Julia Bernardini Luxury Estates Presents
THE DWELL HOUSE
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$35,000
162 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley
Quietly Extraordinary
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beds
4
baths
4.5
interior
3,950 sq ft
Just one and a half blocks from the heart of downtown Mill Valley, the iconic “Dwell House” is a rare convergence of architectural significance, design pedigree, and effortless livability. Discovered in the mid-1990s as a modest cottage, the home became the creative foundation for Dwell and was later reimagined through a thoughtful collaboration between the founder and architect Christopher C. Deam—guided by a vision of modern design rooted in timelessness, simplicity, and a deep connection to the way one lives. Admirers have likened the home to both a Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired composition and a Japanese pagoda—an architectural presence that is at once grounded, serene, and quietly striking.
Just steps from the town’s central square, the home offers a rare sense of walkable, almost urban convenience—morning coffee, groceries, the bookstore, and Old Mill School all moments away—yet unfolds as a private, hidden retreat. Tucked into a lush, courtyard-like garden, the property is thoughtfully sited to create a sense of seclusion, with two hidden courtyards and a kitchen deck offering multiple escapes from the rhythm of town. Clerestory windows wrap the home, diffusing it with natural light, while most of the living spaces orient toward a sunny, landscaped garden and lap pool—creating an airy, open atmosphere that feels both expansive and serene.
The design is both striking and deeply warm—floors of rich Brazilian cherry and walls detailed in recycled redwood bring texture and depth, balanced by a refined palette of blackened cedar, Carrara marble, and clean, trimless lines. A dramatic 13-foot pivot door opens to a series of decks and intimate outdoor spaces where the landscape becomes an extension of the interior, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow that defines both everyday living and effortless entertaining.
At the heart of the home, a beautifully appointed kitchen anchors daily life, centered around a sculptural 14-foot reclaimed California walnut island and equipped with integrated appliances by Sub-Zero, Miele, Gaggenau, and Dacor. The adjacent living spaces, warmed by a wood-burning fireplace, open fluidly to the outdoors—equally suited to quiet evenings and larger gatherings.
Spanning approximately 3,950 square feet, the residence offers three bedrooms, a den, an office, and a series of flexible living spaces designed for both retreat and connection. A dedicated sauna introduces a wellness element, while outside, a resort-like setting unfolds with a 13.5 x 35-foot pool, fire pit, private garden, and a separate 440-square-foot studio ideal for guests, work, or creative pursuits. Two off-street parking spaces with EV charger.
Offered partially furnished with curated, design-forward pieces sourced from global makers, the home reflects a life immersed in architecture, art, and design culture. More than a residence, it is a place of inspiration—where thoughtful design meets warmth and livability, and where one can experience a truly rare Mill Valley lifestyle that feels both deeply connected and quietly removed from the everyday.
Lease Term: Offered partially furnished for a 6–12 month term at $35,000 per month, commencing May 1, 2026. Tenant is responsible for utilities.
Design & Interior Features
Kitchen & Appliances
Indoor / Outdoor Living
Additional Spaces
Sustainability & Build
Lifestyle & Location
Just steps from the town’s central square, the home offers a rare sense of walkable, almost urban convenience—morning coffee, groceries, the bookstore, and Old Mill School all moments away—yet unfolds as a private, hidden retreat. Tucked into a lush, courtyard-like garden, the property is thoughtfully sited to create a sense of seclusion, with two hidden courtyards and a kitchen deck offering multiple escapes from the rhythm of town. Clerestory windows wrap the home, diffusing it with natural light, while most of the living spaces orient toward a sunny, landscaped garden and lap pool—creating an airy, open atmosphere that feels both expansive and serene.
The design is both striking and deeply warm—floors of rich Brazilian cherry and walls detailed in recycled redwood bring texture and depth, balanced by a refined palette of blackened cedar, Carrara marble, and clean, trimless lines. A dramatic 13-foot pivot door opens to a series of decks and intimate outdoor spaces where the landscape becomes an extension of the interior, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow that defines both everyday living and effortless entertaining.
