Sausalito
California Profile
-by
Renee
Adelmann
Marin County’s waterfront
town that connects to San
Francisco via the Golden
Gate Bridge. Learn more
about Sausalito, California.
Nestled up
against the Marin County end
of the Golden Gate Bridge,
Sausalito is a whimsical
waterfront town that defies
description. Once home to
artists, writers, actors and
poets, Sausalito retains a
pleasantly offbeat character
with an upscale attitude.
Stunning views, art
galleries, funky boutiques
and open-air restaurants
make Sausalito a favored
tourist destination. Those
same stunning views, a
delightful climate, and an
interesting selection of
real estate make Sausalito a
desirable place to live as
well. |
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Sausalito is conveniently located for commuting to San
Francisco. Only minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, it is a relatively
easy drive into the city. For those preferring not to drive, Sausalito
also is a ferry terminus for the Golden Gate Ferry, offering quick,
inexpensive transportation into the city.
As a center of activity, Sausalito offers a wide variety of things to
do. Stroll along the waterfront or hike in the nearby Marin Headlands,
visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum or take the Sausalito Wooden Boat
Tour – there is, indeed, something for everyone. Every Labor Day weekend
Sausalito hosts what is considered to be one of the finest outdoor art
festivals in the country. In December, residents and visitors alike are
treated to the Lighted Yacht Parade. Then there is the tantalizing peek
into some of Sausalito’s most fascinating real estate with the annual
Sausalito Floating Homes Tour.
Real estate in Sausalito is diverse and interesting. Although there are
many custom homes designed by well known architects, Sausalito may be
best known for its floating homes. These unique homes are located in
several private marinas and have all the modern conveniences, including
cable TV and computer services. Originally houseboats that served as
holiday retreats and artist’s lodgings, these homes have evolved into
some pretty amazing structures, ranging from quaint, cozy cottages to
elegant floating mansions.
For those who prefer terra firma beneath their feet, Sausalito provides
an interesting array of traditional housing ranging from custom designed
homes perched on the hillsides surrounding the bay to stylish
condominiums close to town. Homes in the Wolfback Ridge neighborhood are
exclusive and provide expansive views of the surrounding area; and for
the discerning and patient mid-century modern enthusiast, homes designed
by architects such as Mario Corbett and Roger Lee occasionally come on
the market. Housing in Sausalito does tend to be expensive, especially
for homes with a view, but proximity to San Francisco, the great
Mediterranean climate, and interesting architecture make every dollar
well spent.
Not all of Sausalito is glitz and glamour, however. Sausalito has a long
history with industry, including boatbuilding, and has been home to many
well-known boatyards, the most notable being the Spaulding Wooden Boat
Center. As one of the last wooden boatyards on the west coast, Spaulding
Center is a living museum dedicated to restoring historically
significant wooden boats and the preservation of traditional
boatbuilding skills.
Another piece of industrial history in Sausalito can be found in the
Heath Ceramics factory. Founded in the mid-1940’s by Edith Heath, Heath
Ceramics is one of the few mid-century American potteries still in
existence. Every facet of every piece is produced in the Sausalito
factory, often using the original techniques developed by Edith Heath so
many years ago. Heath Ceramics also has a Factory Store, open seven days
a week, and offers tours on weekends.
Housing costs in Sausalito tend to be on the high side, especially for
homes on the hillsides with their exquisite views of the Bay. The
comfortable climate, transportation and commuting choices, and beautiful
surroundings help to keep the Sausalito real estate market steady.
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