Mill Valley ADU for In-Laws and Family Flex Space

ke design and finishes.

A family in Mill Valley, California wanted to replace the old shed in their backyard with an ADU to house relatives that frequently came to visit. Thanks to its custom approach, Cottage immediately stood out to the homeowners. Fast forward to today and the completed unit is spectacular — and tailored to exactly what the family had in mind for their ideal ADU.

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Seamlessly Integrated into the Property

The homeowners’ vision for the ADU was that it would integrate naturally with their existing outdoor space, which included a deck and yard, while maintaining the spacious feel of their backyard. The Cottage team found a way to place the ADU on the level of the existing deck, which maximized square footage without cutting too far into the yard. This design required a significant amount of sitework. Luckily, Cottage’s team of ADU experts and partner consultants handled all the intricacies around sitework and permitting, allowing the homeowners to stay focused on the fun parts of the ADU process like design and finishes.

What’s more, the homeowners knew they wanted the ADU to match the style of their main home. Cottage designed the unit with this in mind from the start. From the ADU’s white board and batten siding, to its metal roof material, flooring, and interior finishes, the final product flawlessly matches the main home.

An Indoor-Outdoor Feel

With their location in sunny Mill Valley, the family wanted the ADU to have an indoor-outdoor feel and lots of natural light. Cottage’s designers incorporated french doors in the living room and bedroom that open onto the deck, two large sunlights in the living room, and La Cantina style foldout doors that allow the entire common space to open up to the deck. The shed roof enables lofty ceilings that are 12’ high at their tallest, truly accomplishing the family’s wish for a spacious and airy unit.

Multiple Uses for the ADU

Today, the homeowners are using the final ADU how they intended — to house their in-laws and other visiting family — but they’re using it for more than just that. From making the ADU a space for the kids’ tutoring and piano lessons, to throwing Halloween parties and other gatherings, the family is finding that the ADU gives them flexible space that’s helpful for more than they ever imagined.

Customized ADUs to Fit Your Budget And Needs

At Cottage, we believe in providing homeowners the best ADU experience possible. From feasibility, to design, permitting, and construction, we're here to guide you through each step of the journey.

Interested in building a similar attached or detached ADU, or converting an existing garage space? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation & estimate for your ADU vision with one of our ADU experts!

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