House Tour

This 1970s Treehouse Grew Up But Kept Its Hippie Heart

This 1970s Treehouse Grew Up But Kept Its Hippie Heart

This is a 1970s split-level home that has been updated while keeping its vintage feel. It's located among the redwood trees in California.

Specifications

    • Sq. Ft: Not specified, estimated 2,000-3,000 sq. ft.
    • Price: Not specified
    • Bedrooms: Not specified, but has separate office spaces
    • Bathrooms: Not specified, but primary bathroom was expanded
    • Stories: 2 (split-level)
    • Lot Features: Landscaped with terraces, walkways, wood stairs, greenhouse, hammock, barrel sauna, outdoor shower, cold plunge. Overlooks Muir Beach.
    • Year Built: 1970s

Here's the exterior—weathered wood wrapping everything. From this angle, feels tucked into trees.

Here's the exterior—weathered wood wrapping everything. From this angle, feels tucked into trees.

Bedroom with those chunky beams and triangle windows. Morning light must slap.

Bedroom with those chunky beams and triangle windows. Morning light must slap.

Big slab table, sturdy legs. Looks it could survive a family reunion.

Big slab table, sturdy legs. Looks it could survive a family reunion.

Record wall! Love the bird prints above. Vintage vibes without feeling dusty.

Record wall! Love the bird prints above. Vintage vibes without feeling dusty.

Here's the kitchen—huge wood island dead center. Cook, hang, repeat.

Here's the kitchen—huge wood island dead center. Cook, hang, repeat.

Oak everywhere, beams overhead. I mean, it’s cozy, but maybe too much?

Oak everywhere, beams overhead. I mean, it’s cozy, but maybe too much?

White walls, warm wood trim, glossy floors. Simple combo that just works.

White walls, warm wood trim, glossy floors. Simple combo that just works.

That chunky coffee table steals it. Looks heavy enough to be a boat.

That chunky coffee table steals it. Looks heavy enough to be a boat.

Okay, these ceiling beams with the round light—nice balance of rustic and clean.

Okay, these ceiling beams with the round light—nice balance of rustic and clean.

And then this stair—dark treads, light beams. Anyone know why the split?

And then this stair—dark treads, light beams. Anyone know why the split?

From the bed, that wall of glass. Trees basically inside the room.

From the bed, that wall of glass. Trees basically inside the room.

A-frame loft energy. Triangular windows make everything feel a cabin postcard.

A-frame loft energy. Triangular windows make everything feel a cabin postcard.

Back to the kitchen—warm cabinets, dark counters. Not sure about the pendants.

Back to the kitchen—warm cabinets, dark counters. Not sure about the pendants.

And outside, a little round cabin thing. Hobbit sauna? I’m into it.

And outside, a little round cabin thing. Hobbit sauna? I’m into it.

Details

This split-level home, built in the 1970s by an architect, sits on a ridge overlooking Muir Beach, surrounded by ancient redwoods. The current owners bought it from the original owners and undertook a full renovation. They wanted to be closer to nature and away from shared walls, finding this property after a pandemic-fueled search. The location offers walkability and access to trails, which was a big draw. The house itself, originally featuring shag carpeting and textured wallpaper, was a time capsule.

The renovation focused on updating the interior while preserving the vintage aesthetic. They expanded the primary bathroom, which was quite small, and updated the kitchen with new cabinetry and appliances, though they sacrificed some original features like a pass-through window. The main living area, or great room, features eclectic vintage furniture and artwork, including pieces inherited from family. Outside, the property has been extensively landscaped to connect different areas with terraces and walkways, and now includes amenities like a greenhouse, sauna, and cold plunge. The owners are actively adding to the garden, showing a commitment to the natural setting.

Get a new home tour in your inbox every day.