Sold: 425 Wellesley Avenue

The Story: Over 20 years ago, a young couple decided to move from San Francisco to Mill Valley and buy their first home. Ideally the home would be located off the very first 101 freeway exit to save on both coming and going commutes to their jobs in The City. Upon walking through the front door of 425 Wellesley Avenue, with its serene views of the ridge and valley towards Mt. Tamalpais, and situated on approximately half an acre of private, natural surroundings, it was “love at first sight”. The spectacular views from the large and plentiful windows drew them in. The floor plan was ideal. Nestled up top, a primary suite, 2 walk-in closets and a sitting area, allowing for privacy and extended views from its own deck. On the main level, with two additional bedrooms, a full bath, large kitchen, formal dining area and the step down living room anchored by a magnificent (then brick, now stone) fireplace, it was easy to envision growing into this home and starting a family. In addition, adjacent to the living room, there was a large bonus room which would eventually serve beautifully as a fourth bedroom for their son. Below the deck off the primary suite, there is an expansive deck which runs the width of the home, stretching from just outside the living room to the breakfast room and kitchen, perfect for al fresco dining on warm evenings. Connected to the downstairs level, another large deck ideal for outdoor games, whether for shooting hoops, playing ping pong or just as a separate gathering space for friends and family. Over the years, this family would not only remodel the kitchen and furnish it with top line appliances and custom cabinetry, they’d add new birch hardwood floors and replace the carport and roof, re-shingle the exterior of the house and add a separate storage/work room under the 4-car carport. Perhaps the best investment for the family was the permitted development of the downstairs level, which now offers 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath, plus a social room. (Work from home and use one of the bedrooms as a home office, or perhaps as an exercise room or guest suite.) All of this is just a short distance from Tam Junction, Highway 101, biking trails, Good Earth Natural Foods grocery, hiking in Tennessee Valley, Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach and the Golden Gate! Close to the best MV schools, parks and all of the wonderful amenities of Mill Valley. One chapter ends, and a new one begins for the next lucky owners of this very special home.