Though his name might not be quite as well-known as other Bay Area architects like Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck, the late John Marsh Davis still left an undeniable mark on the region during his lengthy 40-year career, crafting everything from landmark wineries such as Chateau Souverain and Rutherford Hill, to a swath of avant-garde homes tucked away in the woodsy hills of Marin County . Now one of those residences incorporating the Oklahoma-born designer’s trademark “Forgotten Modern” style has popped up on the market for the the first time in almost 30 years in the Northern
California enclave of Tiburon, just 20 minutes from San Francisco , asking $8.3 million. “I had been looking for a place in Marin all spring and summer in 1996,” says current owner Susan Gause, who purchased the unfinished dwelling for $1.4 million in November of that year and subsequently completed the premises. “Although I had decided to move out of San Francisco for greater access to nature, nothing inspired me until I walked into 325 Taylor. I didn’t know the back side of the Tiburon Peninsula was so beautiful and uncrowded. I fell in love with the house, its abundance of light, and beautiful architecture, views, privacy and serenity… in one heartbeat.” Secluded down a lengthy double-gated driveway that winds its way up to a 5-acre hilltop parcel resting adjacent to the Ring Mountain Preserve, the redwood-clad structure features three bedrooms and an equal number of bathrooms spread across a little more than 4,200 square feet of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired living space—all of it customized with exposed wood elements, high ceilings, abundant built-ins, clerestory windows, an impressive 13 skylights, and covered decks off every room offering picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay and Richmond San-Rafael Bridge. Especially standing out is an open-concept great room boasting a living area warmed by a custom Rumford fireplace and formal dining area, plus a recently updated kitchen outfitted with an expansive eat-in island, top-tier stainless appliances and an accompanying breakfast nook. Other highlights include a spacious primary bedroom suite that comes complete with a room-sized walk-in closet and access to not just one but three al fresco lounging areas, another bedroom that can easily double as an office space and a family room; and outdoors, the scenic grounds host a freestanding hot tub, an array of solar panels, a backup generator, an attached two-car garage and a motorcourt with extra parking for up to six vehicles. “In my 20 years of selling fine homes in Marin County, I have never seen a more private, compelling and breathtaking home,” says Liz McCarthy , who is co-listing the property with Shenna Moe , both of Compass. “From the moment I walked in, I was blown away not only by the views, craftsmanship and rare qualities of this home, but also by the incredible energy that is special to 325 Taylor Road. It is truly a one-of-a-kind estate, and whoever the lucky buyer is I have no doubt they will cherish it for a lifetime.” Click here for more photos of 325 Taylor Road.