Architectural Modernism, Bay Views, and Exceptional Outdoor Living

A striking expression of contemporary design, 17 Cecilia Court brings together dramatic architecture, abundant natural light and beautifully designed spaces for everyday living and entertaining. The approximately 4,820 sqft residence offers four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a highly functional floor plan, and a three-car garage, complemented by private gardens, a level lawn, expansive outdoor living areas, and captivating views.

The residence underwent a transformative redesign that opened and brightened the interiors while introducing a distinctly modern architectural aesthetic. The renovation was completed in collaboration with Holscher Architecture of Tiburon, Floyd Construction of San Rafael, and designers Carol Knorpp and Kerry Bogardus of KB Design in Larkspur. Its transformation was featured in Marin Magazine, which chronicled the home’s evolution into a light-filled modern residence.

Smooth stucco, a standing-seam metal roof, steel railings and mature olive trees establish the home’s refined contemporary presence. The approach culminates at a remarkable 10-foot glass pivot door, one of the defining elements of the redesign.

Inside, the double-height foyer makes an immediate architectural statement. A sculptural Cameron Design House light installation descends through the soaring space, while clerestory windows, skylights, and glass expanses draw daylight deep into the home. Dark wood floors provide a rich counterpoint to cotton white walls, warm wood detailing, and blackened steel accents. Carefully positioned art lighting transforms the central hall into a natural gallery.

The living room is both polished and inviting, centered around a linear gas fireplace set within a dramatic floor-to-ceiling surround. A large circular light fixture emphasizes the room’s generous proportions, while an oversized window frames glimpses of the bay and San Francisco. 

The adjoining formal dining room is surrounded by windows and illuminated by a sculptural smoked-glass chandelier. A built-in bar area provides convenient storage and service for entertaining. Between the living and dining rooms, the piano gallery occupies one of the home’s most memorable architectural moments, beneath soaring ceilings, skylights, exposed structural elements and the cascading entry light.

At the heart of the home, the kitchen balances warmth, texture and professional-grade function. A center island with counter seating anchors the room, accented by a trio of contemporary pendant lights. Custom wood cabinetry is complemented by Calacatta marble countertops and a handmade Moroccan tile backsplash.

Appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, Wolf four-burner gas range with center griddle and oven, Vent-A-Hood range hood, Viking wall oven and Viking microwave. A pantry and extensive built-in storage complete the space. The adjoining casual dining area occupies a window-lined bay and is distinguished by a playful cluster of suspended glass bulbs.

Open to the kitchen, the spacious family room is designed for relaxed living and seamless indoor-outdoor connection. French doors open in two directions, one toward a front-facing deck and the other to the rear gardens and terraces. A linear fireplace is paired with an integrated stone bench, while a fully appointed bar incorporates stone counters, floating glass-front cabinetry, a U-Line wine refrigerator and a separate U-Line beverage refrigerator.

A powder room brings an artful moment to the main level with graphic wallcovering, a sculptural stone sink, and natural light.

Three bedrooms are located on the main level. One is an ensuite bedroom with new carpeting, abundant natural light, a customized walk-in closet and a private bathroom featuring a floating vanity, softly colored handcrafted tile and a glass-enclosed shower.

Two additional main-level bedrooms each feature new carpeting, walk-in closets, and a private vanity with a sink. A full bathroom includes a shower/tub combination.

A dramatic open staircase is one of the home’s defining architectural elements. Constructed with an exposed steel spine, reclaimed wood treads, and glass railings, it adds visual interest while preserving the home’s open, light-filled character. The staircase leads to a light-filled upper landing and an open office configured with two built-in desks, extensive drawers, and overhead cabinetry. 

From the office, a steel-and-glass architectural bridge leads toward the private primary wing. A large interior window overlooks the double-height interiors below, while skylights and warm wood detailing bring light and architectural interest to the passage 

The expansive primary suite is a serene retreat with dark wood floors, a contemporary ceiling fan, custom built-ins, and a fireplace. French doors open to a covered balcony, where views extend across the Bay toward Belvedere Island, Sausalito, and the San Francisco skyline. 

A wardrobe room of exceptional scale provides customized hanging areas, extensive drawers, open shelving, glass-front cabinetry and dedicated shoe storage.

The spa-like primary bathroom features a freestanding dark stone soaking tub, a glass-enclosed shower and a floating dual-sink vanity.

Outdoor living unfolds across a series of connected terraces and garden rooms. Immediately behind the residence, expansive patios offer distinct areas for dining, conversation, and lounging, all surrounded by mature hedges and layered plantings. A linear fire pit creates a welcoming gathering place, while the family room’s multiple French doors establish an easy relationship between the interior and gardens.

A vine-covered pergola shelters a generous outdoor dining area beneath string lights. Integrated heaters extend the usability of this inviting space into cooler evenings. Nearby, a spa and outdoor shower create a private wellness retreat overlooking the lawn, surrounding greenery, and picturesque views of Mount Tamalpais. 

The level lawn is bordered by mature trees and garden beds filled with roses, dahlias, lavender, rosemary and seasonal flowers. Olive trees and a magnificent mature oak lend structure and character to the landscape, while two raised beds provide space for vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Additional highlights include a standing-seam metal roof, contemporary glass-paneled three-car garage, EV charging, custom window coverings, refreshed landscaping, refinished hardwood floors, new carpeting, updated interior paint, and a recently installed furnace.

With its published architectural transformation, exceptional primary retreat, versatile main-level bedroom arrangement and beautifully developed gardens, 17 Cecilia Court offers a rare combination of design distinction and genuine livability. Every space has been considered as part of a cohesive whole, creating a modern Tiburon residence that feels dramatic, welcoming and deeply connected to light and landscape.

Set on a peaceful cul-de-sac, the residence enjoys exceptional privacy while offering rare commuter convenience with easy access to Highway 101, top-rated schools, The Cove Shopping Center, and Blackie's Pasture and the Old Rail Trail waterfront pathway leading to downtown Tiburon's Main Street, with San Francisco and Angel Island ferry service, waterfront restaurants, and trendy shops.