About lodge at Marconi
RECORDED TRANSMISSIONS
Lodge at Marconi has a rich history as a landmark of the destination; the property was originally built in 1914 as a radio receiving station by Guglielmo Marconi, often credited as the “inventor of radio.”
In the early 1960s, a rehabilitation facility known as Synanon took over the site, eventually becoming an infamous “alternative lifestyle community” that eventually dissolved. In recent years, it primarily served as a site for non profit and corporate retreats, conferences, and weddings.
Its location within Tomales Bay showcases the natural beauty of the West Marin coastline. The region is best known for its abundance of outdoor pursuits, vineyards, creameries, and oyster farms. It is conveniently located only an hour away from San Francisco and mere miles east of the extraordinary Point Reyes National Seashore.
1914
The Marconi Wireless Company purchased land in Marshall, California to build a powerful radio station, that would soon serve as a vital communication link between ships at sea and stations across the Pacific.
1960-1980
Created in the late 50s by founder Charles “Chuck” Diedricht, the Marconi grounds became the original site for Synanon. It began as a safe community for those seeking to rehabilitate themselves from addiction. Although not the first rehab center of its kind, it did pioneer the culture of recovery and drug treatment centers in California –especially during the height of the “counterculture decade.”
Recovering addicts would “graduate” from the programs put in place by Diedricht and due to its success, it gained many followers. It wasn’t long before Synanon began an evolution of rebranding itself to avoid problems with the law. It went from a thriving drug treatment center to a psychotherapy program that unlicensed therapists ran.
After then, it became a religious organization and soon after a cult- which led to its demise. After years of greed, violence and controversy, the organization dissolved in 1980.
1972
Renowned architect Ellis Kaplan designed several distinctive structures as timeless spaces that integrated with the natural surroundings.
TODAY
Today, Lodge at Marconi is a historic coastal retreat designed and managed by Oliver Hospitality. The property features 45 modern guest accommodations and versatile event spaces nestled amid acres of protected grasslands overlooking Tomales Bay in Marconi State Historic Park. Lodge at Marconi caters to those looking to unplug, unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what matters.
CRAFTED WITH CARE AND COMPASSION
In Fall 2023, Oliver Hospitality unveiled the highly anticipated transformation of the historic Lodge at Marconi, featuring modern lodging, high design by Home Studios, dynamic event spaces, and West Marin’s unspoiled natural beauty.
Together with the California State Parks Department and the local West Marin community, we are committed to sustainable practices and being good stewards of the land. We seek to preserve the history that makes this area unique and special.
