Mill Valley is so close to one of the world's great cities, has numerous great restaurants and charm, yet it's minutes to be on hiking trails with gorgeous views and no one around. Trips to the wine country in Napa and Sonoma Valleys are 40 minutes away. This is the cottage on the property of my main house but is separated by trees, stairs and a deck. Because there are two redwoods just feet from the windows and small deck, you feel like you are in a tree-house. But there are many windows and LOTS of light. It feels very private yet, so close to everything by walking or by car.

There is also a small spa walking distance down the hill where you can get a massage.

Mill Valley has a film festival every October featuring international filmakers and their work. There are also a number of small coffee houses,art galleries and boutiques in town. For entertainment, the Throckmorton Theater has a variety of music, plays, and comedy. Also Sweetwater is a club which features a variety of musical acts. Nearby is the Green Gulch Farm, a Buddhist retreat featuring classes and organic produce.

Sausalito is only a couple miles away and you can walk or drive to this charming town right on San Francisco Bay which is very European in feel. There is also a great art festival there every September.

There are several state and federal recreation areas for hikers and bikers within ten miles of Mill Valley. Not only is there Muir Woods, with it's gorgeous huge redwoods, but Mt. Tamalpais where some of the first mountain bikes were designed to ride on the fire trails. Stinson Beach and Muir Beach are both quaint beach towns just over the hill from Mill Valley.