine, bay and madrone trees all around and glimpses of an astonishing view, one of the best in Novato, stretching across Indian Valley. Even those born and raised in Novato are often surprised that such a powerful vantage point exists. The house itself cascades gently down three levels, following the line of the hill, until you come to the main living area. As you walk towards the front picture windows opening upon a large redwood deck, you discover that you have an unobstructed 180 degree view over Novatos valleys and hills, continuing all the way to the Bay and beyond to the hills of the East Bay, from Vallejo and the Carquinez Bridge to Mount Diablo in the distance. You may see a variety of hawks, falcons, flocks of crows, soaring turkey vultures, bold hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies and even the occasional golden eagle. Neighbors are a comfortable distance away above and below you, and you may feel a deep sense of quiet and tranquility. The vista changes with time, day and season, a constantly engaging panorama. Yet you are only a mere 10 minutes away from the restaurants and businesses of Grant Avenue, the Safeway shopping center, and Highway 101. In fact, you are located literally on the boundary between town and country, with easy access to West Marin and its farms and pastures and finally the ocean; to the Smart Train; to Highway 37 crossing the bay, and equidistant between San Rafael to the south, and Petaluma and Sonoma Counties to the north. Thus you have direct access to the best of several worlds. The house itself is well-designed, well-proportioned and spacious; quiet, with a two-story atrium, tall ceilings, many windows, and surrounded by extensive fenced gardens with mature trees and landscaping, computer controlled drip irrigation, slate stepping stones and golden decomposed granite paths lined with native stone. It is an island of peace and reflection in a turbulent time, yet never far from the institutions, resources and attractions of the Bay Area. Location, location, location indeed.
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