At the heart of the home, a beautifully appointed kitchen anchors daily life, centered around a sculptural 14-foot reclaimed California walnut island and equipped with integrated appliances by Sub-Zero, Miele, Gaggenau, and Dacor. The adjacent living spaces, warmed by a wood-burning fireplace, open fluidly to the outdoors—equally suited to quiet evenings and larger gatherings.
Spanning approximately 3,950 square feet, the residence offers three bedrooms, a den, an office, and a series of flexible living spaces designed for both retreat and connection. A dedicated sauna introduces a wellness element, while outside, a resort-like setting unfolds with a 13.5 x 35-foot pool, fire pit, private garden, and a separate 440-square-foot studio ideal for guests, work, or creative pursuits. Two off-street parking spaces with EV charger.
Offered partially furnished with curated, design-forward pieces sourced from global makers, the home reflects a life immersed in architecture, art, and design culture. More than a residence, it is a place of inspiration—where thoughtful design meets warmth and livability, and where one can experience a truly rare Mill Valley lifestyle that feels both deeply connected and quietly removed from the everyday.
Lease Term: Offered partially furnished for a 6–12 month term at $35,000 per month, commencing May 1, 2026. Tenant is responsible for utilities.
Design & Interior Features
- Thoughtfully reimagined modern residence with a focus on timeless, livable design
- Signature 13’ wide pivot door creating a dramatic architectural entry
- Clerestory windows and expansive glass walls bringing in natural light throughout
- Trimless detailing and clean lines for a refined, gallery-like aesthetic
- Striking interplay of materials including stained black cedar, warm wood flooring, and Carrara marble surfaces
- Cohesive black, white, and natural wood palette with curated moments of color
- Wood-burning fireplace anchoring the main living space
Kitchen & Appliances
- Design-forward, eat-in kitchen positioned as the heart of the home
- Oversized 14-foot reclaimed California walnut island (one-of-a-kind statement piece)
- Premium, integrated appliances including:
- Sub-Zero refrigerator
- Miele built-in espresso system
- Gaggenau in-counter steamer
- Dacor warming drawer
- Designer lighting including Tom Dixon Beat pendants
- Furnishings and accents influenced by global design, including pieces from Ligne Roset and Vitra
Indoor / Outdoor Living
- Seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces—the outdoors as a “fourth wall”
- Multiple private decks and courtyard spaces for entertaining and retreat
- 13.5'x35’ pool with a resort-like setting
- Outdoor fire pit and beautifully maintained garden environment
- Landscaped grounds designed to feel intimate, private, and immersive
Additional Spaces
- Approx. 3,500 sq ft main residence
- 3 bedrooms + den + office + multiple flexible living areas
- Dedicated sauna (wellness-focused, inspired by Scandinavian heritage)
- Separate 440 sq ft studio / office, ideal for guest use, creative work, or pool house
Sustainability & Build
- Emphasis on sustainable design practices and material reuse
- Use of reclaimed materials, including the walnut island
- Non-toxic finishes such as low/no-VOC paints
- Efficient building strategies, including engineered lumber and resource-conscious construction
Lifestyle & Location
- Just 1.5 blocks to downtown Mill Valley—cafés, shops, library, and Old Mill School
- Rare combination of walkability + privacy
- Two off-street parking spaces with EV charging
- A true design legacy property with provenance tied to Dwell
All Property Photos
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about this
Neighborhood
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Family-friendly Mill Valley is all about schools and sports. Nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais, homes in the Marin County city range from 500-square-foot hunter's cabins to multimillion-dollar mansions tucked away on winding, narrow lanes under the redwoods. Coffee is king in Mill Valley. Downtown, three separate coffee shops do a brisk business. At the Depot, as the sunny town center is called, moms with strollers, kids on tricycles, and teenagers kicking hacky sacks relax in the open-air plaza, which now houses an independent bookstore and cafe. The Depot is also a jumping-off spot for hikers and mountain bikers heading up the slopes of Mount Tamalpais. Nightlife in Mill Valley is anchored by Sweetwater Music Hall, which hosts many well-known musical acts. As the groomed playing fields at the community center attest, sports are big in Mill Valley, with soccer, baseball, and lacrosse leagues all popular.
Julia Bernardini
Marin Luxury Estates
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Julia Bernardini