Former Marin rock studio of Janis Joplin and The Grateful Dead for sale at $4.4M
A piece of San Francisco Bay Area music history has recently been put up for sale. Once a recording studio frequented by legendary musicians like Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Grace Slick, The Church in San Anselmo is now on the market as a residential property for the first time in over ten years, with an asking price of $4.4 million.
The property, located at 1405 San Anselmo Ave, was a recording studio from the 1960s until the 1980s, where famous singers and bands recorded and socialized. Formerly a Presbyterian church, the home still retains elements of its origins, with a custom-made fiberglass-and-steel steeple that was created to replace the original church steeple that was removed. The new steeple was trucked in from Texas and craned onto the building, attracting the attention and admiration of the neighborhood residents.
Doug Penman, a former branding executive now turned venture capitalist, and his wife, Samantha Lyman, a retired interior designer, purchased the property in 2014 and have meticulously renovated the 4,200-square-foot home. They have preserved design elements that speak to its church roots while adding modern touches and amenities. The property consists of two church-like structures connected by a square-shaped building in the middle, making it a unique and eye-catching home in Marin County.
As the current homeowners delved into the renovation process, they discovered traces of the property’s rich musical history hidden within the walls. Old concert posters and band stickers adorned the walls, some of which they were able to salvage, frame, and display. Unfortunately, not everything could be rescued, including a large Jimi Hendrix poster that once graced the primary bathroom, providing an unexpected backdrop for daily activities.
The property has seen the likes of musical legends such as Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, the Grateful Dead, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Carlos Santana, and Huey Lewis pass through its doors. Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane even owned the property at one point, and the band members made it their temporary home. Additionally, the detached two-bedroom cottage behind the main house was once occupied by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly, who are credited with inventing the mountain bike after traversing the Marin hills in the area.
To add to the property’s intrigue, Kelly will be hosting a book signing event for his memoir “Fat Tire Flyer” on the premises, where he will share more stories about the property’s history. The asking price for the property is based on its location, size, and modern renovations, not solely on its connection to rock and biking history. The sellers have already relocated to Australia but hope that the next owners will appreciate and cherish the property as much as they did.
The unique mix of beauty, history, and spirituality along with its contemporary design and “spectacular” acoustics make this property a rare gem in Marin County real estate. The sellers, especially Lyman, were drawn to its history and architecture, which reminded her of a missed opportunity to renovate the old Carnegie Library in Mill Valley. The couple’s decision to move was motivated by a desire to start a new chapter but with a sense of nostalgia for the unforgettable memories they created in their rock’n’roll abode.
In conclusion, The Church in San Anselmo stands as a testament to the rich musical history of the San Francisco Bay Area and offers an unparalleled opportunity for buyers to own a piece of rock music history while enjoying the comforts of a modern, beautifully renovated home in Marin County.