History of 33 Miller Ave
”The Pines”
This Queen Anne style residence was built and completed in 1888 by Major O. C. Miller. Major Miller, his wife and four children resided in the house which was simply called “The Pines” as there were no street names at the time. Major Miller died here peacefully in 1903.
A restored Sausalito landmark with a remarkable past
Origins
In 1888, Major Orson C. Miller built a Queen Anne residence overlooking Richardson Bay and the growing town of Sausalito. At the time, the area had few formal streets or addresses, and the home became known simply as “The Pines.”
Major Miller, his wife, and their four children lived in the residence during a transformative period in Sausalito’s history. A Civil War veteran and influential civic leader, Major Miller helped shape the early development of the town, contributing to its infrastructure, public services, and expansion.
Today, The Pines remains one of Sausalito’s oldest and most distinctive historic homes.
The House Through Time
Over more than a century, The Pines passed through many hands and experienced periods of transformation, reinvention, and decline.
In the early 1900s, a glass conservatory imported from England was added to the south side of the home after traveling around Cape Horn by ship.
Later owners converted portions of the original 23-room residence into apartments and boarding spaces as Sausalito itself evolved through changing decades.
Like many historic properties, The Pines reflected the spirit of its times. During the 1960s and 70s, colorful artistic embellishments appeared across portions of the exterior. Other structural additions and renovations altered elements of the original Victorian design.
By the 1990s, however, much of the home’s historic craftsmanship had been removed or severely damaged. Original woodwork, staircases, fixtures, moldings, and architectural details disappeared, placing the future of the residence at risk.
SQUINTY AT FRONT STEPS
Restoring The Pines
The restoration of The Pines became a years-long labor of dedication and historical preservation.
Over the course of more than eight years, Gil Purcell, Roxanne Sheridan, and Gil Sr. worked to return the home to its original character while modernizing the structure for safety and longevity. Extensive seismic reinforcement and foundational rebuilding were completed using thousands of reclaimed 19th-century bricks sourced to match the original construction.
Craftsmen skilled in Victorian-era techniques recreated intricate architectural details using rare heart redwood and historically appropriate materials. Banisters, moldings, and woodwork were painstakingly rebuilt to honor the original design of the home.
Among the many restoration highlights was the installation of a stunning stained-glass skylight above the grand staircase and the refurbishment of the rooftop widow’s walk overlooking the Bay.
Today, The Pines stands not only as a restored historic landmark, but as a testament to preservation, craftsmanship, and stewardship.
Sausalito Couple
Donate Time and Energy
Gil Purcell and Roxanne Sheridan have donated a large amount of time and effort to make The Pines the perfect venue for charitable events.
Roxanne & Gill are always looking to learn more about The Pines and/or Major Miller. Please contact them if you have any historical information.
The Legends of The Pines
Like many historic homes with long histories and generations of inhabitants, The Pines has accumulated its share of stories and local legends.
Over the years, residents and visitors have described unexplained footsteps, faint traces of perfume, glimpses of figures in period clothing, and the feeling that the home still carries echoes of its past occupants.
Whether viewed as folklore, mystery, or simply part of the atmosphere of an old Victorian residence, these stories have become part of the character and charm of The Pines.
And according to the family’s rescue cats — longtime companions of the home — something may still wander the halls from time to time.
About Major Orson C. Miller
Major Orson C. Miller was one of the early civic leaders who helped shape modern Sausalito.
A Union Army veteran who fought at Gettysburg during the Civil War, he later served in public and civic roles including work with the U.S. Custom House and the San Francisco Mint. He eventually founded the Sausalito Bay Land Company, helping develop portions of what is now known as Old Town Sausalito.
Major Miller also played an important role in establishing some of the town’s earliest public infrastructure, including transportation connections, utilities, schools, and fire protection services. His contributions earned him recognition as one of the “city fathers” of Sausalito.