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THE DWELL HOUSE
162 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley
Julia Bernardini Luxury Estates Presents
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Quietly Extraordinary
Offered for a 6–12-month lease at $35,000 per month, commencing July 1, 2026.
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, Lara Deam, and architect Christopher C. Deam. They were 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, black-stained Brazilian cherry, blackened cedar, Carrara marble, and clean, trimless lines, bring a balance to the refined palette. A dramatic 13-foot pivot door opens to a garden where the landscape becomes an extension of the interior, creating a 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, exquisite gardens, a firepit, and a separate 440-square-foot custom European white oak studio ideal for a fourth-bedroom suite, guests, work, or creative pursuits. Despite its central location in the heart of town, the home offers the rare convenience of two off-street parking spaces tucked within a private courtyard, complete with an EV charger.
Debuting on the market for the first time. 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 July 1, 2026. Tenant is responsible for utilities.
Design & Interior Features
Kitchen & Appliances
Indoor / Outdoor Living
Additional Spaces
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, black-stained Brazilian cherry, blackened cedar, Carrara marble, and clean, trimless lines, bring a balance to the refined palette. A dramatic 13-foot pivot door opens to a garden where the landscape becomes an extension of the interior, creating a 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, exquisite gardens, a firepit, and a separate 440-square-foot custom European white oak studio ideal for a fourth-bedroom suite, guests, work, or creative pursuits. Despite its central location in the heart of town, the home offers the rare convenience of two off-street parking spaces tucked within a private courtyard, complete with an EV charger.
Debuting on the market for the first time. 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 July 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 B&B Italia, Herman Miller, and Flexform
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
- Exceptional grounds by internationally-recognized Ground Studio Landscape Architecture, designed to feel intimate, private, and immersive
Additional Spaces
- Approx. 3,500 sq ft main residence
- 3 en-suite bedrooms + den + office + multiple flexible living areas
- Dedicated sauna (wellness-focused, inspired by Scandinavian heritage)
- Separate 440 sq ft custom European white-oak studio/office with a bath, ideal for guest use, creative work, or pool house
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
Property Details
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
5
Main house size
3,950 sq ft
Where Nature Meets Culture
Nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley offers a rare blend of natural beauty, vibrant community, and small-town charm—just minutes from San Francisco and the coastal escape of Stinson Beach. Known for its temperate, often sunnier microclimate, the town enjoys an effortless indoor-outdoor lifestyle where miles of scenic trails begin just beyond a lively, walkable downtown. At the Depot Plaza, locals gather over coffee as live music fills the open-air square, while families, cyclists, and hikers move easily between cafés, boutiques, and the surrounding slopes of Mount Tam.
Mill Valley’s culinary scene is both refined and inviting, anchored by longtime favorites such as Buckeye Roadhouse, a beloved institution since 1937, alongside local staples like Bungalow 44 and the modern Mexican favorite Playa. Mornings are equally celebrated, with artisan bakeries such as Le Marais Bakery and gluten-free Flour Craft are contributing to the town’s vibrant café culture. The historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard—now a thoughtfully reimagined indoor-outdoor destination—serves as a central gathering place, home to Watershed and a curated mix of shops and eateries. The town’s newest addition, Corner Bar, introduces a chic, design-forward cocktail experience, further elevating the local dining and social scene.
The town’s cultural fabric is equally rich, with Sweetwater Music Hall anchoring the live music scene and the legendary Throckmorton Theatre—open since 1915—offering a dynamic lineup of performing arts, including its beloved Tuesday night comedy series. The renowned Mill Valley Film Festival and the annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival draw global attention, while a thoughtful collection of galleries and boutiques lines the streets just off the square. In Mill Valley, nature, culture, and everyday life are seamlessly intertwined—offering a setting that is both connected and quietly removed.
Mill Valley’s culinary scene is both refined and inviting, anchored by longtime favorites such as Buckeye Roadhouse, a beloved institution since 1937, alongside local staples like Bungalow 44 and the modern Mexican favorite Playa. Mornings are equally celebrated, with artisan bakeries such as Le Marais Bakery and gluten-free Flour Craft are contributing to the town’s vibrant café culture. The historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard—now a thoughtfully reimagined indoor-outdoor destination—serves as a central gathering place, home to Watershed and a curated mix of shops and eateries. The town’s newest addition, Corner Bar, introduces a chic, design-forward cocktail experience, further elevating the local dining and social scene.
The town’s cultural fabric is equally rich, with Sweetwater Music Hall anchoring the live music scene and the legendary Throckmorton Theatre—open since 1915—offering a dynamic lineup of performing arts, including its beloved Tuesday night comedy series. The renowned Mill Valley Film Festival and the annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival draw global attention, while a thoughtful collection of galleries and boutiques lines the streets just off the square. In Mill Valley, nature, culture, and everyday life are seamlessly intertwined—offering a setting that is both connected and quietly removed.
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Julia Bernardini
Marin Luxury Estates
Julia Bernardini is a top-producing real estate professional recognized on WSJ America’s Best list, representing sellers and buyers across Marin County. Partnered with Compass, the nation’s leading real estate technology company, Julia combines local expertise, sharp intuition, and innovative marketing to deliver exceptional results.
With an entrepreneurial mindset and a forward-thinking approach, Julia leverages cutting-edge technology and her extensive social & professional network to connect clients with the widest possible audience — including exclusive off-market listings that give her buyers and sellers a competitive edge.
Julia leads a trusted team of on-call experts — architects, designers, stagers, contractors, marketing specialists, and lenders — ensuring every property shines and every client’s goals are achieved. Known for her professionalism, integrity, and persistence, she has built a respected reputation among peers and clients alike.
A graduate with a BS in Business Administration, Julia combines strategic thinking with a keen understanding of consumer behavior in Marin’s luxury real estate market. Her ability to identify target audiences and market trends gives her clients powerful leverage in every transaction. A natural go-getter, she’s passionate about helping people achieve their real estate dreams — and she doesn’t stop until they do.
With an entrepreneurial mindset and a forward-thinking approach, Julia leverages cutting-edge technology and her extensive social & professional network to connect clients with the widest possible audience — including exclusive off-market listings that give her buyers and sellers a competitive edge.
Julia leads a trusted team of on-call experts — architects, designers, stagers, contractors, marketing specialists, and lenders — ensuring every property shines and every client’s goals are achieved. Known for her professionalism, integrity, and persistence, she has built a respected reputation among peers and clients alike.
A graduate with a BS in Business Administration, Julia combines strategic thinking with a keen understanding of consumer behavior in Marin’s luxury real estate market. Her ability to identify target audiences and market trends gives her clients powerful leverage in every transaction. A natural go-getter, she’s passionate about helping people achieve their real estate dreams — and she doesn’t stop until they do.
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Julia Bernardini