Built for Katherine Marsh as a retreat for artists, musicians and writers, the Bolinas compound known as Briarcombe hit the market earlier this year listed for $3.8 million.
Designed by architect Jeff Morse and constructed from reclaimed redwood, the four structures on the 3.4-acre property incorporate both Japanese and Crafstman styles, with “tranquil vibe(s),” forest views, and a solar panel array that can power the entire estate.
Yesterday, the sale of 430 Horseshoe Hill Road closed escrow with a reported contract price of $3.65 million. No word on whether the buyer plans to maintain the “artist-musician-writer” vibe and use.
The artist vibe will evaporate for a tech vibe.
Wow, a truly stunning property with a pricetag that actually seems reasonable. Would be amazing if this is reopened as an artist / writer’s retreat or residency.
Founder of etsy and Flickr bought it. Nice lady apparently. The .com’s have replaced the hippies.
Not surprising, I hope the techies leave us Guerneville at least, where properties can still be had for reasonable prices. Otherwise I guess it’s off to Oregon like the hipsters/artists have already done
Not sure of the deet’s but brings to mind the “Fleetwood Mac” / “Make sure you use a preponderance of wood” “And get a big long-haired dog” architecture of the seventies through early eighties. I have to say the period can grate on my nerves, but this place does pack a certain aesthetic “joie de vivre” IMO.
I’m thinking one might even be able (if they had limitless funds, etc, not that I do) to inhabit this without remodeling it to pieces. But personally I’d probably tone the interior design way way down: wouldn’t really try to compete with the views and the woodwork (which mostly I like, except for around the doors and windows).
this home was owned and built by a very rich heiress who had a penchant for inviting artistic types over for events. say what you like about the artist/trust fund/tech types but bolinas has always been occupied by those with independent funding and the bay area has always been a mix of art and tech. accept it for the lovely melting pot that it is….
btw i rented this for a weekend off of vrbo a couple years back. it’s an amazing property if a little wacky layout. that main house is basically a one bedroom with an amazing fireplace/kitchen.
I built this for a true patron of the arts with an amazing local crew of talented boat builders and carpenters in phases between the late 70s and early 90s… It was a wonderful collaboration for all involved…
Hi Jeff,
What a wonderful experience it was for me to work with you and the team on the main house. Thank you.
I’m still building boats!
Izzy
I was a friend of Kate and spent many many happy days with her at this beautiful property. I used to stay in the Gatehouse at the entrance. Sometimes I’d sleep in the window seat that was up in the branches of the tree. The tiny little clawfoot tub in the bath was delightful. Kate used to open the doors to her house and play the piano, the music drifting around the trees. We laughingly called the cottage next to the main house, built for the acoustics of the piano, the potting shed. Beautiful, beautiful memories, lovely times. Thank you, Kate.