The Six Most Expensive Homes Sold in San Rafael in 2020

61 Gold Hill Grade in San Rafael, California pool in foreground and home in background

61 Gold Hill Grade: San Rafael’s Most Expensive Home Sold in 2020

San Rafael’s hot real estate market continued into 2020 and I was privileged to represent two of the top six most expensive homes sold in San Rafael in 2020. As the pandemic engulfed the world, many sought out the outdoor space and seclusion that San Rafael provides its residents, and pricing reflected that. At year end we saw the median home price in San Rafael up 24% versus December 2019.

For years, agents and buyers considered $2,500,000 the price ceiling for homes in San Rafael. Clearly that is no longer the case.

As Marin County’s largest city, San Rafael offers residents a variety of dining and shopping options, with a diverse range of neighborhoods from the coveted Country Club / Dominican neighborhoods to “walk-to-everything” Gerstle Park to the beautiful mountain and water views of Bret Harte Heights. San Rafael truly offers something for everyone.

Check out my monthly Marin Real Estate Market Reports here for more commentary on the market. As a long-time resident of San Rafael, I would be happy to assist you with any real estate needs you may have. Please call or text me at 415-847-5584 anytime.

#1

61 Gold Hill Grade San Rafael Marin County real estate

The Most Expensive Home Sold in San Rafael in 2020:
61 Gold Hill Grade Was Sold by Thomas Henthorne for $5,800,000 – $300K Over Asking

#1 – The most expensive home sale in San Rafael in 2020 was 61 Gold Hill Grade in San Rafael which I sold within one week of putting it on the market for $5,800,000, which was $300,000 over the asking price.  I worked with the developer as we considered finishes, paint colors and even the style of the home. I knew from selling 31 Gold Hill Grade in 2019 that the Modern Farmhouse aesthetic is in strong demand now and would perform well in the market. I am very pleased with how the home turned out. My marketing copy: “Situated behind custom gates at the end of Gold Hill Grade in the exclusive Dominican neighborhood of San Rafael, this newly-constructed 4 BR+office / 6.5 BA modern farmhouse masterpiece has it all – an open-concept floor plan, sparkling blue swimming pool off the main living level, expansive level lawn, panoramic Mt. Tam views, exquisite privacy and premium design and finishes throughout. No detail has been overlooked in making this estate a home that will be enjoyed for generations to come.” Click here to see the property video for this home.

#2

20 Montecito Road San Rafael

The Second Most Expensive Home Sold in San Rafael in 2020:
20 Montecito Road Sold for $4,400,000

#2 – The second most expensive home sold in San Rafael in 2020 was 20 Montecito Road, which sold on February 24, 2020 for $4,400,000. The property description from MLS reads: “Country Club Estate w/panoramic views of Bay thru Mt. Tam. Indoor/outdoor single-level living. Gated driveway to 3-car gar & motor court. Grand foyer, formal LR & DR w/beamed cathedral ceilings, arched windows & Fr doors to patios & fab entertaining spaces – pool, large level lawn & tennis court. Kitchen w/top-line appliances & breakfast bay. Master suite w/dual closets, office & indoor spa; separate guest suite; 3 ensuite bedrooms, exercise room & 2nd kitchen.” Represented by the Sarkissian/Bullock team at Global Estates.

#3

280 Highland Avenue in San Rafael

The Third Most Expensive Home Sold in San Rafael in 2020:
280 Highland Avenue Sold for $4,010,000 on 9/30/2020

#3 – The third most expensive home sold in San Rafael in 2020 was 280 Highland Avenue, which sold via auction on 9/30/2020 for $4,010,000.  The property description reads: “Rare chance to own a gated, private masterpiece that is waiting for its first owners after a multiyear, multimillion-dollar renovation. The entry delights with glass, incredible light, and soaring ceilings. Incredible bay views take your breath away as you watch the fog roll through the bridges. With nothing left untouched in each design choice, you will be in awe of the details that make this luxury home a perfect place to come home. Entertainers will be dazzled by the massive butler kitchen, wonderful private outdoor spaces – decks and patios, complete with high-end outdoor kitchen and lovely gardens. Guests staying the night will enjoy the elegant legal unit with full kitchen. Very much like brand new high end construction.” The property was represented by Jason Holmes and Arundel Burrell of Holmes/Burrell.

