The community where stylish housing meets open park space
Often referred to more formally as Lucas Valley-Marinwood, this community is a census-designated place in Marin County, located north of Terra Linda and west of San Pablo Bay, US-101 running along its southeastern border. With its great expanses of open space, sheltered valley atmosphere surrounded by gorgeous mountains and hills, and highly coveted neighborhoods, Lucas Valley gives a sense of being miles away from the world when in reality, it’s within five minutes of major highways. It has an incredible protected landscape surrounding, which is lovingly maintained by the community leadership.
Lucas Valley and Marinwood are well-known for being a land perfect for mid-century modern design fans. The renowned Joseph Eichler helped to usher in suburbia here during the 1950s and 1960s, and consequently, the subdivisions are full of his stylish mid-century modern abodes. Later subdivisions mixed in the styles of Cape Cod and classic Californian ranches to make a charismatic blend of architectural design. Additionally, Lucas Valley is a haven of large oasis estates, and various styles—ranging from Mediterranean-inspired to sprawling ranches—of multi-million dollar estates can be found in the hills.
Lucas Valley is home to around just 6,000 residents, a high number of which includes married couples and families. Housing the majority of the Lucas Valley Preserve, this community is great for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who craves open spaces. It boasts wonderful schools and even features a thriving community center and pool designed by Eichler himself.
Local is everything in Lucas Valley, and from your morning cup of coffee to your daily needs, this charming community has you covered. Stop in at the Marinwood Market and get the best locally-grown produce available in addition to gourmet specialty items, fresh meats, and prepared deli foods. Feel like a day of retail therapy? Just twenty minutes away, Northgate Mall awaits with plenty of name-brand stores, including Express and Macy’s.
Grab your daily brew from Red Whale Coffee and see why it’s a cult favorite among locals. Ethically sourced and richly flavored, the roasts here are the perfect staple to your morning routine. Whether you prefer to grind your bag of beans from home or stop in for a hot latte, Red Whale Coffee is a must-try for coffee lovers. Looking for something a little more substantial? Make sure you eat at Big Rock Cafe for some of the best BBQ in the county. Whether you’re choosing to dine in or ordering to-go, you won’t want to miss out on their savory BBQ ribs, delicatessen offerings, comfort foods, and live music.
The most obvious choice for activity in Lucas Valley is exploring the massive Lucas Valley Preserve itself, with its 1271-acres of dazzling beauty. Climb the summit to Mount Burdell for remarkable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Big Rock Trail, and relish in the opportunity to view usually-reclusive wildlife, including golden eagles.
However, traversing the great outdoors isn’t the only form of recreation in Lucas Valley, and the Home Owners’ Association has made certain that its residents can enjoy organized sports as well. The association sponsors a swim team and tennis league, both of which are accessible to those of all ages. For those who just want to enjoy the facilities, they’re open to any member of the association and their guests.
Lucas Valley also hosts plenty of events for the whole community, such as Marinwood Music in the Park. During Friday evenings in the summer months, this concert series features live quality music from local artists in the genres of bluegrass, folk, and rock, as well as tasty BBQ samplings provided by Marinwood Market and a full bar for the grown-ups.
Lucas Valley is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
April was honored with the California Association of Realtors Rising Star Award. She has succeeded in a multitude of varied sales positions throughout her professional career, garnering top awards at both Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller, family-operated businesses.