Michael's room

Novato, CA 94949

This is an invitation to share an exceptional Marin sanctuary home.

Exceptional because of its spacious floor plan, peaceful neighborhood, abundant light, modern construction, and the rare experience of being surrounded by open space while still being only five minutes from 101.

TWO ROOMS The space I am renting is a 12’ x 10’ bedroom with a sun and moon rise facing window, (Furnished or unfurnished), AND a 14’ x 11’ loft. The loft makes a great workout, office, dressing and extra whatever space. Full bath with double sinks that is shared part time.

You would also have full access to the common spaces of the home: the large kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room, living room, downstairs bathroom, backyard patio, laundry room, and a parking spot in front of the house.

The space I am offering is available immediately for the right fit.

I am looking for a thoughtful, emotionally mature housemate who is not just looking for a room, but for a calm, beautiful place to call home. Someone who appreciates privacy, beauty, warmth, good communication, and the quiet relief of living with people who are kind, sane, and considerate.

The whole house is approximately 2,600 square feet, including the back patio, with high ceilings throughout, open views, and a feeling of spaciousness that is rare in Marin housing. The front of the house has all-day southern exposure, and the back of the house has an unobstructed 180-degree view from west to northeast, looking out over miles of open space land with only a few homes visible in the distance.

The home is already furnished and decorated, but I want it to feel like a shared home, not like you are tiptoeing around someone else’s space. I am open to collaborating on aesthetics if you stay a while.

Five minutes in one direction gets you to the Ignacio on-ramp to 101. Five minutes in the other direction by bike gets you to the San Pablo Bay levee trail.

My schedule is kind of perfect for a shared living setup. My parenting and extended family life are in Marin, and my social and romantic life are in the city. My goal is to spend as much time as possible in the city, up to about 30% of a typical month. So there will often be weekends when you have the house to yourself.

My 13-year-old son lives here every other week. He is a kind, chill boy who is used to shared living, (his mom has always lived with housemates), and is usually at school or sports until the evening. People really enjoy his company.

You would not be expected to parent him, babysit him, or become his buddy. He is simply a real and respected part of the household rhythm. I will expect him to treat you with the same kindness, respect, and consideration that I would expect from anyone sharing the home.

I am happy for you to meet him before making a final decision.

A bit about me: I am a middle aged San Francisco native, and I have been a professional life and business coach full-time since 2010. I work from home on video calls during the day.

I identify as queer / non-binary/ transfemme person and this is an LGBTQ+ affirming home, which you should feel is a plus.

I am warm, communicative, direct, and collaborative. I like a home that feels peaceful, beautiful, and emotionally clean.

I am not looking for a best friend, partner, therapist, or emotional caretaker. I am looking for a grounded housemate with whom there is mutual respect, warmth, independence, and enough communication that the household stays healthy.

For me, that means a simple 30-minute weekly housemate check-in and, ideally, sharing a meal once a week. I’ve lived with a lot of housemates and have learned that a small amount of formal connection makes shared living much easier. It gives us a predictable place to bring up needs, frustrations, logistics, small requests, or anything that would otherwise build up silently.

The goal is not intensity. The goal is to keep things clear, kind, and easygoing.

If you are still reading and feeling yourself drawn toward this possibility, here is what I imagine we may have in common:

You appreciate beauty, space, order, and sanctuary.

You communicate directly and kindly when something is not working. Our weekly check-ins will create a regular, safe place to do that.

You have done enough personal growth work, therapy, coaching, or equivalent life-learning to know yourself and communicate your needs.

You are comfortable in a progressive, inclusive home.

You are comfortable with the rhythm of a home where a kind 13-year-old boy is present half-time.

You want privacy and independence, but not an anonymous or avoidant household.

You are looking for a stable home, not a short-term rental.

A few clear practical things:

Utilities average around $220/month, including internet and trash.

This is priced as a premium house-share because it is a premium house-share: a quality-furnished single-family sanctuary home, with beautiful shared spaces, open-space views, parking, storage, and plenty of time when you will have the house to yourself.

Move-in requires first month, last month, and security deposit.

Proof of renter’s insurance is required. (I pay $30 a month).

No pets, unfortunately. The landlord is serious about this one. Trust me, I tried.

No smoking/vaping in the house. Patio use is fine.
Don’t do it in front of my son.

I’m mostly sober at home and never intoxicated around my son. As long as your buzz isn’t obvious, all good.

Long term romantic partners are welcome one night a week. We, myself included, do not bring strangers into our safe space. 
Any visiting guest would require my explicit agreement in advance. I would afford you the same courtesy.

I am looking for someone who intends to stay at least 9 months. Life happens, of course, but the intention to stay matters.

If this resonates, please email me with a little about yourself, what you are looking for in a home, your timing, and any questions you have.

The process would be simple: email first, then a video call, then a house visit, then a chance to meet my son before you decide. If everything feels aligned, we would check references, talk through final logistics, and put our agreements in writing.

If you have read this far, I hope you are feeling some upwelling of inspiration and possibility. I look forward to receiving your email and answering your questions.

Rivers

A bit about me: I am a middle aged San Francisco native, and I have been a professional life and business coach full-time since 2010. I work from home on video calls during the day. I identify as queer / non-binary/ transfemme person and this is an LGBTQ+ affirming home, which you should feel is a plus.

My 13-year-old son lives here every other week. He is a kind, chill boy who is used to shared living, (his mom has always lived with housemates), and is usually at school or sports until the evening. People really enjoy his company.