The Captain Walsh House

The Captain Walsh House commands a distiguished place in California history. Designed by the prominent architect, Andrew Jackson Downing, the house was built in Boston, dismantled, shipped 'round the Horn and erected in Benicia, in 1849 for the use of General M.G. Vallejo's daughter, Epiphania.  General Vallejo and his wife, Dona Benicia, occupied the twin to the house which still stands in Sonoma as a museum operated by the State of California. After only a few years, the home was purchased by Captain John Walsh and his wife Eleanor.  Captain Walsh, a retired sea Captain, presided over the Custom House of Benicia.  The house has been featured in numerous books and is considered one of the "most important pieces of residential architecture in Northern California".  The Captain Walsh House stands only two blocks from Benicia's charming First Street, where you can choose to shop at a variety of specialty stores, antique stores, and visit the first State Capitol.  Benicia also offers a variety of restaurants along First Street.  Guests can stay at the Inn after their arrival by boat from the nearby Benicia Marina. The Captain Walsh House sits only 32 miles from San Francisco and 17 miles from Napa. Benicia is an ideal location for an uncomplicated and relaxing weekend get away.