Another great benefit to living and working in Mill Valley and Marin is the Marin Theater Company, located in Mill Valley. Currently, In the Red and Brown Water is playing there, and due to popularity and demand, it has been extended through October 10. If you like quality theater, DO NOT MISS this production. It is part one of a trilogy by Tarell Alvin McCraney. In the Red and Brown Water takes place on the Louisiana Bayou. The time is “the distant present.” The characters share names with West African Gods from the Yoruba tradition. My wife and I experienced this slick theatrical production just the other night and we were blown away. This play is powerfully acted with all kinds of metaphors hidden in plain sight. The simple device of actors speaking their stage directions subtly elevates the drama to a momentous occasion.

Jan and I are definitely going to see parts two and three of this awesome Brothers/Sisters Trilogy. Part Two is The Brothers Size playing at The Magic Theater in San Francisco and Part Three is Marcus; or The Secret of Sweet which is being performed at A.C.T in San Francisco. I will review parts two and three in future blogs.

Posted by:  Andy Gellepis

The Dipsea Race is this Sunday, June 13th at 8:30 am. The Dipsea has been run every June since 1905, making it the oldest trail race in America, and second oldest road race after the Boston Marathon. The scenic 7.4 mile course starts off in downtown Mill Valley (at The Depot Café) and ends at Stinson Beach. The Dipsea stairs and steep trails make it grueling and treacherous, but it is still considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. And its unique handicapping system has made winners of men and women of all ages.

My own personal experience dates back to 1987 which was my only time competing in the Dipsea. I do run the Dipsea stairs occasionally to get my heart rate up. There are 3 sets of steps with each set containing approximately 180 steps. Everyone’s heart rate races to near maximum (even the elite runners) and the stairs are at the beginning of the race! I hope to participate in the Dipsea race again in the near future, however as a realtor in Mill Valley, Sundays are work days. If you do rune the Dipsea, count on about 3 days of recovery time and that’s if you don’t crash and get injured on the treacherous trails. It is also fun to gather in downtown Mill Valley Sunday morning to watch 1500 runners head in cascade canyon at the beginning of the race.

Don’t forget that Sunday is also a great day to check out our open houses. Go to www.fhallen.com for a list of our opens. 1500 runners will pass by our new listing at 2 Molino Avenue above Old Mill Park.

See you all Sunday morning!!

Posted by:  Andy Gellepis

To me, Memorial Day signals the “official” start of summer and will again this year despite our persistent winter like weather.  To help start your summer off here is a recap of some of the popular Memorial Day weekend activities scheduled around Marin County. 

Marin Greek Festival – Saturday/Sunday 11am-10pm 
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato
(Note that some of the proceeds will go to my favorite organization, Marin Advocates for Children of which I serve on the board)

Larkspur Flower & Food Festival – Sunday 11am-6pm
Downtown Larkspur, Magnolia & King Streets

Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighter’s Barbecue – Sunday 12-5pm
Muir Beach Picnic Grounds(There is a great silent auction and wonderful t-shirts for the whole family)

Caledonia Street Fair – Sunday 11am-6pm
Caledonia Street, Sausalito

Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighters Annual Pancake Breakfast – Monday 7-11am
Masonic Lodge, Mill Valley

Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade – Start time 10:30am
Old Mill Park, along Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

Come to each of these fun events dressed for un-summer like weather and have fun!

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

Dmitri Vedensky, one of the Bay Area’s most esteemed architects, is known for tucking a house into the landscape without disturbing it at all. He designs thinking of three dimensions-absorbing into consciousness the slope of the land, the vault of the sky, the reach of the horizon, and the undulations underfoot. He knows the course of the sun, the presence of the neighbors, working with the land. And he fuses elegant design sensibility with the specifics of the site.

This is very evident when you look at 657 Lovell Avenue in Mill Valley.

