For decades, David Lee Hoffman's Lagunitas, California, property stood as a symbol of self-sufficient living — and at the center of a long-running fight with local officials.
After more than 53 years on the land, the 82-year-old tea importer has been forced out of the hand-built compound.
Here's what to know
According to SFGATE, Hoffman was evicted from "The Last Resort," his roughly 2-acre property, after a dispute that spent more than a decade in court and reaches back even further in county enforcement records.
County action dates to 1988, when officials issued a stop-work order after a neighbor reported the site. By then, Hoffman had spent the 1970s and 1980s building unpermitted structures to support his sustainable-living approach and store tea.
At least 36 structures stand on the property.
By 2015, the case had resulted in a receivership order for the property. In a statement provided to SFGate, Marin County spokesperson Laine Hendricks said a court-appointed receiver had taken control of the site and that officials did not know when it would be listed for sale.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Hoffman has acknowledged the permit problems, but continues to dispute claims that the buildings are unsafe.
"I can't believe this is actually happening," he told the outlet. "I think I'm going to wake up and everything will be back to normal."
More background
The compound also drew admiration.
Marin County's Architectural Commission cited the site's architectural significance in 2016, and The Last Resort was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.
Hoffman also drew support from neighbors, architects, environmentalists, and admirers. A 2017 petition supporting him drew 7,132 backers.
Even so, the county's view remained that the structures needed permits or had to be removed.
Hoffman told SFGATE his legal bills have reached about $1 million over the years.
"I am living my life just moment to moment now. I don't know what my future is," he said. "I don't know what my future is."
Where can I learn more?
Hoffman's fight echoes other disputes over what homeowners can build or install on their property. Other articles have tracked battles over solar projects, HOA denials, and the legal limits of property-use restrictions.
• In Austin, a homeowner faced an HOA attempt to block solar panels at home.
• In California, new rules have put a brick wall in front of many homeowners seeking solar.
• One homeowner kept searching for answers after an aggressive HOA refused solar approval.
• In Ohio, contractors sought guidance as HOAs think they are above the law.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
