Magical Larkspur, nestled at the eastern edge of Mount Tamalpias, enjoys the finest weather in Marin County. The wooden canyons were once favorite hunting grounds of Spanish settlers, for bears, wild cats, and so on. In the late 19th century, subdivisions offered ideal sites for vacation homes, plus homes for permanent residents.

In the last 15 years, homebuyers have discovered quiet, sunny Larkspur homes with diverse architectures, including log cabins, Victorians, Spanish, mission-style, New England, Tudor, and modern. Settings range from deep canyons lined with Redwood, Bay, and Madrone trees (on the west side of Magnolia Ave.) to level creek-side settings on the east side of Magnolia. Thirty years ago, Larkspur was the poor man’s Mill Valley; now it is equal in lifestyle and property values.

Larkspur is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring a small downtown with charming, historic shops, homes, and landmarks. See the historic walking tour on the Internet.  Stroll down Magnolia Avenue and enjoy dining in world-renowned restaurants, shopping in high-quality specialty stores, or a latte in one an intimate coffeehouse. The Lark Theater, a late art deco movie house in the heart of town is under restoration, adding to the charm of Magnolia Ave.

The meandering town limits of Larkspur take include part of Greenbrea to the and the Larkspur Ferry terminal to the east---for luxurious commuting to San Francisco---and the Larkspur Landing Shopping Center with bustling restaurants.

Baseball fans: Special service from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal delivers you directly to SBC Park for Giants home games.

Larkspur offers a wide variety of activities from hiking on the winding trails of Mt. Tamalpias, windsurfing in the bay, tennis, or swimming at a convenient club.

Best Larkspur Web Sites

Larkspur Chamber of Commerce
City data
Larkspur Historical Society
Larspur events 
Larkspur Ferry

Favorite Places

• If you love to shop in a small old-fashioned hardware and home-supply shop, visit Jim Corbet's Ace Hardware. It’s fun just to look around and, although small, it’s well-stocked with your hardware needs. 1155 Magnolia Avenue--near the north end of Magnolia. (415) 461-5330
• Joanie's on Magnolia has been creating elegant coiffers for the heads of Marin since 1982. Situated in the old train station in downtown Larkspur, it's easy to find. While you have your hair done, you can hear all the local news - Joanie is the president of Larkspur's Merchants Association. (415) 924-3808.
• Pearl at 1020 Magnolia Ave (north from downtown) offers high-end women’s clothing. (415) 464-1808.
• The old Lark Theater has been renovated with comfortable seating. It screens independent and art films. (415) 924-5111.
• The Silver Peso, right downtown, is one of the oldest, funky neighborhood bars in Marin, complete the pool tables and shuffleboard. It’s a good place to meet long-time Marinites. (415) 924-3448.
• Coquelicot, a French import shop in the downtown, with unique linens, tableware, and antiques. Always a fun place to stop. (415) 924-0279

Restaurants

• Emporio Rulli is the best for people watching and to taste the sweetness of Italy – an authentic Italian pastry shop--offering coffee, gelato, wines, Italian foods, and interesting kitchen pottery. Good Italian wine and coffee shops. You'll think you are in Bologne or Florence.
• Picco in downtown Larkspur has very fine food--probably the most elegant in town. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, with the possible exception of the rissoto. The pizzeria next door gets rave reviews, the flavors are exquisite, but the crust may be soggy. Interesting wine selections. (415) 924-0300
• Lark Creek Inn is in a Victorian building among the redwoods at 234 Magnolia Avenue. The lovliest dining is on the patio on a warm afternoon. The food is quality is fading, but they have good French fries–go there for the atmosphere. (415) 924-7767
• Left Bank has French bistro food in a charming atmosphere. The food is inconsistent. (415) 927-3331
• Ristorante Fabrizio is one of the best Italian Restaurants in Marin. It is open from lunch till after dinner. If you dine outside on  a warm day, you'll be in Italy. Across fron the city hall at 455 Magnolia Ave. (415) 924-3332
• E & O Trading Company in Larkspur Landing Shopping Center is just across from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal on east Sir Frances Drake Blvd. In a warm and attractive dining room, they serve interesting and well flavored Asian dishes suited to American tastes. Very well done for a chain of restaurants. Check out the other restaurants and shops in this center.
• Tabla Cafe is hidden away at 1167 Magnolia Ave., just to the right of Corbett's Hardware (corner of Estelle St.). The food is exceptional: fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and light. They are open for lunch and dinner till 7:30. (415) 461-6787.

Visit our Larkspur Photo Gallery.

Buying Land and New Construction >Buying New or Buying Old New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation. Census Bureau Housing Surveys suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes and slightly higher for relatively new existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace. New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975. See All Tips In The "Buying Land and New Construction" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Q  Which famous skilled mason laid the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in 1793? A  George Washington, the first President of the United States. See More Real Estate Trivia >

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