180 El Cerrito Ave, San Rafael

$1,895,000 | 3 BEDROOMS + OFFICE | 2.5 BATHROOMS | 2,407± SQFT

Welcome to 180 El Cerrito, a rare balance of seclusion, scale, and accessibility in San Rafael

Tucked along a quiet private road in the Upper Forbes neighborhood of San Rafael, 180 El Cerrito is defined by its setting—just over an acre of oak-studded landscape with wide-open views stretching toward Mount Tamalpais and the surrounding Marin hills. The home feels tucked away and private, yet the location remains closely connected to the everyday convenience of downtown.

Inside the home, wraparound windows bring the landscape into focus from nearly every room, while vaulted ceilings create a sense of airiness that carries throughout the main living spaces. The layout is open but intentional, with the living room anchored by a fireplace and oriented toward the views, flowing easily into the dining area and kitchen. A breakfast nook sits just off the kitchen, positioned to capture morning light and connect to the surrounding greenery. Two decks, one wrapping the main level and a more secluded upper deck, extend the living experience outdoors, offering multiple places to gather or step away and take in the setting.

The floor plan is both functional and flexible, with three well-proportioned bedrooms, a dedicated office, and a separate family room with its own fireplace, creating space for unwinding or informal living. Thoughtful upgrades throughout the home reflect a focus on quality and longevity, from Marvin windows and refined interior finishes to updated systems and smart home integrations. The grounds have been maintained and improved, with enhanced fire safety measures, irrigation, and custom fencing, including a fenced rear yard that provides usable outdoor space for pets, gardening, or play.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

3 bedrooms + dedicated office | 2.5 bathrooms
Over 1 acre of private, oak-studded land
Expansive views of Mount Tamalpais and surrounding hills
Wraparound windows framing views from main living spaces
Two fireplaces: main living room and separate family room
Chef-oriented kitchen with granite countertops and premium appliances including Thermador and Miele
Breakfast nook connected to kitchen and main living areas
Wraparound main deck plus additional upper deck for outdoor living
Wine room and generous under-house storage
Two-car garage with additional storage systems
Fenced rear yard suitable for pets, gardening, or outdoor use
Marvin windows and doors throughout
Refinished hardwood floors and updated interior finishes
Smart home features including Nest system, security cameras, and alarm system
High-efficiency furnace, water heater, and backup generator
Extensive exterior improvements including drainage, irrigation, and fire safety upgrades

LOCATION

Close proximity to Downtown San Rafael dining, bars, and everyday conveniences
Close to the San Rafael Public Library, Falkirk Cultural Center, and Boyd Memorial Park
Nearby Marin Academy High School and Sun Valley Elementary School
Close access to Highway 101 and the SMART Train for commuting

Gallery

A location that supports both privacy and connection, offering space, views, and a strong sense of setting, without giving up the convenience of living in San Rafael.

The Upper Forbes neighborhood offers elevated living, natural surroundings, and a quieter residential feel where homes are spaced out, views are uninterrupted, and daily life feels more removed from the pace below.

At the same time, the proximity to Downtown San Rafael keeps everything easily accessible. Local restaurants, cafes, and the Rafael Theater are just minutes away, along with access to some of Marin’s most established schools and parks. Weekends can shift easily between time spent on nearby trails, afternoons downtown, or simply in home and enjoying the home itself.