San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Hot Property
Couple reimagines Mill Valley five-bedroom with San Francisco skyline, Richardson Bay views.
There was work to be done at 229 Reed Blvd. in Mill Valley, but Mimi and Peter Towle knew this when they bought the property in June 2004.
Over the years, they steadily transformed the two-story with nondescript curb appeal, a patchwork interior and limited views into a welcoming fivebedroom with a cascading garden and arresting outlooks of Richardson Bay, Belvedere
Island, the Bay Bridge, the San Francisco skyline and beyond.
“It was a yellow rectangle, and every room was a different color,” Mimi Towle said. “It was a total fixer. But it’s been a gift to be able to create a home here.”
The couple increased the square footage by adding a dining room and expanding the master bedroom and bath. Their addition of a vaulted ceiling and clerestory windows provides the living room a light, airy ambience. They used eco-friendly and energy efficient features and finishes whenever possible, like the whole house water filtration system and radiant heated floors (bamboo on the top and concrete on the bottom).
Found in Mill Valley’s Strawberry neighborhood, the home is situated within walking distance of the Strawberry Shopping Center, Strawberry Point elementary school and the local recreation center, famous for its outdoor pool and sport fields. “While there is an eclectic mix of ages in the neighborhood, it’s been a great spot to raise our kids,” Mimi Towle said.
“Families block off streets for Halloween, the nearby public dock offers water access and they’re remodeling the nearby recreation center,” she said. “The location is almost as much a selling point as its view.”
The front yard is protected by a hedge and gate, leading to concrete slabs plotted along the level lawn that leads to a patio and the front door. Once inside, the home’s flowing main level comes into focus just beyond a foyer with a built-in storage alcove.
Built with entertaining in mind, the living room includes ceiling speakers and an upholstered bench, while the generous dining room includes a wine closet and opens onto a slate deck through sliding glass doors.
Shaker cabinetry and display shelves provide the kitchen with ample storage. Dual ovens complement a built-in cook top. A sunny banquette and a breakfast bar topped with cypress wood provide casual dining spaces.
Arresting views of the water and rolling hillsides await in the master bedroom, a retreat-like vibe featuring a steam shower and covered private deck.
The versatile lower level features a family room, exercise area and bonus room that could serve as an office. Like the family room, the downstairs bedroom steps out to a landscaped backyard that gently rolls downhill.
Set on a little more than a quarter of an acre, the home’s garden includes irrigated planter boxes and a grove of a dozen olive trees. Inspired by the olive oil blend at Frantoio Ristorante in Mill Valley, the Towles bought a mixture of Arbequina, Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina olive trees.
“We never got around to bottling any, but the birds enjoy the olives,” said Mimi Towle.
A Meyer lemon tree, avocado and fig trees also dot the rear garden that includes an elevated patio bordered by grapevines.
Learn more at www.229reed.com.
Listing agent: Chelsea E. Ialeggio, Vanguard Properties, 415300-6881, chelsea@vanguard marin.com.