We have big news to share! This beloved house, 11 Los Reyes Drive, will soon legally become our home.

Ever since the house was designed and built by Point Reyes architect Jon Fernandez, it has served as a vibrant, creative container. The house’s first resident was the internationally known abstract painter Sam Francis, pictured here with a link to a recent article about him in Marin Magazine.

After Sam’s death, Peter Barnes acquired first the studio, then the house connected by the boardwalk, to realize his vision of creating a writers’ retreat in West Marin—which has now hosted 1,000 residents.

Peter arranged for the Tides Foundation to purchase 11 Los Reyes and to hold it until the Mesa Refuge was ready to assume ownership. Several years of work with lawyers and state and county authorities, and that time has finally arrived.

What difference will the transfer of the property make? To residents, probably not much. They will still receive the lavish gifts of time and space in this glorious space. To the organization, the change is significant. Our balance sheet will improve dramatically, allowing us to plan our future with much greater security.

Like any family that acquires a new house, we have a great deal of deferred maintenance to address as quickly as possible to secure our treasure for future generations.

Will you help us Fix This House?

Very best,
Susan Page Tillett, Executive Director