Annie Leibovitz's Bolinas ranch is a treasure of American history – her rustic retreat is on the market for $9 million
The celebrated photographer maintained the legacy of this classic coastal farm, snapped by Ansel Adams in the early 20th century
![Annie Leibovitz](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yaPpbCj7D9ouzruveSXzW8-415-80.jpg)
Few coastal farms have impacted the course of American photography history quite like Annie Leibovitz's Bolinas estate. Leibovitz, best known for her portraits of the world's most influential figures, purchased the farm that was formerly a photographic interest for Ansel Adams in the 1930s, with the aim of maintaining its legacy. However, now, the Californian agrarian sanctuary is ready for its next chapter.
Nestled in the serenity of Bolinas, where the Pacific Ocean and Marin County’s Mount Tamalpais meet, Leibovitz's estate, called The Hideaway, comprises 65 acres with views of Bolinas Lagoon, Stinson Beach, Mount Tamalpais, and the surrounding countryside.
With many of its seven primary structures dating back to the time of the original settlers in Bolinas, this piece of American history is an equine enthusiast's dream – they just need $8.995 million for the keys.
The primary residential compound features four structures, including a 1920s SFH with four bedrooms, a guest house, a caretaker’s residence, and a converted garage. The living spaces have a rustic, warm, minimalist aesthetic that feels modern yet pays homage to its roots.
With its soothing white color palette, exhibited throughout the home, the property is a masterclass in decorating with neutrals. Though the color scheme is often categorized as a conventional classic, Leibovitz has ensured the spaces remain interesting by layering textures and allowing the architectural assets to shine through. An example of this is seen in the all-white kitchen, where tiles meet wooden cabinets and glass-fronted cabinets – a consistent celebrity favorite that taps into the 'old money' design movement.
Leibovitz continues this textured decorating technique in the primary bedroom – a space where color choices arguably matter the most. The combination of white and wooden hues ensures the room is a grounding sanctuary for sleep (while simultaneously allowing the greens and blues from the surrounding landscape to take center stage).
Prior to Leibovitz’s tenure, the farm was under the stewardship of Warren Hellman, San Francisco financier and founder of the Hardly Strictly Blue Grass music festival. Hellman converted an unused farm building into a music studio and another into a music venue to host private concerts. After his passing, his family sold the estate to Annie Leibovitz, who says she always thought of herself as 'a California person.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'I went to school there, at the San Francisco Art Institute. I learned to be a photographer there. When Rolling Stone moved to New York in 1977, I didn’t think that I was moving too. I didn’t believe that I went to New York to stay. I thought I lived in California. But the work was in New York. Or Europe. After all those years living and working in New York and raising my children, I dreamed about returning to California,' Leibovitz comments.
The photographer explains how she spent many holidays with friends in Bolinas, during which she would search for 'the place.'
'It seemed like my oldest daughter was going to go to college in the Bay Area. Plus, she was always deeply involved in farming and agriculture. We were told of this extraordinary property that, from the top of the hill, had views of the lagoon and bay and the coast that are magnificent. It has its own special climate. Everything can grow year-round. There were 65 acres with an old milking barn that Ansel Adams had photographed. It had been used as a gathering place for country and folk music concerts in its day. We planned to partner with a legendary farmer over the hill to bring the place back to its former self as a working and teaching farm. Things don’t always go as planned. Then all three of my girls decided to go to college in the Northeast.'
Compass agent Alexander Lurie, who co-lists the ranch with Nick Svenson, also highlights its history – further emphasizing how it's one of the most exciting listings of the moment – and one of the world's best homes.
'The Hideaway has an indelible place in history – both for the SF Bay Area as well as globally – this special space has served as a launching pad of creative inspiration for renowned musical and visual artists of international repute,' he says.
While we can't all buy her ranch, we can read up on the photographer herself. This collection of her work from 1990 to 2005 includes figures such as Johnny Cash, Nicole Kidman, Keith Richards, Michael Jordan, and Joan Didion.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
Jennifer Lopez uses this color to bring 'laidback luxury' to her compact living room nook – experts say it's the perfect accent shade
J.Lo. uses a unique, 70s-inspired shade to bring fun and whimsy to her living room corner, it is a bold complement to the neutral space
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
How long do chrysanthemums last? Experts reveal when early and late-flowering blooms will emerge
Plant chrysanthemums at different times of the year to enjoy these classic flowers for longer
By Tenielle Jordison Published
-
Jennifer Lopez uses this color to bring 'laidback luxury' to her compact living room nook – experts say it's the perfect accent shade
J.Lo. uses a unique, 70s-inspired shade to bring fun and whimsy to her living room corner, it is a bold complement to the neutral space
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Justin Theroux's spacious living room layout masters one of the 'fastest growing' real estate trends – say agents
The Beetlejuice actor's home serves as a reminder of why some layouts will never fall out of favor – real estate agents say the look is perfect for small spaces
By Megan Slack Published
-
Mark Zuckerberg's backyard decor is unique – but his technique is a surprisingly simple way to transform outdoor spaces
Though we've never seen anything quite like the Facebook CEO's garden decorating, it's a highly replicable way to elevate your backyard
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Giada De Laurentiis brings on-trend neutrals alive in her living room – experts say her palette feels physically comforting and safe
The chef mastered one of 2024's most soothing ‘it-girl’ aesthetics – but her versatile scheme will live on for many years ahead
By Megan Slack Published
-
Colleen Hoover first saw this tool in an unlikely place – but it's a surprising way to elevate your kitchen storage
We were skeptical of the 'It Ends With Us' author's kitchen tool because of where she was inspired to buy it, but it's an affordable way to upgrade your frying setup
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Jeff Goldblum hid a sofa in the most unorthodox of corners – experts say the piece turns a functional room into a cozy, social space
The actor's unique sofa usage elevates one of his home's most practical rooms – and it's changed how we view the space
By Megan Slack Published
-
Marie Kondo's tips for using vertical storage in the kitchen are so simple – we can bring them to life anywhere
The guru says this is the 'key' to vertical kitchen storage in a step-by-step guide to making your kitchen shelving and cabinets work for you
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Drew Scott found an intelligent way of cooling down his room – it's the solution to a problem every homeowner faces
'Nothing is worse than having a beautifully curated space and then adding an eyesore, like an old bulky heat pump that doesn't fit the aesthetic': The Property Brother reveals an alternative in an interview with H&G
By Megan Slack Published