Acquisition: Cottages, Inverness
Photo credit: Catherine Brozena
In May 2026, CLAM entered into a lease agreement with property owners of a former hotel in Inverness that consists of 20 cottage units nestled on more than 15 acres. Originally built in the 1960s, the cottages are set across a landscape that once welcomed visitors to West Marin. Now they will now be offered as affordable housing for the displaced ranch families.
Every cottage unit comes equipped with a fully-outfitted kitchenette, private entrance, patio, and full bath. Fast-track efforts are underway to welcome families into these homes by mid-June 2026.
This motel-to-housing conversion represents what CLAM expects to be the final housing component for families displaced as a result of the Point Reyes National Seashore legal settlement.
CLAM sees The Cottages as part of a long-term solution, rather than a short-term fix. Our vision for The Cottages is to use the property for interim housing for displaced families over the next several years, while we pursue long-term feasibility planning and permitting to ensure these families could enjoy permanent affordable housing on the site.
To support this vision, the property owners have agreed to a lease with an option for CLAM to purchase the property after that. This gives CLAM the time needed to conduct a thorough planning process with a range of stakeholders.
CLAM is deeply grateful to property owners Susan and Andrew Howard for their openness and patience in forming this creative and unique arrangement. We also recognize the County of Marin and the Marin Community Foundation for their partnership in making this acquisition possible. Their steadfast commitment to affordable housing continues to be essential to our ability to act with the urgency this moment demands.
Partnerships like these are essential to helping build the resource base needed to address the affordable housing needs of our communities. Ready to join us in this vital work? Learn how you can get involved — as a partner, member, donor, or volunteer — in supporting CLAM's mission today.
Want to learn more about how we have housed displaced ranch families? Read about our impact here.