865 W I St, Benicia, CA 94510

Property Description

Originally built in 1942 as a seaside vacation cottage welcoming visitors arriving by train and ferry to Benicia, 865 W I Street has spent the better part of a century becoming exactly what it was always meant to bea creative coastal compound that defies easy description and rewards those curious enough to come inside. Climb to the crow's nest and take in the water view. Let that sink in for a moment. This is your life now. The light-filled main residence is punctuated by original porthole windows that nod to the property's nautical soul. Repurposed redwood trim and doors salvaged from an 1890s farmhouse complement restored Douglas Fir floors. Nothing here feels accidental; every detail reflects authenticity, craftsmanship and care. Beginning in 2004, the property underwent an extensive renovation and expansion with a highly regarded local design and construction team, including major updates to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sewer and irrigation lines, roof, gutters, driveways and custom exterior details. Currently configured as a 2bd/2ba main residence above, plus a private studio/living area with full bath and office/bedroom, with a permitted 1bd/1ba apartment and dedicated garage below, the possibilities are remarkable. Create a spacious single-family home with up to 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, enjoy multi-generational living with privacy for everyone, or maintain the current configuration with income-producing space and a creative studio. The two-car garage with gated alley access provide exceptional storageand yes, room for the sailboat. Mature trees and lush landscaping create surprising privacy in the heart of Benicia. One home from 9th Street Park, the beach and boat launch, with downtown restaurants, galleries and the waterfront just a short bike ride away. This is not a house for everyone. It's a house for someone specificsomeone who values privacy over pretension, character over convention, and a water view from their own crow's nest over anything cookie-cutter could offer. What 865 W I Street becomes next is entirely yours.