Hidden from the street at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in San Rafael, this 1957 Buff & Hensman treehouse rests in a private and lush natural setting. Iconic post and beam architecture, meticulous renovations, and sun dappled living spaces are found throughout. A sense of calm meets you on the descending pathway that leads from the detached garage at the street level down to the secluded home. Inside, a pitched wood-beamed ceiling and walls of windows surround the open living, dining, and kitchen areas, showcasing the verdant beauty found in every direction. Sumptuous natural materials and vintage lighting fixtures further elevate the warmth of the sumptuous interiors. A wood deck spans the main level and overlooks the backyard, inviting conversation to flow outdoors. Through a skylight-filled hallway, two bedrooms, a full bath, and a powder room lead to the primary suite, with a serene bathroom, walk-in closet, and outdoor access. A floating staircase leads to the downstairs guest suite and two generous flex spaces that easily serve as an expansive family room and a separate home office or fitness area. In the completely private backyard, a large entertaining patio, terraced garden beds, and a grassy knoll welcome play, repose, and connection with both nature and loved ones. Featuring interiors by Tiffany Howell of Night Palm and landscape design by Sarita Jaccard, 980 Mesa Verde Road is at once a retreat and a study in aesthetic harmony.
Single-familyProperty Type
1957Year Built
10,010 sq ftLot Size
$1,226Price/Sq.Ft.
2 garage spacesParking
Listed by Evangelyn Lin•DRE #01817694• eXp Realty of California, Inc.
Bought with Cynthia Voss•DRE #00881330• Re/Max R. E. Specialists
Bought with Nathan Walter•DRE #01955448• Re/Max R. E. Specialists
Est. $8,458 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 980 Mesa Verde Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
CRMLS #P1-28027
Aug 24, 2026
Sold
$3,525,000
$1,226/sq ft
Jul 22, 2026
Pending
—
Jul 15, 2026
Listed
$3,250,000
$1,130/sq ft
CLAW #25523519
May 24, 2025
Rental Removed
$15,950
$6/sq ft
Apr 22, 2025
Price Changed
$15,950
$6/sq ft
Apr 12, 2025
Listed for Rent
$18,500
$6/sq ft
Public Records
Dec 3, 2020
Sold
$1,762,500
$613/sq ft
CRMLS #SB20221536
Dec 3, 2020
Sold
$1,762,300
$613/sq ft
Nov 2, 2020
Pending
—
Oct 21, 2020
Listed
$1,550,000
$539/sq ft
The first time on the market since 1964, this iconic mid-century modern, post-and-beam house was designed by one of the most renowned architecture firms of its time, Buff & Hensman. This four bedroom three bath house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the San Rafael neighborhood of Pasadena. Nestled in a large lot and set away from the street, it offers tranquility and privacy. As you meander down the paved steps to the front door, you are surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden filled with trees and shade. Inside, there are soaring walls of glass, a timeless brick fireplace, and views of the serene outdoor surroundings. Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining area open to the living room as well as a breakfast nook with built-in cabinets. Each bedroom is its own sanctuary lit with amazing natural light and verdant views. The updated bathrooms highlight the architecture featuring both modern and natural materials. The master bathroom is like stepping into a spa retreat with stone floors and views of a zen garden. Downstairs you will find another family room with a wet bar, and an additional bedroom and bathroom. This house is authentic and current, truly a timeless, one of a kind offering in Pasadena.
CRMLS #P0-2212187
Apr 1, 2001
Listed
$675,000
$235/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$22,740 (+4.8%)
$1,359,209 + $615,079
$1,974,288
2024
$21,691 (+4.4%)
$1,359,209 + $615,079
$1,974,288
2023
$20,773 (+3.6%)
$1,332,558 + $603,019
$1,935,577
2022
$20,043 (+3.9%)
$1,306,430 + $527,066
$1,833,496
2021
$19,294 (+1,007.0%)
$1,280,814 + $516,732
$1,797,546
2020
$1,743
$1,255,700 + $506,600
$1,762,300
2019
$1,744 (+0.7%)
$60,273 + $63,639
$123,912
2018
$1,731 (+1.8%)
$59,092 + $62,392
$121,484
2017
$1,700 (+3.1%)
$56,799 + $59,970
$116,769
2016
$1,648 (+1.2%)
$56,799 + $59,970
$116,769
2015
$1,629 (+1.1%)
$55,686 + $58,795
$114,481
2014
$1,611 (+1.1%)
$53,776 + $56,778
$110,554
2012
$1,594 (+2.4%)
$53,533 + $56,522
$110,055
2011
$1,557 (+1.4%)
$52,484 + $55,414
$107,898
2010
$1,536 (+0.1%)
$51,455 + $54,328
$105,783
2009
$1,534 (+11.7%)
$51,071 + $53,922
$104,993
2008
$1,374
$51,193 + $54,051
$105,244
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
4
Baths
3
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
9,999 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1995
Sq. Ft.