Vedensky studied at Cal with Eric Mendelson and William Wurster, and was an architect working with Joseph Esherick when The Sea Ranch, a planned community located along the Sonoma County coast, was created. One of the first eco-communities in California, Sea Ranch homes are noted for having simple timber-frame structures and combining modern and local architectural styles. Vedensky served on the The Sea Ranch design committee from 1986 until he died in 1997. When you drive up to 657 Lovell, you immediately feel as if you are at Sea Ranch but in the trees.

The home at 657 Lovell is bathed in sun in a clearing in the trees. The living room becomes one with nature through the use of a large picture window that lets in the soft natural light and allows you to feel as though you are outside. It is a quiet place to read with a fire and a cup of tea and watch the winter rain. The dining room is open, communicating with the living room and kitchen. During the day, there are differing kinds of light that bathe the house.

Come see this classic example of Vedensky’s work. For more information, contact judy@marindreamhome.com.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

I feel very blessed to live in Mill Valley with the ability to explore and experience all the Marin has to offer. Anther super cool Mill Valley/Marin event begins this weekend!

This week marks the beginning of a well-known Marin County tradition of Mountain Play, held annually on Mt. Tamalpais. This has been a production brought to Marin since 1913. Mountain Play is a once yearly non profit production that serves to strengthen the community and give a “spectacular, outdoor theatrical experience that nurtures an appreciation of Mt. Tamalpais.”

This year features a crowd favorite rendition of Guys and Dolls: “A fable about what happens to gambling men and the women who long to tame them.” The whole day includes a picnic contest, a raffle, a costume contest and guest performers and a puppet show for the kids before the main event.

Tickets start at $36 and the Greek-style open auditorium is all general admission, so it’s first come first serve with seating. Tickets can be purchased online at the Mountain Play website, or over the phone only. More information and to purchase tickets is available at www.mountainplay.org. Also on the website is a link on directions for cars, bikes, and a free shuttle, as well as what you might want to bring for your Mountain Play experience.

It’s a Marin County favorite so head over to the web site and plan your day out with family and friends, you won’t regret it!

Posted by:  Andy Gellepis

I woke up this morning in Mill Valley (because I live there), and I was pleasantly surprised to see all of the vintage cars lined up in front of Piazza D’Angelo at 7:00 am. This is part of the weekend festivities planned for The Marin Sonoma Concours d’ Elegance.

They proceed to drive from Mill Valley and wind through West Marin to the Rockin’ H Ranch for lunch. The drivers end up at II Davide Restaurant for a wine and cheese event. The drive includes 75 Porsches, including Janis Joplin’s Psychedelic painted Porsche, and 75 pre-1978 vehicles. It looks like a lot of fun!

This evening (Saturday, May 15, 2010) is a reception at The Acqua Hotel for the participants and community supporters of this awesome event.

Sunday, May 16th is the big event at The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Main Civic Center, a landmark building that was the world renowned architect’s last major project. An outstanding selection of 200 classic and special interest cars will be displayed alongside the beautiful lagoon on the grounds of the Civic Center. The gates open at 9:00 am (until 4:00 pm) and general admission is $15.

Frank Howard Allen Realtors is a proud sponsor of this second annual Concours d’ Elegance and the event is benefitting Hospice by the Bay.

See you all there!

Posted by:  Andy Gellepis

Each month the Mill Valley Art Commission works with local businesses and artists to put together an eclectic art show showcasing local talent. The first Tuesday of every month, between 6 and 8 PM, is the premier event – First Tuesday Artwalk – in which Mill Valley businesses, galleries and restaurants unveil the art along with hosting receptions to meet the artists.

Frank Howard Allen agent Tom Bolles will have his work on display at our downtown Mill Valley office (25 East Blithedale Avenue) through May 30. Please stop by tonight for the “Cuarto de Mayo” Opening Reception and view Tom’s collection: Bite Size, 20 Years of Small Artworks.

