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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…
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…
Hooded Oriole

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.
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…
Bruce-Damonte-for-Joseph-Phelps-Vineyards (1)

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

Round Pond Winery in Napa is worth a visit if you enjoy beautiful views, great wines and wonderful service. Read more here about my visit.
Thomas Henthorne and Josh Flagg
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Josh Flagg San Francisco Design Center 2016 Keynote

I was privileged to attend Design San Francisco's keynote speech and presentation on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the San Francisco Design Center. Featured on stage were Josh Flagg of Bravo TV's "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,"…
The Commissary San Francisco open kitchen

The Commissary San Francisco | Dinner Out

Last night we were celebrating a certain top Marin real estate agent's birthday and decided to try The Commissary San Francisco in The Presidio. I had heard good things about it and it's an easy drive from Marin county, just off the new Presidio…