95 Bolsa Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Step into 95 Bolsa and the sense of volume and light is immediate. Warm wood ceilings and exposed steel beams rise above the living spaces, while clerestory windows draw daylight into the heart of the home and tall glass doors frame the surrounding redwoods. Originally designed by Mill Valley firm Dorman Associates, the home is a distinctive expression of organic modernism, with roots in the Bay Area's Third Bay Tradition. The exterior pairs a metal roof and corrugated steel siding with red-framed windows. Two tall redwoods rise from river-rock gabion walls, bringing the landscape into the architecture. The noncombustible metal materials add a thoughtful fire-conscious element to the exterior. The main level is designed for relaxed living and easy indoor-outdoor flow. Nearly 24 by 20 feet, the living room features a fireplace set into a long built-in hearth and glass doors opening to the front deck. The remodeled kitchen opens to the rear deck, and the primary suite, with walk-in closet and en suite bath, is conveniently located on this level. Upstairs are two bedrooms, a full bath and a welcoming lounge beneath a sloping, exposed-beam ceiling. The lounge and one bedroom open onto a shared deck with views across the valley. Nearly every room opens onto more than 1,100 square feet of decks woven into the trees. An oak rises through the decking, making the canopy feel part of the home. A heritage path behind the house descends to Oakdale, an easy walk to downtown. Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve trails are just beyond the front door.