Located in the City of Novato, Bel Marin Keys is nestled on the northern edge of the San Francisco Bay just five minutes from the Interstate 101, and Hwy 37, yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by water, this picturesque community features two lagoons, tennis courts, a clubhouse, parks, hiking trail and boat access to the San Francisco Bay.

Just one freeway exit north leads to a quick thirty-minute trip up to the popular Wine Country. Or head west approximately 30 miles to reach the awesome Pacific coast beaches. Sonoma County, San Francisco, and Oakland are also just a half an hour drive from Bel Marin Keys. Skiers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient, beautiful and easy drive to the Sierra Mountains and Lake Tahoe, just four hours from home.

It’s a year-round playground that offers surfing in the morning and water-skiing in the evening, or incredible hiking trails and relaxing wine tasting. Follow the links to appreciate the breadth of options at your doorstep.

BEL MARIN KEYS Bel Marin Keys is a community of 700 homes all built around the water, and San Francisco Bay. Its lagoons are routinely refreshed with bay waters flowing through Novato Creek, which is the backyard for homes, like the River House, that border the waterway. While the lagoons’ levels are maintained with locks, the River is tidal, and leads directly to the San Francisco Bay.

As a water community things are a little different here. Our 4th of July parade and Christmas caroling are done by boat, and a number of events are coordinated through the neighborhood community center that involve boating and water sports. Our lagoons provide for great fishing, swimming, sailing and water-skiing. Bel Marin Keys is a vacation destination, community and home all-in-one.

THE RIVER HOUSE The River House is located five houses from the end of the Montego Key cul de sac (greatly reducing the traffic that affects most residential homes.) This property sits on one of the largest lots in the Keys, and features a long driveway leading to a two-car garage. Its expansive front yard affords privacy and is landscaped with low maintenance and attractive trees and shrubs. All landscaping is professionally managed and maintained weekly to ensure that is aesthetically pleasing and hassle-free.

The double front doors open to a hardwood floor landing with a sunken living area with a fireplace and adjacent dining room overlooking the back deck and the River. Natural sunlight and the beauty of nature make this room a private and luxurious retreat. French doors in the living room open up to an expansive terraced deck, complimented by an enormous level lawn area, ideal for croquet and outdoor relaxation. The raised dining room adjacent to the living room features a handsome Anderson sliding glass door that opens to a deck and lawn area. A Bose speaker system and large fireplace in the living room, along with recessed lighting throughout, make this home ideal for entertaining and relaxation all year long.

If you’re a bird watcher, it’s paradise, as the land opposite the River House is a bird sanctuary. The tranquility of the scenery combined with the flowing river, make the expansive backyard a perfect natural setting. Outdoor speakers mounted along the perimeter provide for the perfect ambiance for any outdoor get together.

Off of the living room is a cheerful kitchen and sitting area, complete with hardwood floors, modern appliances and a gas range. The tiled center island provides the perfect setting for preparing meals and casual dining, and the adjacent sitting area offers a cozy, sunny spot for tea or reading.

The master bedroom features a large picture window for plenty of light, and drapes that add elegance and privacy. A custom built-in wall unit adds both grandeur and functionality to the room and a wall-mounted sound system makes the room perfect for retiring to a private home theater. The master bath has been remodeled with stunning white and terracotta tile work with a double, walk-in shower. A crisp striped roman shade adds both style and function to the master bath.

Both of the bedrooms are airy and light, and include built-in custom cabinetry and closets for additional storage and appeal. Professionally decorated, each room is distinctly unique, from the bold red to the quiet pastels of light green and include attractive window treatments. These rooms feature sliding glass doors that open up to decking, and overlook the spacious back lawn, palm trees, the River and open space views.

The guest bathroom is newly remodeled with luxurious cream and natural limestone tile and accent pieces. A tiled tub and shower and six-drawer vanity make this a beautiful yet functional space. Sunshine streams through the room’s French door that also includes a delicate sheer window treatment and leads to the side yard. This room also features a very spacious and attractive custom-made linen and storage closet.

The River A private sanctuary awaits you at the end of your own private pier, with a dock for boating, fishing, or just lounging in Sun along the banks of your own wandering river with the Riverhouse off in the distance.

In addition, the federal government has undertaken a massive restoration project for nearby Hamilton Field, a former Airbase. In addition to the Hamilton land that is being restored, the government also bought what was to be Unit V of the Bel Marin Keys Development. Now, instead of 1700 new homes in Bel Marin Key, we get one of the largest restoration projects in the nation. In the end Bel Marin keys will be surrounded by a massive wetlands and bird sanctuary, and the River House will have a front row seat with direct water access to the San Francisco Bay. Did we mention it takes about thirty minutes from the boat dock at the River House to Sausalito by boat? Add ten minutes and your at San Francisco.