MyLivingChoice

Villa Marin

100 Thorndale Drive

4.6(43 ratings)· San Rafael average: 4.1

Villa Marin, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
28
Medicare rating
5 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Corporation
Certified beds
31
Ownership model
Condos bought and sold at market rate
On-site medical care
Primary care physician available on-site
Continuum of care
Independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus
Emergency response
Nurse and security respond immediately to calls
Fee structure
Monthly fee calculated by unit square footage

What Families Think

Villa Marin is a Life Plan community where families describe a high-end, buy-in condo model with on-site medical care and responsive staff. Reviewers highlight spacious units, cleanliness, and quick emergency response, though several note parking is difficult and monthly fees are high.

The Good

  • Nurse and security responded immediately in emergency
  • Large, well-maintained condo-style units
  • On-site primary care physician available
  • Staff described as caring and hands-on
  • Variety of floor plans and sizes
  • Clean facilities that smell fresh

The Bad

  • Multiple reviewers mention limited or difficult parking
  • Monthly maintenance fees can be difficult to afford

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Villa Marin is a senior living community in San Rafael, California offering Assisted Living, Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Gathering / Activity Spaces. Families rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 43 reviews.

About Villa Marin

Villa Marin is a Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in San Rafael, California. The community serves adults 60 and older and features an on-site Medical Clinic, providing a full continuum of care in one location.

The community is organized around the Vitalist philosophy, which emphasizes movement, connection, purpose, self-governance, and continual growth. Residences range from 660 to over 3,000 square feet and include condominiums with views of Marin countryside. Villa Marin is situated on a hillside above San Rafael with expansive views of the surrounding valleys and hills.

The community attracts residents who value engagement and intellectual connection. Residents describe the environment as fostering meaningful friendships and opportunities for continued learning and discovery. The thoughtfully designed spaces accommodate varying needs, including accessibility features for residents with limited vision or mobility concerns.

Villa Marin emphasizes intentional living and the benefits of downsizing. Smaller residences are designed to reduce maintenance burdens and simplify daily life, allowing residents to focus on activities and relationships that matter to them. The community notes that living well does not require more space, but rather the right space tailored to individual needs and lifestyle preferences.

Types of Care at Villa Marin

Assisted LivingIndependent LivingSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Multiple Floor Plans
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Chapel / Religious Services
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Security
  • Transportation Services

Activities

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Birthday / Holiday Parties
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Help Me Choose

Reviews of Villa Marin

4.6overall · 43 ratings combined

4.6★ on Google (43)

Riley Wailana

May 2026

via Google

Good luck getting parking. Might as well call an uber from down the hill to get you up to the front door

Chris B.

Jul 2025

via Google

Mom loves it there. She has a terrific, back facing unit. Two beds and two baths. I visit and stay every other weekend. Buying in is pretty reasonable. It is the monthly maintenance that could be difficult for some to meet. It is figured out by square footage. Her unit is a little under 6,000 a month. At 97, for her, it is well worth it. She has her primary care physician rite there. She gets dinner, housekeeping, and a myriad of activities that help keep her vital. More than once, she has needed immediate help, and a nurse and security came up immediately! Also, in the end, the condo can be sold at the market rate by family. Just a delightful, friendly place!

Karen Hadley

May 2025

via Google

This was the largest condo I have ever been in. It is absolutely beautiful and the staff all were caring and helpful. I picked up some flyers for units for sale. It looks like there are a nice variety of floor plans and sizes to select from if you are looking to purchase. The floors were very clean and it smelled wonderful. We got lost, so we walked around trying to get back to the main entrance from out visit.

Teena Hagerman

Feb 2020

via Google

Beautiful campus and amazing leadership. I love how they truly care about heir residents, staff and families. The executive directors is hands on and really cares about quality. I was super impressed with their core values.

catherine coverdale

Oct 2017

via Google

Great place to live Just attending that open house at Villa Marin yesterday. My husband and I were very impressed with the place. Very classy setup. The price is rather high for monthly fee You do get to keep all your money you invest in the condos, which are sold individually by the owners. Written by local San Rafael residents

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Ask about availability, pricing, or a tour. Your details go only to Villa Marin, never sold or shared.

Government Inspection History

4 inspection visits in the last three years, 41 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Nov 18, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard8 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 9, 2025

  • Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 24, 2025

  • Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 9, 2025

  • Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 24, 2025

  • Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 9, 2025

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 9, 2025

  • Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 24, 2025

  • Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 9, 2025

Apr 10, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 10, 2024

Aug 18, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard19 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Have an alternate power supply for its alarm system.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Properly install and monitor supervisory attachments on automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 18, 2023

  • Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 28, 2023

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 18, 2023

Mar 1, 2019Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard13 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Apr 18, 2019

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 18, 2019

  • Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 18, 2019

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 18, 2019

  • Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

  • Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

  • Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

  • Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 18, 2019

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 18, 2019

  • Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 17, 2019

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Villa Marin offer?

Villa Marin offers Assisted Living, Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Villa Marin located?

Villa Marin is located at 100 Thorndale Drive in San Rafael, California.

What do families say about Villa Marin?

Villa Marin is a Life Plan community where families describe a high-end, buy-in condo model with on-site medical care and responsive staff. Reviewers highlight spacious units, cleanliness, and quick emergency response, though several note parking is difficult and monthly fees are high.

How did Villa Marin do on recent health and safety inspections?

Villa Marin had 4 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 41 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Villa Marin?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Villa Marin and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

Work at Villa Marin? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.

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