Other venues include the Mill Valley Public Library, the Depot Bookstore & Café, 142 Throckmorton Theatre and Tyler Florence. For a map and full listings, visit the Art Commission Page on the City of Mill Valley website.

Posted by:  Andy Gellepis

I have clients from Washington, D.C. who have fallen in love with Bolinas. Of the houses they have seen, many need major remodeling. That is a problem because even if they can get permission from the necessary authorities – Public Utilities District (BPUD), the county of Marin and in some cases, The California Coastal Commission.

Bolinas is a true throw back to the tie-dye days of the protests on the campus at Berkeley. The locals don’t want their town changed. That can be good in keeping the sleepy village feel but it can be bad for it is virtually impossible to update what is there.

According to yesterday’s story in the New York Times it will cost you if you want to build a house in this country hamlet in West Marin. And if you do, it will take 4-7 years of planning and the approval process to get a project finished. Bottom line, if you love Bolinas that much then you have to have a lot of patience and deep pockets to live the quiet, hippy inspired life in Bolinas.

Posted by:Judy LeMarr

These are very stressful times in our challenged real estate market and in this recessionary economy. One of the many options in Mill Valley that helps me (and my colleagues) persevere and stay positive is Tuesday night comedy at 142 Throckmorton. Every Tuesday night you can enjoy comedy at The Throckmorton Theater starting at 8:00 and going to 10:30 and sometimes even 11:00. The Tuesday night comedy is called Mark Pitta and Friends. Laughter is a great stress reducer in these stressful times. I went last night with a group of friends and we saw several local comedians and we laughed our selves silly. Sometimes laughing at yourself is the most fun. As a Mill Valley resident and local realtor I try to attend Comedy night once a month. It is a great way to get together with friends and have dinner at one of our local restaurants and walk over to 142 Throckmorton for an evening of laughter. Many times local residents, Robin Williams and/or Dana Carvey, will show up and practice their routines on us before taking to the road (i.e. Las Vegas, New York etc.). The comedy is always funny and occasionally a bit raunchy. The performers will pick on audience members so be prepared to be put on the spot. For times and performances go to www.142throckmortontheatre.com and you can buy tickets in advance. It’s $20 a head for comedy and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best values you can find in Marin!

This is just one of the many “quality of life” benefits Mill Valley has to offer. Whether you choose to mountain bike, hike to the beach, meet a friend at a local café, enjoy dining at one or our quality restaurants or enjoy an evening of comedy, Mill Valley is the place to do it. On other nights The Throckmorton features music, dancing and theater. Oh, by the way, if you do not live in Mill Valley, see me at www.fhallen.com and I think I can help you find an awesome place to call home!

Posted by:Andy Gellepis

On a beautiful Saturday or Sunday when the traffic is backed up at the Stinson Beach exit at Highway 101, people assume that everyone is headed for the beach. Not necessarily so. At the foot of Mt. Tam State Park rests Muir Woods, the national monument consisting of 559 acres of old-growth redwood forest. Only 12 miles from San Francisco and close to the ocean, it is often shrouded in fog.

Muir Woods is awe inspiring not just for the giant redwoods but also the peace and quiet (go early or at off hours and have the valley to yourself). Salmon spawn in the creek, the birds are plentiful and the plant life green and lush. It is also inspirational to read the history of how its conservation came to be by the dedication of William Kent.

The “monument” is only open during the day; there is no camping. This is a magnificent day trip to hike on both paved and unpaved trails that wind around these magnificent trees. On busy weekends (aka full parking lots), parking is provided at the Highway 101 exit and shuttle buses will take you to the entrance.

If you are a local and haven’t seen this breathtaking forest of redwoods, don’t wait for out-of-town guests as an excuse to go. And if you are visiting the Bay Area, do yourself a favor and take this little detour to Muir Woods. You will never forget it.

If you’re traveling north and would like to experience the splendor of the redwoods in Sonoma County, check out the Armstong Woods post on our GuideMeHome2Sonoma blog.

