Kristen Palmer & John Brannan Presents

Private View Estate in Marin's Coveted Country Club Enclave

260 Highland Avenue, San Rafael

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$2,400,000

All Property Photos

A rare opportunity to reimagine a legacy estate with exceptional views, strong fundamentals, and outstanding potential.

Commanding a private 1.36-acre parcel in San Rafael’s coveted Country Club neighborhood, this Highland Avenue estate captures sweeping panoramic views across the bay, including the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Oakland and Berkeley Hills, and the distant Bay Bridge skyline. Enjoy an ever-changing backdrop—from colorful sunrise and sunset skies to twinkling city lights and moonlit evenings—delivering a true wow factor from morning to night.

Designed with California contemporary architecture this tri-level home features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and approximately 4,510 square feet of living space. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers exceptional scale and flexibility, with bedrooms and full bath on each level to accommodate a variety of living arrangements. Vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of openness and volume throughout the foyer, main living areas, and primary suite, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.

The main level features terracotta tile in the grand foyer, spacious family room with an eat-in kitchen and attached deck, formal dining room, and a large living room with fireplace. Conveniently situated between the dining and living rooms, the expansive view deck creates seamless indoor-outdoor flow and is perfectly positioned for entertaining or enjoying the surrounding scenery. Also on this level are two bedrooms, a full bathroom, laundry room, and attached two-car garage.

The upper level is dedicated to a generous primary suite complete with a fireplace, private view deck, walk-in closet, soaking tub, and separate shower. The lower level offers two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and large unfinished storage room offering potential for future customization.

While much of the lot is downslope, the property offers several usable outdoor areas, including level spaces at the front and along the left side of the home, as well as a brick patio overlooking the bay. These areas provide excellent opportunities to create inviting outdoor living and entertaining spaces. A gated entry enhances the property's privacy and curb appeal, while the driveway accommodates approximately four additional vehicles in addition to the attached two-car garage.

Some highlights include a roof approximately 10–12 years old, four recently updated decks with fire-rated TimberTech decking, two Juliet balconies, and conversion from septic to public sewer. With exceptional views, a well-designed floor plan, and solid bones, this property presents a rare opportunity for a buyer to update and customize an estate-quality home to their own style and preferences.

Surrounded by distinguished multi-million-dollar estates, the property offers a rare sense of privacy and exclusivity with convenient access via Summit Road. Unlike many hillside properties, the approach is relatively easy and accessible, with quick access to San Pedro Road and minimal winding roads. Despite its serene setting, Montecito Shopping Center, Whole Foods, downtown San Rafael, and Highway 101 are all just minutes away, providing an exceptional balance of privacy, convenience, and everyday accessibility.

Property Details

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 3

Square Feet 4,510 sq ft

Neighborhood San Rafael Country Club

Property Tour

Floor Plans

Floor plan

Neighborhood

San Rafael emerges as a captivating city where architectural innovation meets historical depth, embodied most dramatically by the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin Civic Center. Completed in 1962, this futuristic landmark transcends typical municipal architecture, its sci-fi-worthy design serving as a metaphorical and literal beacon of the city's forward-thinking spirit. The downtown area continues this legacy of innovation through active redevelopment efforts, with the Smith Rafael Film Center anchoring a cultural landscape that celebrates artistic diversity and community engagement.

The city's culinary and cultural landscape is as diverse as its architectural heritage. Fourth Street pulses with international flavor, offering a gastronomic journey that spans continents—sushi, Indian, Thai, Italian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican cuisines coexist within blocks, reflecting San Rafael's multicultural character. Thursday afternoon farmers markets animate the street with local produce, live music, and a sense of communal vibrancy that transforms urban space into a dynamic gathering point.

Architecturally, San Rafael offers a remarkable residential tapestry. From the sought-after midcentury Eichler homes of Terra Linda to the Victorian structures surrounding Dominican College and the custom homes of Lucas Valley, the city presents a nuanced residential landscape that provides diversity in both style and price point.

Nestled between Mount Tamalpais and San Pablo Bay, San Rafael represents more than a location—it's a living narrative of California's architectural and cultural evolution, where historical depth meets contemporary innovation.