A different kind of senior living
Because its Not Just a Community, it’s a Community that Owns Itself
Villa Marin is a self-governed, not-for-profit Life Plan Community led by an elected resident board and supported by experienced professional management.
That means decisions are made for our residents best well-being, and not based on profit.
We thrive through transparency, engagement, and a shared sense of ownership in daily life at Villa Marin.
Where Purpose and Agency Come Together for You
Villa Marin is truly unlike any other senior living community! In fact we are the only model of its kind in the country.
As a resident-owned Life Plan Community, Villa Marin is owned and shaped by its residents.
Our residents have full equity ownership of their homes and participate fully in the decisions and direction of their new community.
With self-governance, an elected board, and over 21 resident-led committees, life here is guided by the people who live it every day.
Our Rich History
Click on a year to explore Villa Marin's timeline.
The vision for Villa Marin began in 1977 with a bold idea: to create a senior living community where residents had full equity ownership of their homes. Spearheaded by founder John Siemens and supported by the late Barbara Leibert—our beloved first and most significant contributing partner—the journey took nearly a decade of planning, permitting, and collaboration with architects, engineers, and builders. Construction was entrusted to Cahill Construction, led by John Cahill.
Villa Marin officially opened its doors on April 1, 1985. By January 1987, 280 residents had moved in, and only two units remained available—a testament to the demand for this unique model of senior living.
In the early days, the California Department of Real Estate required the original development partners to remain in management. But in 1986, residents voiced a desire for greater autonomy. As John Siemens noted in a 1987 newsletter, the Board of Directors took full responsibility for Villa Marin’s operations, and in June of that year, management transitioned to Northern California Presbyterian Homes (NCPH).
By Villa Marin’s 5th anniversary in 1990, residents once again sought more direct control of their community. A committee was formed to identify new leadership, and with the help of a California Senate amendment, a one-time certificate was granted—ensuring Villa Marin’s right to operate independently, unlike any other future facility. In November 1990, Villa Marin officially became a self-governed, resident-led community.
And in January 1992, then-President Arthur Branstad proudly declared:
“For the first time, we have our own organization. We make our own policies and we alone are responsible for our destiny. Our medical program is independent, we have no debt, and we maintain healthy reserves. A record to be proud of.”
In July 2026, Villa Marin’s CEO Nicole Mashburn celebrated two years at the helm, the residents elected a predominantly female Board of Directors. Interest in Villa Marin’s unique ownership model coupled with a strong reputation for the highest quality of care in the Bay Area have resulted in historically unprecedented sales.
Today, Villa Marin remains a one-of-a-kind community—governed by its residents, shaped by their values, and rooted in a legacy of independence and innovation.