Posted by:Judy LeMarr

It has always held true in real estate that the most desirable neighborhoods have the best public schools and consequently, buyers pay a premium to live there. The San Francisco Chronicle featured the good school/premium price relationship in today’s Cover Story. You can read it here.

My own experience as a father and a realtor living and working in Mill Valley has been profound. Back in 1992 when our son started public school (first grade) we made a decision to move to Mill Valley for all of the fabulous lifestyle reasons (recreational activities, weather, proximity to San Francisco and so many others). However, the primary reason we moved to Mill Valley was the quality of the public school system. We were not disappointed. Our son embraced the whole larger public school scene including Tam Valley Elementary, Mill Valley Middle and Tam High. He excelled in school which says a lot about him, but he believes (as do his mom and dad) that the school system was conducive to his success. Billy graduated in 2004 and had several great choices for college including one Ivy League school. He chose UCLA and that decision was based partly on the larger public school environment he grew up in. Billy excelled at UCLA where he graduated in 2008 and is now working in a challenging but rewarding position that he thoroughly enjoys.

As a realtor for over 20 years in Marin/Mill Valley my experience has been equally positive. I have worked with many corporate transferees and their families relocating to the bay area for other parts of the country (and the world). I have also counseled countless families moving from San Francisco to Marin. 75% to 80% of my clients gravitate to Mill Valley, Tiburon-Belvedere, Corte Madera-Larkspur and Kentfield-Ross for many positive lifestyle reasons. In surveys, we found out that once again, schools are the number one factor in their decision making process. In the end, buyers will compromise on the size, age and amenities of the house to live in the best neighborhood with the BEST schools. That old real estate adage will never change!

Click here to get detailed neighborhood and school information for Marin County.

Posted by:Andy Gellepis

Despite the ongoing rain, the real estate market has blossomed for spring. This is evidenced by a substantial increase in activity, more listings, more sales, more closings and more traffic visiting our listings at weekend open houses and private showings. This activity is being driven by quality inventory which I define as, well-located and well-priced homes in desirable locations. Inventory as of March 1, 2010 is still running behind March 1, 2009 listings. On the other hand, closings through March 1, 2010 are 258 compared to 193 during the same time frame in 2009. The percentage in contract (number of homes under contract as a percentage of total homes available) as of March 1, 2010 is 41% versus 30% last March 1. These numbers are significant because they reflect the fact that buyers are making offers on our quality inventory this year as opposed to “waiting for prices to drop” last year. This is also an indicator that buyers believe that the market has bottomed out.

 

Frank Howard Allen, Mill Valley is doing its part to launch the spring market with several new desirable properties. Please check out www.226juliaave.com, www.81hillsideave.com and www.378woodside.com. It will be a very active spring. The lower-end of the market is most active right now. However, we are starting to gain some momentum in the $1-plus-million market and even the $2-plus-million market. Stay tuned for further updates on how spring plays out.

Posted by:Andy Gellepis

In an effort to save paper (and trees) the Planning and Building departments of the City of Mill Valley in Marin County, California, are both Tweeting and using Facebook.

The departments are sending out messages about upcoming meetings, vacancies on the commission and the like. No specific projects are discussed. They also have a joint Facebook page, which provides information about meetings, workshops, applications, etc.

To follow the planning and building in Mill Valley on Twitter, go to twitter.com/mvplanning or twitter.com/mvbuilding.

You can also follow Frank Howard Allen on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted by:Judy LeMarr

It’s that time of the year again when the film world converges on Mill Valley for the 32nd Annual Mill Valley Film Festival. Frank Howard Allen has been a sponsor and supporter of the MVFF for ten years and counting and we are thrilled for this event to be back in town.

