“The Hideaway”: Annie Leibovitz’s $8.9 Million Bolinas Estate

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Sophia Chen

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Sophia Chen

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House in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway

Tucked away in the serene beauty of Bolinas, California, Annie Leibovitz’s hideaway is an extraordinary 65-acre coastal retreat.

Valued at $8.9 million, The Hideaway blends rich history with agricultural potential and an equestrian paradise, creating a unique and iconic property.

Historical Significance and Transformation

The Hideaway has a storied past, attracting the interest of famous photographer Ansel Adams in the 1930s.

Later, it became the home of Warren Hellman, the founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival.

This property boasts bountiful fields and terraces for sustainable agriculture, livestock stalls, and vast pastures.

The equestrian facility includes a picturesque riding arena next to a seven-stall barn with offices, catering to equestrian enthusiasts.

Residential and Recreational Features

The updated residential compound features a 1920s single-family home with four bedrooms, a guest house, a workshop, a converted garage, and a two-bedroom caretaker’s residence.

Adjacent hay and dairy barns have been transformed into a banquet hall with a performance stage and Hellman’s renowned recording studio.

The property is surrounded by world-class coastal beauty and is moments away from surfing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife preserves.

A Photographer’s Inspiration

Annie Leibovitz, the most famous living photographer, acquired The Hideaway, seeing it as a metaphorical extension of her career.

Known for her intimate celebrity portraits featured in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and Vogue, Leibovitz has captured iconic images of Mick Jagger, Adele, Queen Elizabeth II, Bruce Springsteen, The Blues Brothers, and the Barack Obama family.

Her snapshot of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken hours before Lennon’s death, remains one of Rolling Stone’s most famous cover images.

A Personal Connection to California

Although born in Connecticut and based in New York, Leibovitz considers herself a “California Person.”

She purchased The Hideaway to spend more time on the West Coast, where she majored in photography at the San Francisco Art Institute.

The property dates back to the 1800s and has undergone over $2 million in improvements under her ownership.

An Equestrian and Nature Lover’s Paradise

This equestrian-friendly property features a 30m by 60m all-weather riding arena and a top-of-the-line seven-stall barn with exposed beams and an attached office.

The Hideaway also offers breathtaking views of Bolinas Lagoon, Stinson Beach, Mount Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the surrounding countryside.

Additionally, The Hideaway is near bird and seal sanctuaries, botanical gardens, and popular kayaking and surfing spots.

Replete with lush rolling hills, sensational sunrises and sunsets, and sprawling vistas, The Hideaway offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history and enjoy the natural beauty of California’s coast.

A Community of Celebrities

Bolinas, located on Bolinas Bay, is known for its reclusive residents and small-town atmosphere, accessible only via unmarked roads.

Bolinas is also home to other celebrities such as director Joel Coen, actress Frances McDormand, chef Alice Waters, and Third-Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins.

Captivating Photos of The Hideaway

Rolling green pastures extend across the landscape, dotted with rustic wooden barns and a traditional windmill against a backdrop of serene hills.

Pastures at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Tall trees frame a rustic barn and windmill, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a bygone era.

Barn and Windmill at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

A solitary cow grazes peacefully on a verdant hillside, surrounded by lush grass and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

Hillside Lawn at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Sheep dot the green pasture, some grazing while others rest, encapsulating the tranquility of the expansive farmland.

Pasture at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Horses graze on the green fields overlooking Bolinas Lagoon, with the distant hills and water providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Fields at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Morning mist rises from the hills as horses stand by the fence, creating a serene and atmospheric view of the rural landscape.

Morning Mist at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

A reddish-brown cow stands in front of wooden shelters, its curious gaze capturing the peaceful rural ambiance.

Cow Shelters at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

The sun peeks through the trees along a gravel path leading to a rustic barn, evoking a sense of calm and simplicity.

Gravel Path at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

An old water tower and barn weathered yet sturdy, stand as testaments to the property’s rich historical legacy.

