Historic San Anselmo Church Turned Recording Studio Lists for $4.4M

## San Anselmo Church Sanctuary Finds New Life, Seeks Adventurous Owner

This story takes us right into the heart of Marin County. A former San Anselmo Presbyterian church, once a gathering spot for worship and community, now stands as a one-of-a-kind residential masterpiece.

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Retired interior designer Samantha Lyman and her husband Douglas Penman poured their energy into this historic 1906 structure. They turned it into a dramatic, industrial-chic home that still holds onto its character, while offering all the comfort and personality you’d want in a modern space.

### From Pews to Paradise: A San Anselmo Transformation

The dream kicked off in 2014. Samantha and Douglas, just wandering through San Anselmo, spotted a forgotten gem—a former Presbyterian church with untapped potential.

They snapped it up for $950,000 and set out to transform it with the help of architect Daniel Castor. The result? A 4,500-square-foot home that blends historic grandeur with a cool, industrial vibe.

Step inside and you’re greeted by 22-foot cathedral ceilings. Exposed steel beams stretch overhead, and the concrete floors have been stained to a rich finish.

One detail really jumps out: a custom fiberglass-and-steel steeple, craned in all the way from Texas. It’s unexpected, and honestly, it gives the place an edge that’s hard to find.

### The Heart of the Home: A Communal Spirit Endures

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A Grand Stage for Modern Living

The old sanctuary, once echoing with sermons and music, is now a spacious, light-filled great room. This area connects right up to the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space upstairs.

Rustic hardwood floors add warmth, and a gas fireplace sets the mood for those chilly Marin nights.

Sanctuary Spaces for Rest and Recharge

Upstairs, the primary suite is a private retreat. Picture a cozy sitting nook, a massive walk-in closet, and a sky-lit, all-white bathroom with dual vanities and a soaking tub.

There’s also a loft-style bedroom that offers a unique perspective on the space. Downstairs, an en suite guest bedroom—rumored to have once stored instruments from legends like the Beatles—gives visitors a comfortable and intriguing place to stay.

The charm doesn’t stop with the main house. On less than a quarter-acre, right next to San Anselmo Creek, you’ll find a detached two-story guest cottage called “The Rectory.”

This sweet spot has two bedrooms, a full bath, inviting living and dining areas, and its own kitchen. It’s perfect for hosting family or friends who want their own little haven.

A Legacy of Music and Memories

Beyond its architectural marvels, this San Anselmo church conversion connects deeply with Marin County’s vibrant musical heritage. Samantha Lyman and Douglas Penman, who once lived in nearby Ross, have preserved much of the building’s musical and communal history.

Their love for bespoke features and the building’s legacy shows everywhere you look. The property’s past as a recording studio drew legendary artists like Van Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Grace Slick.

Just imagine the creative energy pulsing through these walls. It’s wild to think about.

Now, more than a decade after their ambitious renovation, Lyman and Penman plan to start fresh in Australia. They’ve asked Chris DeNike of Sotheby’s International Realty to handle the sale, and it’s listed for an impressive $4.4 million.

Lyman hopes the next owners share her sense of creativity and adventure. She calls the former church “an intensely fun place to live,” and honestly, that feels spot on.

This San Anselmo gem isn’t just a house. It’s a story, a sanctuary, and a rare piece of Marin County history, waiting for someone passionate to call it home.

Here is the source article for this story: A Former Bay Area Church and Recording Studio Lists for $4.4 Million

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.