Discover Marin Castle: a private resort at the peak of Samuel Taylor State Park. Ideal for intimate escapes or family/friend getaways, enjoy a private sunset trail, hot tub, mini-golf & more - all with panoramic views from Mt Tam to the Pacific. Inside: a vintage library, playroom, & chef’s kitchen. Perfectly situated for trips to the redwood forests, Point Reyes, or Wine Country, yet so well equipped you may never want to leave the gates. Luxury beds, heated bidets, & dark skies for stargazing.
Just 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, come to the newly renovated Marin Castle for a serene escape from the everyday. While many visit for a weekend staycation, the Castle is designed for a full-week immersion. Perched at the highest point of Samuel P. Taylor Park (1,475 feet), you’ll find enough magic on the grounds that you may never want to leave.
ABOVE THE CLOUDS: Stay for the week to catch a rare coastal phenomenon. At this elevation, the Castle is often the only residence situated above the morning fog. If you're lucky, you'll wake up to a private sunrise over a literal sea of clouds.
BEDROOMS
Retire each evening to premium memory foam beds. While this regal abode comfortably accommodates up to nine guests, its intimate charm makes it equally enchanting for a romantic couple’s escape.
- THE DUNGEON (Primary Suite): Located downstairs, this spacious sanctuary features a king-size bed, an ensuite bath, Roku TV, and a twin bed tucked into a cozy reading nook.
- THE GARDEN CHAMBER: A peaceful first-floor retreat with a queen-size bed overlooking the lush, private garden.
- THE EAST GALLERY: Wake up to the first light of day in this bright first-floor room, equipped with a full-over-twin bunk bed (featuring kid-friendly stairs).
- THE CROWN LOFT: An airy upstairs escape with a king-size bed and its own private ensuite bath.
THE GROUNDS: A PRIVATE RESORT
We’ve designed the outdoor space to be a destination in its own right. Whether you are seeking high-energy competition or total stillness, the Castle grounds provide:
- GAMES & PLAY: Challenge your group to ping pong, corn hole, or a round on our private 5-hole mini-golf course. For the younger lords and ladies, the front yard features a play structure with a slide and teeter-totter.
- REST & REFLECTION: Find a quiet corner in one of our hammocks, or gather for an alfresco feast at the picnic benches set against rolling hills and dramatic vistas.
- THE SUNSET TRAIL: Don’t miss a stroll up our private trail—it leads to a spectacular vantage point perfect for watching the sun dip below the Pacific Ocean with views of Tomales Bay and Inverness Ridge.
- THE TERRACE: Soak in the brand-new hot tub with panoramic views of Mt. Barnabe’s dark skies. On clear nights, use the deck heaters to stargaze; during solar storms, you might even glimpse the aurora borealis.
INTERIOR AMENITIES
Across the moat bridge and through the fortified doors (reclaimed from an old Irish prison), you’ll find a spacious interior that marries modern design with "fairytale" soul.
- THE LIBRARY & PLAYROOM: Get lost in a curated library featuring vintage books, or let the kids’ imaginations run wild in the indoor playroom stocked with toys and board games.
- CHEF’S KITCHEN: Fully equipped with a double stove, induction cooktop, coffee machine (Aeropress, Keurig, and Mr Coffee), and a waffle maker for slow, indulgent mornings.
- THE THRONE ROOM: All three bathrooms feature heated bidet toilets—including the one in the Castle tower, which offers the best views in the house!
- MODERN LUXURIES: Enjoy high-speed internet, 5G connectivity, and air conditioning/heating throughout the home.
BEYOND THE CASTLE GATES
Samuel P. Taylor State Park is your literal backyard. You’ll enjoy the peak of the state park all to yourself for sunrise and sunset, before any hikers can make it to the top. Hike through enchanting redwoods on Devil’s Gulch or loop around Lagunitas on the Ridge Trail.
Positioned in the heart of West Marin, you are perfectly placed to explore:
- Point Reyes National Seashore: ~12 miles
- Tomales Bay (& fresh oysters): ~22 miles
- Bolinas & Stinson Beach: ~23 miles
- Muir Woods: ~25 miles
- Napa & Sonoma Wine Country: ~40 miles
Pack light and stay a while—a washer/dryer combo with complimentary detergent is provided so you can focus on the views, not the chores. The view above the clouds is waiting.
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Other details to note:
Access to the castle is via a one way partially-paved mountain road. Parking spaces are available for three cars. We strongly recommend arriving before dusk to check-in and enjoy the sunset.
The castle is on top of a mountain and sits within a vital wildlife corridor and borders protected wilderness, offering a rare front-row seat to California’s natural inhabitants. You’ll likely spot coveys of quail and grazing deer right from the deck. Because this is a thriving ecosystem, we share the land with mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and smaller residents like ticks. We ask that you remain mindful of your surroundings, stick to the paths, and always perform a quick "tick check" on yourself and your pets after a day of exploring the tall grasses of the ridge.
There may be wind and weather events during your stay. Please bring layers, especially if staying in the fall and winter.
Due to the unique nature of this property, guests are required to sign a short rental agreement within 24 hours of booking. This helps ensure all terms are clearly understood and agreed upon before your stay. If you have any questions about the agreement, feel free to ask before booking.
This listing is for overnight stays for registered guests only. The reservation may be cancelled without refund if the number of guests exceeds the number in the booking.
To keep the property secure, we have three exterior-only cameras: one overlooking the parking area from the shed, one by the deck stairway, and one in the tower pointed toward the main entrance.
