As John Muir once said, ''In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. '' Welcome to 5401 Friends School Road—an extraordinary retreat on five serene and picturesque acres. This truly one-of-a-kind property features a thoughtfully designed 2,098 sq ft cottage, handcrafted by renowned builder Howard Staab using recycled and repurposed materials. Every element of the home reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and sustainability. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural light and provide beautiful views of the property's gardens and lush, peaceful setting. Spend your afternoons and evenings on the oversized, sunny deck and covered front porch. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, skylights, a renovated kitchen, barreled wood ceiling, remodeled bath, walk-in closet, and whimsical artistic detail throughout. Don't miss the impressive stone sculpture or classic Jotul cast iron wood stove with embossed woodland animals. Approximately half of the 5 acres is fenced. Surrounded by mature trees and open meadows, it's an ideal setting for anyone seeking a peaceful sanctuary and connection to the land. A separate 1125 sq ft detached studio offers incredible flexibility, complete with a full bath and kitchenette—perfect for a creative workspace, a quiet home office, woodworking shop, or yoga. Like the main house, it was built with an artist's eye and a commitment to environmental harmony. In addition to the house, studio, and detached garage, there is a spectacular 1000 sq ft pole barn with a poured concrete foundation and large cedar posts that has enormous potential for your creative endeavors. At 5401 Friends School Road, Muir's sentiment is brought to life—a rare opportunity to live with intention, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Artist's heaven! Attached studio. 5 acres. Residence 2,096 sf. Over 2,757 square feet of additional porches, detached barn/studio/storage, garage, and professional woodworking shop. The original Howard Staab Bohemian Eclectic artist's retreat. Howard's personal home with shop, studios and scattered sculptures on-site. Black bamboo privacy hedge. Barrelled wood ceilings. One of a kind tile and wood work. This is one home that cannot be described. Photos do not convey the total package.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$4,144 (−7.7%)
$257,400 + $294,900
$552,300
2024
$4,489 (+4.8%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2023
$4,283 (+0.4%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2022
$4,264 (+2.4%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2021
$4,165 (−2.3%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2020
$4,261
$210,500 + $216,500
$427,000
2019
$4,261 (+10.2%)
$210,500 + $216,500
$427,000
2018
$3,868 (+2.5%)
$208,500 + $185,900
$394,400
2017
$3,774 (+76.3%)
$208,500 + $185,900
$394,400
2016
$2,141
$208,500 + $185,900
$394,400
2015
$2,141 (+0.9%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2014
$2,121 (+2.0%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2013
$2,079 (+2.2%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2011
$2,035 (+0.5%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2010
$2,025
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
Tax history for 5401 Friends School Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$4,144 (−7.7%)
$257,400 + $294,900
$552,300
2024
$4,489 (+4.8%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2023
$4,283 (+0.4%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2022
$4,264 (+2.4%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2021
$4,165 (−2.3%)
$210,500 + $232,300
$442,800
2020
$4,261
$210,500 + $216,500
$427,000
2019
$4,261 (+10.2%)
$210,500 + $216,500
$427,000
2018
$3,868 (+2.5%)
$208,500 + $185,900
$394,400
2017
$3,774 (+76.3%)
$208,500 + $185,900
$394,400
2016
$2,141
$208,500 + $185,900
$394,400
2015
$2,141 (+0.9%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2014
$2,121 (+2.0%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2013
$2,079 (+2.2%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2011
$2,035 (+0.5%)
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
2010
$2,025
$84,245 + $128,171
$212,416
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
2
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5 Acres
Year renovated
2001
Sq. Ft.
2,104
Year built
1996
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Orange County
APN
9891490275
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 26, 2026.
RB
Rural Buffer District
The purpose of the Rural Buffer (RB) District is to provide locations for rural residential developments and agricultural, silvicultural or horticultural uses which serve to buffer or separate more intensively planned and/or developed portions of Orange County. Development within the Rural Buffer (RB) District is at very low densities (the minimum lot size per dwelling unit is two acres) and relies on individual wells and ground absorption systems for domestic water supply and sewage disposal, respectively.
Dec 16, 2026 • Active
Residential simple trade
Add a bathroom to an existing workshop. Install a supply line from the well and connect the plumbing to the existing septic system. The workshop is not to be used as a living space.
Connect a toilet and shower to the existing septic system.
Plumbing
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 Information
Garage: Yes
Garage Spaces: 1
Open Parking: Yes
Open Parking Spaces: 10
Parking Features: Circular Driveway, Driveway, Garage, Off Street