Water Tower and Barn at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Weathered wooden buildings sit quietly under a clear blue sky, blending seamlessly into the serene, rural landscape of rolling hills and green pastures.

Wooden Buildings at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

An old, heavy wooden door with a rustic latch and hook, set within a textured concrete wall, evokes a sense of historical charm and mystery.

Wooden Door at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Vibrant purple flowers thrive in a metal planter, standing out against the lush greenery and creating a colorful focal point in the garden.

Garden at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

A long, winding road leads through verdant fields toward a distant barn, framed by trees and bathed in warm sunlight.

Winding Road at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Majestic trees with sprawling branches create intricate silhouettes against the sky, highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of the landscape.

Trees at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Stone terraces step down the hillside, leading to a quaint wooden shed with a bright red door, blending into the picturesque scenery.

Stone Terraces at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Sunlight bathes the rolling hills, dotted with trees and a traditional windmill, creating a peaceful and idyllic countryside scene.

Countryside at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

A whimsical wooden sculpture of a cowboy on horseback, nestled among trees and grass, adds a unique and artistic touch to the landscape.

Sculpture at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

An aerial view showcases the expansive property, with barns, homes, and lush green fields surrounded by dense woodland and rolling hills.

Aerial View at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Misty morning light envelops the hills and structures, offering a breathtaking view of the coastline and showcasing the serene beauty of the estate.

Coastline at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Mist rises over the tranquil Bolinas Lagoon, blending with the hills and creating a serene and picturesque morning view.

Lagoon at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

An aerial view of the property reveals sprawling greenery, a winding coastline, and the peaceful expanse of Bolinas Lagoon.

Sprawling Greenery at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

The expansive equestrian arena, surrounded by lush trees and the shimmering lagoon, offers a perfect setting for training and riding.

Equestrian Arena at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Rolling hills and dense forests encircle the property, with the blue expanse of Bolinas Lagoon stretching towards the horizon.

Hills near Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

The coastline’s curves and the waves gently lap against the shore, providing a breathtaking vista of the expansive blue ocean.

Coastline Vista at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Seals bask on a sandbank in the lagoon, adding a touch of wildlife charm to the serene coastal environment.

Sandbank at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Wooden stalls line the spacious interior of the equestrian barn, offering a well-ventilated and organized space for horses.

Equestrian Barn Interior in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Sunlight streams through the large windows of the barn, illuminating the wooden interior and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Barn Interior in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

High ceilings and wooden beams add rustic charm to the spacious barn, designed with functionality and comfort for equine residents.

Rustic Barn Design in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Beams of light filter through the roof of the grand banquet hall, highlighting its expansive wooden interior and elegant rustic chandeliers.

Banquet Hall in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Sunlight casts deep shadows across the weathered wooden barn, highlighting its rustic charm against the clear blue sky.

Barn in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Inside, the “Rooster” barn boasts corrugated metal walls and warm wooden accents, creating a cozy and functional space for various activities.

Barn Interior in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Posters celebrating the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival adorn the walls, adding a touch of nostalgia and artistic flair to the barn.

Bluegrass Posters in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

A rustic weathervane featuring a cow stands proudly atop the barn, guiding the way with its whimsical and functional design.

Weathervane at Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Natural light floods the modern, minimalist kitchen, showcasing its sleek design and seamless integration with the surrounding nature.

Kitchen in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

White subway tiles and open shelving lend a clean, contemporary feel to the bright and airy kitchen space.

Kitchen in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

The bedroom’s vaulted wooden ceiling and large windows create an inviting, serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Bedroom in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

Bright, white walls and simple decor define the bathroom, where every element emphasizes functionality and timeless elegance.

Bathroom in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

A vintage rotary phone adds a nostalgic touch to the home, reminding visitors of simpler times and classic communication.

Telephone in Annie Leibovitz's CA Hideaway
Image Credit: Zillow.com

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