Kent Woodlands History
Kent Woodlands has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, when Albert and Adaline Kent settled in their new-found "paradise".
The Kent family estate circa 1875. Photo courtesy of the Marin History Museum.
Key Historical Aspects of Kent Woodlands:​
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The Kent Family Legacy: Albert Emmet Kent and his wife Adaline moved to the Ross Valley in 1871 and established their home here in 1874. Their son, William Kent, was a prominent conservationist who played a key role in protecting Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais.​
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Development and Subdivision: Significant development of Kent Woodlands took place before and after the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, with a major expansion happening after World War II, contributing to the growth of the surrounding area. The area was largely developed in the mid-20th century as the family began selling off their large land holdings, transforming the rural estate into high-end residential, wooded homesites.
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Residential Character: Known today as a luxury neighborhood, it features roughly 570 homes on 850 acres of land designed for privacy and integration into the natural woodland landscape.​​ Because of the Kent family’s dedication to conservation, the area was designed to honor the natural environment.
Albert and Adaline Kent (Anne T. Kent California Room Collection)
William Kent (US Library of Congress)