The former residence of celebrated landscape architect Robert Royston, a distinctive property nestled in Marin County, California, is now on the market for an asking price approaching $3 million. This home, co-developed by Royston and architect Joseph Allen Stein in the late 1940s, was conceived as a family dwelling. The Usonian-inspired design of the structure is complemented by meticulously crafted gardens and outdoor spaces that served as a dynamic laboratory for Royston's modernist design philosophies for over six decades. A notable feature of these grounds is an abstract concrete and metal screen wall by artist Florence Swift, which was exhibited at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1949, highlighting the property's artistic and historical significance.
After Stein's departure for India in the 1950s, Royston continued to reside in this unique property until his passing in 2008 at the age of 90. The single-level, flat-roofed house spans approximately 2,200 square feet, offering four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Its focal point is a triangular living area illuminated by a skylight, featuring poured concrete floors, wood paneling, integrated furnishings, and a distinctive wood-burning fireplace adorned with corrugated copper. Glass doors seamlessly connect this central space to an outdoor patio, where the architectural screen provides a striking backdrop. Additional amenities include a spacious dining room, a kitchen equipped with a vintage Wolf range and breakfast bar, and a versatile laundry room that doubles as an office. The thoughtful layout also provides a secluded primary suite with extensive closet space, a vanity, a walk-in shower, and an adjoining sitting room complete with a hidden cocktail bar.
The property's allure extends beyond the main residence to its meticulously landscaped grounds, conceived by Royston himself. These outdoor areas feature a series of distinct vignettes perfect for alfresco relaxation and entertainment. An elevated view deck offers panoramic vistas, situated above a separate 352-square-foot cantilevered structure that served as Royston's design studio, complete with a fireplace and powder room. A detached carport provides shelter for two vehicles. Royston's illustrious career, which concluded with his retirement in the 1990s, encompassed a vast array of projects, including national and state parks, numerous city and community parks, residential gardens, and master-planned communities. His groundbreaking contributions to landscape architecture earned him multiple prestigious awards, including the American Society of Landscape Architects Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the professional organization. The availability of this property presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural and landscape design history, reflecting a legacy of innovation and harmony with nature.