Widely regarded as one of California’s most important architects, Bernard Maybeck is revered for his rich designs ranging from bohemian clubhouses and woodland residences. The American creative is also the mind behind one of the Golden State’s most iconic landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Distinctive in its own right is the chalet-style house he built 120 years ago in the City by the Bay for a prominent figure in the timber industry.
San Francisco lumber baron J.H. Hopps tapped Maybeck to craft the hillside abode, named Grayoaks, which sprung to life in 1906. The timber titan played a role in shaping Northern California’s lumber economy during the state’s rapid industrial expansion. So naturally, the abode pays homage to his ties to the industry with its rustic redwood-clad design, an important early example of First Bay Tradition and Arts & Crafts architectural styles.
The light-filled living room on the main floor.
Open Homes Photography
Grayoaks is one of Maybeck’s first residences in Ross; the home was built when the small town was transitioning from undeveloped woodland to an exclusive country enclave. As one of Marin County’s most architecturally significant estates, it sits on 1.24 acres with lush landscaping by Michael Yandell. A restoration and expansion of the home was completed in 2012 but many of its signature features have been preserved, including Dutch entry doors, boxed Douglas fir beams, board-and-batten redwood walls, wood-latticed windows, overhanging chalet eaves, and grand fireplaces across its living areas.
