Welcome to the Mushroom House, a one-of-a-kind coastal escape. Located on the Big Mesa in secluded Bolinas, this rustic visionary structure, built almost 50 years ago, stands boldly, peering down at the Pacific Ocean from its 3-story perch. Just 50 meters from the steep south-facing cliffs that drop down to the rugged beach and a 10 minute walk from nearby Bolinas Beach, the Mushroom House offers expansive views of Duxbury Reef, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas Ridge. Featured in House Beautiful magazine in the 70's as an architectural wonder, the house is truly like no other.
Forget the crowds, traffic and noise of everyday life, just take in the sound of the Pacific Ocean and seaside birds as you slow down to the pace of this magical place.
This 1500 square foot house has three floors. The first two are the mushroom stem. On the first floor, behind a swinging bookshelf, you will find a bunk bed (two beds) and full bathroom with shower. The large bedroom on the second floor has a queen size Necatar bed, 1/2 bathroom, and a beautiful view of the ocean from where you will lay your head. The third floor is the mushroom's cap, featuring a hexagonal, wide-open floor plan that includes a kitchen, living room, and dining area. There is a lovely loft with a queen size Nectar mattress that has pillow views of the ocean and mountain ridge. A full bathroom is right off the living room.
The sleeping arrangement of two queen beds and bunk bed allows for a capacity of 6 occupants. The house is ideal for couples, friends, and families, but there is a spiral staircase between each floor and a ladder to the loft, so convenience and safety should be taken into account when bringing small children or the elderly.
The third floor great room has new wood floors, an 18-foot high ceiling with stained glass at the top, and breathtaking views wherever you look. A sliding glass door leads to the dramatic deck where you can enjoy sunbathing, reading, and al fresco meals. You can also curl up inside and watch a movie on the 65'' LG TV, stay connected if you want through high speed internet, or listen to music on the bluetooth speaker.
On the property grounds you will find a shaded pergola for al-fresco dining, our 6 person cabin sauna with an adjacent outdoor shower (hot water), and friendly critters who we share our space with :) !
The town of Bolinas is an easy half-mile walk from the house, where you will find a quirky little downtown and lovely public beach. Bolinas has a post office (no waiting), a very nice restaurant (The Coast Cafe), a neighborhood bar (Smiley's - they serve burritos now too!) a library, several boutiques, and two grocery stores: The General Store has just about everything you need; The People’s Store, set back from the street, has organic fruits and vegetables and a good dose of Bolinas charm. Check out the Gospel Flat Farmstand on your way into town for the freshest produce that operates 24 hours a day!
The Mushroom House is extremely relaxing and hard to leave, but local activity is too wonderful to ignore. A walk to town and the beach is a must. If you like to hike, don't miss the Palomarin trail to Bass Lake and Alamere Falls, one of the most beautiful and satisfying hikes in the Bay Area. Just 10 minutes away from the house, the trail winds along the coast, heads inland, hits a beautiful swimming lake, then ends back at the beach where a roaring creek tumbles over a steep cliff onto the sand. Road biking, surfing, tide pooling, mountain biking, boogie-boarding, sand-castle building, and many other possibilities await.
The Mushroom House is a gem. It is not new or shiny, but it is warm, homey, comforting, and closely connected to nature's wonders. Migrating whales have been seen from the deck. A pelican carrying a salmon was spotted through the window by a guest doing dishes. The cleansing ocean air graces this special home every day, inside and out. Come experience the simple life.
Note: there is a Ring located next to the front door that monitors the front yard.
