Thomas Henthorne Marin Real Estate Blog Cover Photo

Welcome to My Marin Real Estate and Lifestyle Blog!

Welcome to My Marin County Real Estate Blog! On this page I share Marin real estate market news and advice for both home buyers and sellers... and those that enjoy reading about real estate. Also you will find other Northern California…
Bench on Gold Hill Fire Road Trail with Mt. Tamalpais in background
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Gold Hill Fire Road Trail Hike San Pedro Mountain | Hiking Marin County

The Gold Hill Fire Road Trail climbs San Pedro Mountain in San Rafael and is one of the lesser-known hiking areas in Marin County. The trail features a moderate to steep climb, stunning views of San Rafael and all of Marin County, and is a great place for dog walkers as well as cyclists. Since it is a fire road to be used in the event of emergency, it is nice and wide with plenty of room for everyone. I recently hiked this trail for the first time and enjoyed it so much I decided to write an article about my new favorite Marin hike.
Rodeo Beach Hike Aerial Shot
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Rodeo Beach Hike | Marin County Hikes | Hiking Marin

The Rodeo Beach hike at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands has been on my list of Marin County hikes to try for years, and a few weeks ago I found a couple of hours to go with a friend. If you are looking for a hike with stunning views, easy parking, historical significance, and did I mention -- stunning views -- this is the hike for you!
Best of San Rafael photo of Mt. Tamalpais

Best of San Rafael | Best of Marin

San Rafael is Marin County's largest city, with a population approaching 60,000 people, and is a great place to kick off my new "Best of Marin" series featuring some of my favorite spots in our beautiful county. This list of the best of San Rafael is by all means not all-inclusive but is a great place to start! The city of San Rafael is undergoing a renaissance, with exciting new restaurants and shops opening along the revitalized 4th Street corridor.
luxury real estate cup of coffee on miele coffee maker

Marin Luxury Real Estate: Built-In Coffee Makers

When I first began selling Marin luxury real estate, I had never seen a built-in coffee maker. I was meeting with a seller and she was giving me a tour of her kitchen, and all of a sudden she pointed to this shining brushed-aluminum contraption…
Photo of Alex and Jeremy with Rotisserie in background

Le Comptoir Updates Their Menu | Marin Dining Scene

Since my original blog article on the opening of the then-new French restaurant & epicerie in San Rafael, Le Comptoir, I have dined there countless times. I have also been asked repeatedly if I have an ownership share in the restaurant (I don't!) because I'm there so often. I just love the food and the ambience, and the friendly team that skillfully welcomes big crowds each evening. I was excited to hear they have updated their menu this week and thought I would share it with you.
Outerlands restaurant photo daytime with diners at tables

Outerlands San Francisco | Dining Out

Outerlands San Francisco has been one of my favorite restaurants since its opening seven years ago. It has been through several chefs, an expansion, and an ever-changing menu, but it is still an excellent restaurant with creative cuisine featuring…
Photo of Hooded Oriole Courtesy Wikipedia

Marin Birds | Make Your Garden Bird-Friendly

"Where have all the Marin birds gone?" lamented one of the guests at a garden party I recently attended in Kentfield, "There used to be many more years ago." I was surprised to hear this, as my own garden is teeming with a variety of birds, putting on quite the show for us each year. I decided to write this article on attracting birds to your garden here in Marin County.
Marin Islands At Sunrise

The Marin Islands | Learn More About the Marin Islands

The Marin Islands are among the least-known islands in San Francisco bay. Technically, they are located in the San Rafael Bay, a part of the San Francisco bay system, and are comprised of two islands named "West Marin" (the smaller island)…
Thomas In Front Of Le Comptoir San Rafael Marin

Le Comptoir French Bistro Review | San Rafael | Marin Dining Scene

Le Comptoir is a new French bistro in San Rafael that opened in early April 2016. Given my love for all things French, including French food, wines and cheeses, I decided to try it and ended up returning for dinner four nights in a row! It's a great addition to the Marin dining scene and worth a visit.
Oscar de la Renta de Young exhibition dress collection

Oscar de la Renta de Young Retrospective

"Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective" is showing at the de Young Museum in San Francisco through May 30, 2016 and is definitely worth seeing. The exhibition follows the famous designer's career from its humble beginnings in Spain through his formative years at some of the most prestigious fashion houses to his illustrious career outfitting high-society and film stars.
photo of Marin Vineyards Paul Edwards and Thomas Henthorne

Marin Vineyards: Harvest At A Local Marin Winery | Marin Winery

Last fall I was invited to join Paul Edwards and Bonnie Balliet at their beautiful home and vineyard on Fawn Drive in San Anselmo for their annual grape harvest. Located in a very warm micro-climate, their land is perfect for growing grapes, says Paul, who is co-owner of Marin Vineyards along with his wife Bonnie...
photo of entrance to Ridgewood Trail
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Ridgewood Trail San Rafael | Hiking Marin

The Ridgewood Trail has many names and is a popular hike in Central Marin County. Also known as the Sleepy Hollow Trail, the Terra Linda / Sleepy Hollow Divide and the Ridgewood Fire Trail, this trail is an easy hike that is popular with dog owners and bicyclists. Because it runs east / west, it is a wonderful hike for mornings and afternoons especially, though it really is a great hike anytime of the day. It is seldom crowded - the above photo was taken at 10 am on a weekend morning.
Four Seasons Montecito

Long Weekend in Montecito At The Four Seasons

The seaside town of Montecito, California, a small town just south of Santa Barbara, is next in my weekend escapes from Marin series. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, Montecito is known for mild weather…
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Joseph Phelps Vineyards | Napa Wine Tasting Review

Joseph Phelps Vineyards is next on my series of day trips from Marin County. Just about every time I drive up to Napa I remark how lucky we are to have a world-class wine region just 45 minutes drive from Marin. I was excited to tour Joseph Phelps as I have been a big fan of their Insignia and Backus blends for quite some time...
round pond estate's christina with thomas

My Visit to Round Pond Estate | Round Pond Napa Winery