Historic Mill Valley Hillside Estate Re-Imagined; On the Market Soon

A true marriage of Mill Valley history and modern luxury, the estate at 7 Heuters Lane has been re-imagined, transforming the landmark, known for its unique design as its stunning hillside vistas, into a beautiful home.

Alain Pinel Realtors announced yesterday that following a two-year careful renovation, this rich piece of history will be on the market next week, and a formal open house will be announced soon.

According to a press release, the instant architectural showpiece was built in 1895 for iconic San Francisco industrialist, Ernest L. Heuter, who was drawn to the region’s similarity to scenic villages of Switzerland. Heuter tapped famed local architect, Harvey Klyce, to create a replica of a Bavarian hunting chalet used as a weekend lodge to entertain guests from all over the world, according to reports by the Mill Valley Historical Survey Committee.

Known far and wide as “Eagle Cliff” and “Heuter’s Swiss Chalet,” original structural details included wraparound balconies, intricate parquetry floor, Dutch murals and a “great room” with 18-foot cathedral ceiling, all enclosed in ornate Swiss architecture.

Lavish parties among the formal gardens, stone walkways and outdoor bowling alley became instant classics and the stand-alone nature of the home’s architecture helped it grow in stature among Mill Valley lore.

The home can be seen among countless photographs and impressionists paintings depicting the region and at one time was proposed for preservation by the city as a historic landmark.

Two years ago, the property was purchased with the purpose of carefully designing and reconstructing the landmark into a luxury estate. While ostensibly rebuilding from the foundation up, the current owners took great care in retaining many of the unique aspects of the original structure. The 4,000+ sq. ft. home offers a modern barn-style feel with the same large “great room” from the past, 16-foot kitchen ceilings and a wall of collapsible folding doors that open to expansive deck and lawn area. The home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, with an additional separate guest unit above the garage.

The reason Heuter sought out this acreage still holds true today and remains one of the estate’s most impressive features: the wooded grounds which offer spectacular views of Mount Tam and other parts of Marin.

A private pathway winds through a small grove of redwoods to provide easy access to the edge of downtown Mill Valley.

The property will be offered at $5,500,000. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Bernard Link, exclusive listing agent with Alain Pinel Realtors, or their real estate agent for additional details.