2,549
Year built
1957
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Los Angeles County
APN
5717022003
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Sep 2, 2026.
RS-4
HD
Single-Family Residential District
The purposes of the RS zoning districts are to: Provide appropriately located areas for single-family residential neighborhoods that are consistent with and implement the Single-Family Residential land use designation of the General Plan, and that are consistent with the standards of public health and safety established by this Zoning Code; and Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling, and protect residents from the harmful effects of excessive noise, population density, traffic congestion, and other adverse environmental effects. The designation of property in the RS zoning district shall include the Zoning Map showing a numerical suffix to the RS map symbol (e.g., RS-2) which shall note the maximum number of dwelling units allowed per acre of site area.
Zone overlays
Hillside Overlay District
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Day care facility
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Housing-Senior
Housing-Other
Infrastructure
Mar 9, 2027 • Active
Electrical permit - express
Install a Tesla wall charger on a residential building.
Electrical
Ev charger
Apr 17, 2023 • Final
Single family residential - remodel
Addition
Remodel
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking / Garage Information
# of Garage Spaces: 2
Garage, Garage - Single Door, Driveway, Street
Has Parking
# of Parking Spaces: 4
Interior
Laundry Information
Has Laundry
Inside, Individual Room
Kitchen Information
Appliances: Gas Cooktop, Refrigerator, Double Oven, Freezer, Dishwasher
Has Appliances
Breakfast Counter / Bar, Area
Kitchen Open to Family Room, Pots & Pan Drawers, Kitchen Island
Bathroom Information
# of Baths (Full): 2
# of Baths (1/2): 1
# of Baths (3/4): 1
Upgraded, Shower in Tub, Walk-in shower, Main Floor Full Bath, Separate tub and shower, Double Sinks In Master Bath, Bathtub
Cooling Information
Central
Has Cooling
Room Information
Laundry, Main Floor Primary Bedroom, Main Floor Bedroom, Office, Living Room, Workshop, Walk-In Pantry, Family Room, Kitchen, Separate Family Room
Fireplace Information
Living Room
Has Fireplace
Flooring Information
Tile, See Remarks, Wood, Concrete
Heating Information
Central Furnace
Has Heating
Interior Features
Sliding Glass Door(s)
Wood Product Walls, Balcony, Living Room Balcony, Living Room Deck Attached, Recessed Lighting, Storage Space, Open Floor Plan, Stone Counters
Accessibility Features: Doors - Swing in, 2+ Access Exits, Parking
Common Walls: No Common Walls
Living Area Source: Taped
Parcel Number: 5717022003
Property Condition: Turnkey
Total # of Stories: 2
Year Built Source: Assessor
Property ADU: No
Utilities
Utilities Information
Sewer: Public Sewer
Water Source: District/Public
Location
Neighborhood Information
Community Features: Curbs
Location Information
Latitude: 34.12881000
Longitude: -118.16999700
Directions: Off of Laguna Rd and Hillside Terrace
Public facts
Beds: 4
Baths: 3.0
Sq. Ft.: 2,549
Stories: —
Lot Size: 9,999 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1957
Year Renovated: 1995
County: Los Angeles County
APN: 5717022003
Home facts updated by county records on Sep 2, 2026
Other
Miscellaneous Information
Exclusions: Living Room TV, Sound Bar
Listing Information
Days Active in MLS: 6
Continuous Days Active in MLS: 6
Listing Agent Information
List Agent First Name: Evangelyn
List Agent Last Name: Lin
Listing Office Information
List Office Name: eXp Realty of California, Inc.
Selling Agent Information
Buyer Agent First Name: Cynthia
Buyer Agent Last Name: Voss
Co-Buyer Agent First Name: Nathan
Co-Buyer Agent Last Name: Walter
Selling Office Information
Buyer Office Name: Re/Max R. E. Specialists
Co-Buyer Office Name: Re/Max R. E. Specialists
Around this home
Schools
McKinley School
Public K-8 • Assigned • 2.1mi
2/10
Blair High School
Public 6-12 • Assigned • 1.4mi
4/10
Provided by GreatSchools
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