It’s no wonder modern architecture is popular — especially in Marin, where most of the development happened in the ‘60s. The style keeps natural surroundings top-of-mind and makes it easy to access the gorgeous landscape. It’s also characterized by clean lines, open floor plans and large windows (sometimes floor-to-ceiling) that let in beautiful light. These 5 homes are great examples of why modern style works well for how we live now.
20 Westgate Drive, San Rafael, $4,377,000
This 4-bedroom home offers open-plan interiors and large windows for enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. High ceilings and whitewashed gallery walls fill the space with light. There are many beautiful outdoor elements: a pool, a dining area, generous terraces and a lush lawn. In the chef’s kitchen, which features custom cabinetry and granite countertops, an entire wall opens to the outside.
84 Eastview Avenue, Tiburon, $2,977,000
Located on Corinthian Island, this 3-bedroom home enjoys views of Angel Island, the Belvedere Lagoon, Mount Tamalpais, and the Bay. The cherry hardwood floors add a natural warmth against the white interior walls, which are illuminated with abundant windows, including a large skylight in the living room. High ceilings give this home a sense of airiness. Nearly every room opens to an outdoor space, so opportunities abound to enjoy the dramatic views.
5 Tartan Road, Mill Valley, $5,995,000
This 4-bedroom home offers a great location: It borders on a redwood grove and is close to the Scott Highlands playground, trailheads and the MV Golf Course. The house was designed by the well-known local architecture firm Richardson Pribuss. On the crisp, rectangular exterior, cool gray tones are juxtaposed with vibrant cedar. The interior is generously scaled and thoughtfully laid out. Oversized windows and glass walls connect lush natural views with bold, modern interior design. Designer touches include imported Italian cabinetry with walnut accents in the kitchen and a glassed-in wine display nestled beneath the main staircase.
412 Laverne Avenue, Mill Valley, $2,695,000
This 3-bedroom retreat in Homestead Valley is surrounded by natural beauty, including a creek. The generous yard includes a turf lawn and room to add a pool or an ADU. The kitchen, living room and dining room flow together in an open floorplan, and all of the main living spaces have been remodeled. Fireplaces and skylights add warmth and light. Glass walls and sliding glass doors marry the outdoors with the interior design, which includes many natural elements, such as warm wood and striking stone.
28 Oak Mountain Court, San Rafael, $2,500,000
This home, built in 1963, was designed by architect Joseph Eichler, who is well known for his unique midcentury modern designs in California. The 4-bedroom house has mahogany walls, globe lights and well-maintained original cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms. Views abound, including in the stone-tiled entry atrium, which looks out beautifully on the Lucas Valley. The open-concept, eat-in kitchen has a walk-in pantry, a large picture window and an adjoining family room. The land has been carefully landscaped with a modern concrete front walkway, and the backyard is full of lovely fauna, including geraniums, euphoria, roses and olive trees.
This article originally appears on marinmagazine.com.
More from SPACES:
- This Architect’s Home Is Full of Vivacious Colors and Midcentury Modern Details
- This Modern Aspen Home Is a Masterful Blend of Concrete, Steel and Glass
- Tour a Modern California Home That Goes All In on Dazzling Light Fixtures
Stephanie Fallon is a freelance writer who has spent her professional career in non-profit adult education, first in adult English literacy at Blue Ridge Literacy and then overseeing interpretation and public programming for the Taubman Museum of Art. She lives in Roanoke, Virginia and writes about visual culture, design, motherhood, and work.