The Festival begins on Thursday, October 8, with two opening films (The Boys Are Back and Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire), followed up by an Opening Night party where we’ll be hanging out with invited guests Clive Owen, Scott Hicks and Lee Daniels. The 11-day event continues with a full line-up of movies, parties, tributes, spotlights, and live performances. It is so much fun to discover small independent films that can have a huge impact when they get released. The local restaurants and bars are energized with a little bit of “Hollywood” going on, minus the “LA thing.” There are also seminars for aspiring filmmakers and tributes to many fine actors, writers and directors. This year’s tributes include: Uma Thurman, Woody Harrelson and Anna Karina.

Each year, the stars and film people always seem to fall in love with Mill Valley and Marin – We have plenty of homes to choose from this year, so if you’re in town for the event, think about this: you could be living a fabulous but low key/high quality lifestyle in Mill Valley, and only travel to Los Angeles to make your movies…I’m SOLD !

The MVFF wraps up on October 18 with the closing films (Looking for Eric and The Young Victoria) and a Closing Night party and moonlight cruise aboard the California Hornblower.

Frank Howard Allen’s downtown office is located in the heart of all the MVFF action. We are located at 25 East Blithedale between Sunnyside and Throckmorton and across from Bungalow 44. Please stop in and say hello.

Check out www.MVFF.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

See you at the movies…

Click on photo for larger image

Andy Gellepis

Mill Valley is known for the Dipsea Race which takes place the second Sunday every June. The race which has been officially in existence since 1905, is the oldest foot race in the country second to the Boston Marathon. The cross country course is 7.5 miles of pure challenge. The 1500 registered runners, selected by both qualifying and through a lottery system, start in downtown Mill Valley with a sprint down Throckmorton Avenue through Old Mill Park, up the Dipsea Stairs (which equals a fifty story building) down into Muir Woods and up again through the trees over trails named Cardiac and Dynamite. After Cardiac, the course then plunges back down over rocks and roots of Steep Ravine and then one last climb up Insult Hill before gently sloping down toward the Pacific to Stinson Beach. Such a course with the narrow and steep trails requires that the number of runners be restricted, both due to potential environmental impact and injury.

This annual race draws a lot of attention, good crowds and a lot of local lure. Among the top five finishers this year was a young 12 year old girl. Who knows, maybe next year it will be hers.

Posted by:Judy LeMarr

As we go into Memorial Day Weekend in Mill Valley, lots of exciting things are happening. The Mountain Play begins this weekend. “Man of La Mancha” will be performed starting this Sunday at the Mt. Tamalpais Amphitheater in Mill Valley. Also, on Sunday the annual Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade will roll through the streets which will be jam packed with MV families, locals, SF bikers and hikers, and tourists. It will be quite an event and in the past FHA-Mill Valley has participated in the parade with a float. I think we will have to resurrect that tradition again next year!

Frank Howard Allen will also have several MV properties open this weekend. The real estate market has gained some traction recently in Mill Valley. We have sold several of our listings between $1 and $2 million in the last few weeks. We are also experiencing lots of activity on our listings above $2 million. With lots of inventory and low interest rates, the Mill Valley lifestyle has not been this attractively priced for several years.

So why don’t you join us this weekend to watch the parade, enjoy the Mountain Play and maybe just buy a house. There hasn’t a better time for a while. We will be waiting!

Posted by:Andy Gellepis

What defines luxury in luxury homes in Southern Marin County? Is it location, size, age, materials, views? Maybe some or all of the above.

To find a “luxury” home in Southern Marin, there are many variables and no two homes are the same.

There are young families who are willing to pay a premium to be able to walk to town in Mill Valley and stroll with the kids to the park, school or get a cup of coffee at Peet’s.

There are those who think bigger is better. And bigger is often next door to smaller homes. There are large lots (half acre by Southern Marin standards) and small which are measured by the foot.

Families seem to think that each child should have a separate room and bath. No more sharing like the kids of my generation. And then of course there is the guest room and home office and separate play room and/or home theater.