#4

7 Snowberry Court San Rafael fourth most expensive home sold

The Fourth Most Expensive Home Sold in San Rafael in 2020:
7 Snowberry Court Sold Off Market for $3,750,000 on 9/25/2020

#4 – The fourth most expensive home sold in San Rafael in 2020 was 7 Snowberry Court which sold off market for $3,750,000 on 9/25/2020. The listing description reads: “This premier Peacock Gap remodeled private home boasts approximately of an acre of the most meticulous park-like grounds you have ever seen and has not been offered for sale in 32+ years. Rarely does a special property such as this come to the market with unmatched garden beauty in all of Marin County. Behind the serenity of landscaping, lies a sophisticated, updated craftsman style five bedroom and four bathroom home with a custom home office, spacious gym and large swimming pool. An open floor plan flows seamlessly with the park-like setting and is ideal for entertaining guests, family gatherings and events. Comfortable family living captures the natural setting with its high ceilings, quality finishes and attention to detail. Pride-of-ownership throughout as the owners have invested nearly a lifetime of time and energy into creating something special which in turn, has produced a lifetime of cherished family mem” This home was represented by Josh Burns of Sotheby’s International Realty.

#5

54 Terrace Avenue San Rafael

The Fifth Most Expensive Home Sold in San Rafael in 2020:
54 Terrace Avenue Sold for $3,750,000 on 11/10/2020

#5 – The fifth most expensive home sold in San Rafael in 2020 was 54 Terrace Avenue which sold on 11/10/2020 for 3,750,000. The property description from MLS reads: “Hamptons-style with high-end designer finishes throughout, recently renovated under the vision of famed California architect, Wendy Posard. Gated and private w/incredible scale, high ceilings, abundant natural light, sweeping views, & immaculately maintained estate grounds. Foyer has 20 ft ceilings & vertical shiplap accent walls. Custom kitchen great room & dining opens to a large exterior deck w/huge views. Intimate library located off family room. Primary bedroom suite offers sitting room, vaulted ceilings, & custom built-ins. Open the French door to enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall & relax around the gas firepit. 3 more bedrooms located on this level. Downstairs, there’s an oversized media room plus 2 additional bedrooms – one used as home gym, plus a big covered deck, lawn area, sport court, & hot tub. Bonus room doubles as home school classroom/art studio. Extensive SoundVision Media systems, SolarCity installed solar system.3-car garage w/electric car charging station.” The property was represented by Susan Hewitt and C.J. Nakagawa of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty.

#6

53 Montecito Road in San Rafael main living area

The Sixth Most Expensive Home Sold in San Rafael in 2020:
53 Montecito Road Sold for $3,745,000 on 12/30/2020

#6 – The sixth most expensive home sold in San Rafael in 2020 was my listing at 53 Montecito Road which sold on 12/30/2020 for $3,745,000. My original property description reads: “Dramatic walls of glass, soaring steel beamed ceilings, high-end designer finishes and seamlessly integrated technology are the hallmarks of this one-of-a-kind 4 BR / 3.5 BA architectural masterpiece ideally situated in the coveted Country Club neighborhood of San Rafael. This stunning example of 21st century modern architecture was completed in 2020 and showcases bespoke modern industrial design and meticulous, superior construction using fire-safe materials. Walls of glass open up creating a seamless indoor/outdoor flow and flooding the home with sunlight, surrounding nature and captivating views of iconic Mt. Tamalpias. Ideally situated down a private drive on a 1+ acre lot and featuring an inviting pool with built in spa, 53 Montecito Road is the perfect escape for those seeking resort-style luxury living with an appreciation of modern architecture, design and high-quality new construction. Minutes from shopping, restaurants, marinas, open space and Hwy 101.” Property represented by Thomas Henthorne of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty.

All photos above are courtesy of the agents who represented the properties and of BAREIS MLS Service, all rights reserved.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the top 6 most expensive homes that were sold in San Rafael in 2020. Congratulations to the buyers and sellers of these lovely properties!

I have been fortunate to represent some of Marin County’s most beautiful homes — please click here if you would like to see some of the properties I have sold. I also take great pleasure in helping buyers find their dream homes.

If I may be of any assistance with your Marin / San Francisco real estate needs, please call me at +1.415.847.5584.

Marin County Realtor Thomas Henthorne headshot

About the Author

Thomas Henthorne is consistently top-ranked, award-winning real estate agent in Marin, helping people buy and sell homes for almost a decade. He writes the #1 real estate blog in Marin County and is a frequent speaker on panels at industry gatherings.

He may be reached at 415-847-5584.

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