Legendary singer, songwriter, and activist Joan Baez is celebrated for her powerful voice and unwavering dedication to social justice. A defining figure in the 1960s folk music movement, she played a vital role in the civil rights and anti-war movements, using her music as a force for change.
Her legacy of artistry and activism is reflected in the 2,153-square-foot Marin County home she once owned—a residence that embodies history, creativity, and natural beauty.
A Historic Home with Deep Musical Roots
Nestled on a 0.51-acre lot with panoramic views of the bay and Mount Tamalpais, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home carries a rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Built in 1980 by Albert Baez, a physicist and father to musicians Joan Baez and Mimi Fariña, the home was designed as both a family retreat and a gathering space. Its circular great room, crafted for entertaining, also served as a Quaker meeting place, reflecting the Baez family’s commitment to community and spirituality.
Breathtaking Views & Natural Tranquility
Expansive windows frame stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and the bay, offering a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop. Whether savoring a morning coffee on the deck or watching the sunset from the living room, the surrounding natural beauty enhances the home’s serene ambiance.
Architectural Warmth & Thoughtful Design
The home’s vaulted, cathedral-style ceilings create an open and airy atmosphere, while exposed wood elements add a sense of warmth and character. Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, a series of decks and a welcoming front porch extend the living space into nature, blending comfort with serenity.
A Home Built for Comfort & Connection
The open-concept kitchen, featuring butcher block countertops, a large island with a sink, and a pantry closet, is both functional and stylish—perfect for cooking, gathering, and entertaining.
Upstairs, the primary suite serves as a private retreat, complete with a balcony overlooking the landscape and a spacious sitting area for relaxation. Eco-conscious heating elements, including a wood stove fireplace and baseboard heating, ensure a cozy ambiance during cooler Marin County nights.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Multiple decks and outdoor spaces invite residents to embrace the tranquility of nature, while the thoughtfully designed, low-maintenance landscaping offers privacy and ease. Whether hosting guests or simply enjoying a quiet moment, the home’s inviting indoor and outdoor spaces work in perfect harmony.
A Picturesque Entryway
A charming wooden boardwalk leads to the home, weaving through the marshlands and offering uninterrupted views of Mount Tamalpais—a fitting entry to this peaceful, history-filled retreat.
Scroll down to explore more photos of this one-of-a-kind home!
The home’s rustic shingled exterior blends effortlessly with its natural surroundings, while a bold red door adds a pop of personality and warmth.
An expansive array of windows lines the rear facade, capturing panoramic views of the marshlands and allowing nature to become part of the living experience.
A breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills stretches beyond the private deck, providing a serene escape surrounded by open marshland and distant mountain peaks.
The inviting wooden boardwalk leads deeper into the landscape, offering a scenic path for peaceful strolls through the untouched beauty of the marsh.
An eclectic collection of mailboxes lines the Greenbrae Boardwalk, showcasing the neighborhood’s unique character and rich sense of community.
A spacious deck with wooden furniture invites outdoor dining, where guests can gather and enjoy a meal while soaking in the tranquil natural surroundings.
An inviting front deck features cozy seating, perfect for unwinding while gazing out over the charming boardwalk and peaceful waters beyond.
The private upper balcony provides an intimate retreat with elevated views, offering a peaceful spot to take in the quiet beauty of the marsh.
Elegant Interiors
The welcoming entryway features a rich wood floor, a vintage bench, and a coat rack, creating a stylish yet functional first impression.
Cozy and inviting, the great room features a wood-burning stove, curved walls, and panoramic windows, seamlessly blending warmth with uninterrupted views of nature.
An open-concept great room offers a unique circular layout, modern furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the picturesque marshland setting.
The inviting seating area includes plush sofas, a glass coffee table, and a statement fireplace, making it the perfect space for relaxation.
An elegant reading nook showcases built-in bookshelves, cozy seating, and soft lighting, creating an ideal space for quiet moments and literary escapes.
The stylish media lounge features a comfortable sofa, sleek decor, and an expansive mirror, balancing comfort with a contemporary aesthetic.
A vibrant home office with bold green accents, dual workstations, and natural light fosters creativity in a modern and inspiring workspace.
The scenic dining space blends clean-lined furniture, warm wood paneling, and oversized windows, offering a bright and inviting spot for meals.
An airy chef’s kitchen boasts a vaulted ceiling, sleek cabinetry, and a butcher block island, perfectly designed for entertaining and gourmet cooking.
The sophisticated kitchen island features barstool seating, modern pendant lighting, and ample counter space, making it the heart of the home.
This elegant kitchen island includes a deep farmhouse sink, modern fixtures, and scenic views, making it both a functional and beautiful focal point.
The primary bedroom showcases crisp white paneling, large windows, and sliding doors leading to a private balcony with breathtaking mountain views.
This panoramic sitting area offers a cozy reading nook with a plush recliner, positioned beside expansive windows that showcase breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
An inviting guest bedroom blends rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring a snug bed, custom shelving, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in the beauty of nature.
A sleek glass shower stands as a minimalist masterpiece, featuring crisp subway tiles, a rainfall showerhead, and a glass partition for a refreshing bathing experience.
The stylish bathroom combines clean white finishes, built-in shelving, and modern fixtures, delivering a functional yet elegant design.
An intimate retreat provides a cozy reading corner, built-in storage, and soft carpeting, offering a perfectly designed space for comfort and relaxation.
Woodside Home
Joan Baez’s former home in Woodside, California, reflects her deep connection to nature and family.
Surrounded by oak trees, the serene setting provided both inspiration and a retreat for the legendary singer.
She once mentioned sleeping in one of the trees, emphasizing her bond with the environment.
Baez shared the home with her mother until her mother’s passing in 2013, making it a place filled with cherished memories. The peaceful surroundings likely influenced her music and artistic journey, reinforcing her lifelong appreciation for nature.
