Brainerd Jones designed this residence for Erskine Baker McNear. The design draws upon several architectural styles popular at the beginning of the 20th Century: Colonial Revival, Craftsman Bungalow and Bay Area Shingle.

The McNear family was influential in the economic development of Marin and Sonoma Counties in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family interests included real estate, timber, ranching, grain and feed supply, warehousing, shipping, and railroad and steamship lines.

Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1982.