Growing up in the Adirondacks, many of Stephen Gordon’s fondest memories are of early morning rows on Lake Champlain and of 19th century Guideboats on the waters of the Upper St Regis and Loon Lakes. Acquiring a rare 1892 J.H. Rushton Guideboat a few years back he became intrigued with the idea of helping others create similar memories, young and old alike plying the waters. Gordon decided to build a new Guideboat, an identical Rushton hull design, an affordable rendition, American cherry trimmed, bronze fittings, hand made.
Gordon, no stranger to edited assortments having founded Restoration Hardware, was joined by Chad Hurley co-founder of YouTube, in launching a new Mill Valley, California based concept…a way-of-life purveyor, online and in store. In addition to the Guideboat, the company now builds a turn-of–the-century Maine Peapod and the 1949 Naples Sabot. The company flagship, workshop and offices are all housed in the 19th century historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard.
The northern California flagship store opened in September of 2013 and is comprised of two handsomely restored late 19th century buildings within the historic Mill Valley Lumberyard. They selected and directed the rebuilding of the original mercantile building and the old hardware store, both graced by redwoods, bay and birch, adjacent to Mill Creek, moments from the bustle of Mill Valley’s Plaza yet a world away experientially. Guideboat’s workshop, where they now paint oars and paddles and fit componentry of our boats is built (as is the hardware store) right over the creek and housed within the property’s old woodshop. (pics via Remodelista)
129 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA
