53 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross

$1,895,000 | 2 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHROOMS | 2,389± SQFT

A modernist home with Japanese influence, lush gardens, and a tranquil backdrop in Ross

Welcome to 53 Sir Francis Drake Blvd—a 1949 eclectic home with Japanese-inspired and mid-century influences, defined by natural materials, craftsmanship, and a strong connection to its surroundings.

The driveway, lined with bamboo, fig and other mature trees, accommodates 4-5 cars and creates privacy from the street. Behind a traditional Japanese-roofed gate canopied by a gorgeous, flowering cherry tree, the home opens to a thoughtfully designed Japanese-inspired garden, where stepping stones move through layered plantings and a zen fountain. The front pathway was intentionally designed to echo falling cherry blossoms, an effect that comes to life each spring as petals scatter naturally across the ground.

Inside, the home carries a strong sense of character, shaped by rich solid Mahogany paneling, vintage tiling, stained glass windows, and a series of rooms that each tell their own story. A stained glass dome skylight anchors the entry, casting colored light that shifts throughout the day. The main living room is warm and grounded, centered around a substantial brick fireplace and connected to a glass-enclosed sunroom that looks out to the surrounding gardens. The kitchen balances function and design with butcher block countertops, a Viking range, and a skylight that draws in natural light. A cozy family room with a mid-century feel offers a more casual space for lounging or hosting while cooking meals. A formal library, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling wood paneling with built-in shelving and its own fireplace, creates a more intimate, moody escape within the home.

The layout offers flexibility across approximately 2,389 square feet, with two bedrooms, an office, 2 sunrooms, and a spacious 1,814 sq ft lower-level basement providing extensive storage rarely found in Marin. The primary suite opens to a light-filled sitting area with picture windows positioned to take in views of the creek just beyond. From here, an adjoining glass-enclosed workspace extends the experience, creating a setting that feels immersed in the surrounding nature. The en-suite bath adds a distinct sense of character, finished with cobalt blue vintage tile and rich wood paneling.

The secondary bedroom is positioned alongside the home’s formal library. Sliding doors open directly to the deck, offering an easy connection to the outdoors. The adjacent full bathroom carries through the home’s vintage feel, featuring a clawfoot tub, separate shower, and water closet.

Outdoor spaces extend the living experience, with a split-level deck designed for both entertaining and relaxing, all set against the backdrop of Corte Madera Creek. The creek brings a dynamic natural element to the property, where deer and birdlife are regularly seen, and steelhead salmon pass through seasonally. The result is a home that feels artistic, private, and closely tied to its natural surroundings.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

2 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms
Approx. 2,389 sq ft + 1,814 sq ft basement (per architectural plans) for storage or flexible use
2 Additional office and multiple sunrooms/solariums
Situated on a 0.27-acre lot with creekside setting
4-5 car off-street parking, set back from Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Fully owned solar and electric car charger
Japanese-inspired gardens designed by a landscape architect, featuring a fountain, mature plantings, and layered greenery
Corte Madera Creek directly behind the home, creating a tranquil soundscape
Split level outdoor deck
Stained and leaded glass details throughout, including a custom entry dome skylight and dining room panels by a Mendocino artist
Living room with brick fireplace and glass-enclosed sunroom adjacent
Formal library/study with fireplace, coffered ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving
Kitchen with butcher block countertops, sage/olive cabinetry, brass fixtures, skylight, and Viking 6-burner range
Bosch electric vehicle charger
Enclosed front garden with raised planters

LOCATION

Located in the flats of Ross walkable to downtown San Anselmo with local shops, restaurants, and cafés
Also near downtown Ross for school, more dining and community amenities
Minutes to Phoenix Lake and surrounding trails
Near Marin Art and Garden Center
Close to top local schools including The Branson School and Ross School
Easy access to hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation throughout central Marin

Gallery

Ross–San Anselmo living with walkable access, nearby trails, and a strong sense of community

Positioned at the border of Ross and San Anselmo, this location offers a balance of accessibility and neighborhood character. The home is perfectly placed for morning walks to nearby cafés, afternoons spent on the trails around Phoenix Lake, and easy access to both towns for dining, shopping, and community events. The surrounding area is known for its strong sense of community, top-rated schools, and a focus on outdoor living. It’s a setting that supports both convenience and escape, where everything you need is close by, but the home still feels like a world of its own.