HISTORIC HIKING LODGE

Our clients were enchanted by this historic property nestled in the redwood-covered hills of Mill Valley. The home had a joyful spirit and a fascinating past: the stained-glass medallion in the living room is original to the Swiss Club Tell, an Alpine hiking and social club built around 1920. For decades, the property served as a lively mountain retreat, hosting yodeling festivals, traditional schwingfests (Swiss wrestling), and convivial fondue parties.

We undertook a renovation of all the buildings on the estate, carefully preserving their historic details and honoring the character of their past. Among the many treasures we retained were the iconic stained-glass windows, historic stone fireplaces and the original long shuffleboard courts. Given the house’s Swiss heritage, red felt like the perfect choice for the living room wall color, adding warmth and a spirited sense of place.

The dining room continues the playful mix, pairing a raw-edge table with a sophisticated Ochre chandelier, mid-century chairs, and elegant French armchairs. In the bedroom, a wallpaper inspired by the contours of Mount Tamalpais echoes the mountain views from the property, creating a quiet connection between the interior and the extraordinary landscape surrounding the home.

The clients’ eclectic art collection adds another layer of personality, bringing together pieces that feel collected rather than overly curated.

The finished house celebrates its history without feeling bound by it, a warm, eclectic retreat where the spirit of the original Swiss Club Tell lives on in a fresh and deeply personal way.