Raising the Farmhouse
By: Kevin Daniel Dwyer
New construction in Marin County is rare, so when top-producing agent Thomas Henthorne’s client purchased a large, private lot in San Rafael’s Dominican neighborhood with approved plans to build, Henthorne jumped at the opportunity to help. From floorplan revisions to exterior changes to interior design, Henthorne brought his vision of a modern farmhouse to life, resulting in one of the most highly anticipated new-build homes to hit the market this year, 31 Gold Hill Grade. We catch up with Thomas to discuss all things design and how his vision is the ultimate value add to his clients.
G: What attracted your client to purchase this vacant lot in the first place?
TH: The location is one of the best in San Rafael, in the Dominican neighborhood, which is known for its stately homes, period architecture, safety and tightly knit community. The lot itself is a one-acre parcel backing up to open space and is steps away from trailheads and hiking trails. You’re perched on a sunny south-facing plot with enveloping views of undulating hills and forest. It’s like living in a nature preserve minutes from downtown. It’s also incredibly private.
G: You had a lot to do with the initial changes of the proposed home. Tell us about that.
TH: New construction is so rare in Marin, so you want to make sure you do it right. The approved plans called for a completely different style home. I wanted to go in a different direction based off what I know buyers are looking for and what will sell in today’s market. We chose to go for a modern farmhouse exterior and we revised some floorplan issues with the original plans.
G: How far into deciding the details did you dive?
TH: Ha, deep! I worked with the builders to pick all the interior and exterior finishes, I specified the light fixtures, flooring, plumbing fixtures, tile, counter tops, colors, etc. I also did all the landscape design and sourced all the plants. My background as a former landscape designer comes in very handy.
G: So you were pretty hands-on?
TH: Absolutely. I’m always deeply involved with all my listings and I think that value add is a major advantage to my services. My clients know it, buyers know it and now your readers know it. I’m grateful to be able to maximize a home’s value while also flexing my creative design side.
G: Describe the home’s space and flow.
TH: It has a great open-concept floor plan which is how people like to live today. There are approximately 4,500 square feet with multiple family rooms, five bedrooms and four and one-half bathrooms. Expansive patios and terraces off the main living areas are ideal for entertaining. I’m all about creating outdoor living rooms. This home really has that quintessential California indoor/outdoor living vibe.
G: What’s unique about this home compared to other projects you’ve been involved in.
TH: Well, for one, it has a 20-foot high ceiling in the main living room which is pretty much unheard of in Marin. It also has a media room located on the lower level which is an unexpected surprise – great for a family with kids.
G: And the coolest part of the house?
TH: It’s hard to choose just one. There’s quite a unique pool. It’s called a Modpool. It’s made from an actual shipping container and has a built-in hot tub. One of the sides has a glass window so you can see out into the yard while swimming. Kids love it! There are only about 250 of them in existence and it is one of the first Modpools in Marin. It’s a great alternative to the conventional in-ground pool.
As a southerner, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wrap around veranda which you don’t see very often in Marin. It adds a very special quality to the home and it’s one of my favorite outdoor spaces. G
31 Gold Hill Grade, San Rafael
Offered at $3,995,000
31GoldHill.com
Thomas Henthorne
Luxury Property Specialist
Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
415.847.5584 | ThomasHenthorne.com | thomas@thomashenthorne.com
Lic.# 01892608