This Victorian Gothic building is one of the most elaborate and picturesque 19th century houses in Marin County. It is an example of the Andrew Jackson Downing Cottage Style which was popular during the latter half of the 19th century, particularly in the Hudson River valley. Ira Cook, the man for whom the house was built, came from Rochester.

After Ira Cook died in 1880, his granddaughter, Louise, married John Franklin Boyd. The Cook family gave the house to the couple as a wedding gift.

In 1905, John and Louise Boyd donated the house and grounds to San Rafael as a memorial park for their two sons who had died in their teens.

Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1974.