Lyford House, Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary
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376 Greenwood Beach Road
Tiburon, CA 94920
Contact: Rental Coordinator
Phone: 415/388-2524 x113
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Why We Like This Place
People driving along the four-mile stretch from Highway 101 to downtown Tiburon might not notice the Lyford House at all. Or maybe they catch a half-second glimpse of it in the distance—a bright yellow Victorian with a mansard-capped cupola. Then it’s gone, hidden by hedges, and motorists are left to wonder at the Brigadoon-like apparition they’ve just seen.
Those who stop for a better look, however, are rewarded for their curiosity. Lyford House is a two-story wooden confection, with exuberant dormers and soaring finials, owned by the nonprofit National Audubon Society. Set on a sloping, grassy three-acre meadow at the edge of San Francisco Bay, this Registered Historical Landmark offers perhaps the best publicly accessible view of the Bay in Marin County. Visitors standing on the bricked terrace that flanks the east and south sides of Lyford House can take in a spectacular panorama that includes Tiburon, Angel Island, Belvedere, Alcatraz, San Francisco from downtown to the Marina, Sausalito and Strawberry Point.
The house, built in the late 1870s as the main residence of a dairy farm on neighboring Strawberry Point, was barged over to its present site in 1957 after local conservationists saved it from the wrecker’s ball. The National Audubon Society assumed title to Lyford House and after restoration, the house became a popular location for small exclusive weddings, corporate retreats and other events.
It’s easy to see why. This is a perfect place for anyone seeking "civilized country charm." Though it’s only one mile from the North Bay’s major freeway, and six miles by water from one of the world’s great cities, this place is a world apart. Guests can enjoy the tucked-away quiet, the superlative views, and the mingled smells of saltwater, marsh and meadow.
Events are held in the meadow and on the terrace, where a grand vista of San Francisco Bay provides a stunning backdrop. Two pairs of large French doors connect the terrace to the adjoining dining room, which serves as a convenient buffet service site. While guests help themselves to the buffet, they can admire the polished hardwood floor, Victorian-era furniture and signature Audubon prints.
Thanks to the ample grounds, folks who like to stretch their legs during a reception can do just that: short walks around the property, enhanced by compelling Bay views, refresh and inspire. A favorite jaunt is beyond the terrace, where the property descends twenty feet over small bluffs to the bay. A stairway leads down to a 100-yard stretch of beach, the kind of place for slow strolls, conversations and spontaneous attempts to skip stones on the usually tranquil water. And one last thing—because Lyford House is part of an official Audubon bird sanctuary, visitors here shouldn’t be surprised to see egrets, ducks, sandpipers and the occasional heron. These feathered party crashers may not fly in with a formal invitation, but everyone seems to appreciate their graceful presence.
Note: to protect Lyford House’s grounds, which are primarily a wildlife sanctuary, the number of weddings allowed here is strictly limited.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 150 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 150 Max. Standing Indoors: 0 Max. Standing Outdoors: 150 |
Max. Seated: 150 |
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CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Terrace holds up to 50 guests seated or standing. The meadow accommodates 150 guests. Other facilities are available for indoor meetings. |
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Fees & Deposits
A $2,000 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your date. The rental fee balance, along with a $800 refundable security deposit, is payable 45 days prior to the event. Rental fees for weddings on Saturdays range $4,500–6,000 depending on the number of hours.
Rental fees for events during the week range $2,800–3,500.
Availability
Monday–Saturday, 9am–8pm. Weddings are limited to May–October. Facility tours take place on weekdays by appointment.
CateringChoose From ListAlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: select from preferred listParking: 2 lots and ample on-street parking Kitchen Facilities: prep only Accommodations: no guestrooms Tables & Chairs: BYO or through caterer Telephone: emergency only Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO or through caterer Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ CBA Dance Floor: on patio and in meadow Cleanup: through caterer Bride's Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: n/a View: San Francisco Bay and cityscape Other: .5-mile hiking trail and 100-yard stretch of beach; Wildlife Sanctuary open to the public |
Amplified MusicAcoustic OnlyWheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsCityscapeLandscaped Grounds Meadow/Fields Ocean/Bay Site TypeHistoric/Landmark BuildingMansion Banquet/Events Facility RestrictionsAlcohol: BYOWheelchair Access: yes Music: acoustic only Insurance: liability required Smoking: not allowed Other: candles not allowed |
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415/388-2524 x113
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