The age of the home sometimes determines the quality of the work, the layout of the floor plan or possibly, the need for current upgrades. It is possible to find a home that incorporates both the old charm and the new wants and needs of the homeowner.

Some of today’s buyers want “green” which is sometimes loosely defined by real estate agents. Finding a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified home is not that easy but many homes have green design elements either by choice for environmental reasons, West Elm contemporary esthetics or newly revised building requirements by cities such as Mill Valley who gives credits to the builder using green technology and building practices. Luxury could be defined by the large kitchen with granite counters and dual dishwashers and refrigerators or maybe it is sleek Italian cabinets or just concrete counter tops.

And then there is the view. To some that means trees and a quiet stream, a relaxing garden or a view of Mt. Tamalpais. Others want the dramatic San Francisco city view which command a premium. To see two Mill Valley homes with spectacular views of downtown San Francisco, see www.2TamalpaisAve.com and www.321SummitAvenue.com. Both of these homes define luxury in unique ways that are totally different from each other.

What is your definition of luxury? Contact me at jlemarr@fhallen.com or 415-380-4642 if you are looking for luxury homes in Marin County.

Posted By: Judy Lemarr

Hi my name is Andy Gellepis and Mill Valley is my home. I am one of the fortunate people who get to wake up in the morning to this vibrant “small town” with a big “lifestyle”. I say good morning to most of my neighbors and friends as we ride our mountain bikes, hike and run the abundant and gorgeous trails that go up Mt. Tamalpais, down through the canyons and over the hillsides to Muir and Stinson beaches. After that we congregate at one of the many charming cafes and indulge in espressos, cappuccinos and lattes (mostly organic). Then the master “hedge fund” managers make their twenty minute commute into San Francisco. The artists among us head for their studios. The realtors are on their blackberries as they make their way to neighborhood real estate offices. And the entrepreneurs get to walk or ride their bikes home to start their work day. It is an invigorating way to start the day!

Naturally, our housing in Mill Valley is as diverse and eclectic as its residents. We have beautiful craftsman style homes on “middle ridge” (see 2 Tamalpais listed for $3,125,000) and charming bungalows in Sycamore Park just waiting to be “fixed up”. People from all over the world gravitate to Mill Valley when given the opportunity to move to the San Francisco bay area. A senior level executive with Nestle from Switzerland bought the first house he saw in Mill Valley because it reminded him and his wife of the Swiss Village they came from. A prominent musician bought a “rocken pad” in the hills for the views, sun and beautifully natural surroundings. Young professionals from San Francisco pick MV as their destination (to live) because of the quality schools, recreation, lifestyle and tight knit community feel. The Mill Valley Little League and Mill Valley Soccer League’s are well run and tons of fun!

Evenings in Mill Valley can be mellow but there is no shortage of activities if one chooses to engage. We have a great selection of exciting restaurants to choose from, many of which are walking distance from our homes (The Buckeye Roadhouse to El Paseo). There are hip and happening boutiques, cafes and even comedy (Tuesday Comedy at 142 Throckmorton) and musical venues (soon re-opening of The Sweetwater) from which to choose. The Tyler Florence Shop just relocated from New York to the building were the Mill Valley-born Banana Republic once lived. Many residents dine al fresco on their decks and in their backyards with friends to enjoy the views and solitude as Mill Valley quiets down and goes to sleep.

As a realtor, it is such a natural for me to sell Mill Valley, I feel blessed. We sell lifestyles and if our clients can afford it, we will find them a home that will fit their needs. For all of the reasons stated above, Mill Valley is in high demand and relatively expensive in its housing. The average sale price of a single family home in MV year end 2008 was $1.5 million. Oh by the way, Mill Valley is surrounded by the Ocean on one side, the bay on the other and is comprised of about 80% open space (GGNRA and Mt Tam). The supply of available MV homes is always limited. So get it while you can. They are not making any more Mill Valleys…….

Posted By: Andy Gellepis