
Inverness, CA 94937
Tucked along the tranquil shores of Tomales Bay in the historic village of Inverness, Walt's Cottage (12788) and Smitty's Cottage (12790) offer a rare chance to own a genuine piece of the Northern California coast. Built in 1941 on piers over the sand, these two beloved cottages sit just six feet apart - each under 500 square feet of pure waterfront charm, with one bedroom, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and a cozy living room. Step out onto your private deck, breathe in the salt air, and take in uninterrupted bay views that few properties can match. A grandfathered legal pier extends from the property directly to the water's edge, a feature that simply cannot be replicated under current Coastal regulations. Each cottage, individually named after its longtime owners, carries the warmth of decades of history while offering intimate, turnkey spaces for waterfront living. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, and stained glass details add character inside, while the decks and dock invite long afternoons watching the tide roll in. Whether you dream of a private weekend escape, an artist's retreat, or a legacy holding on Tomales Bay, this is the first time in forty years these two iconic cottages have been offered together. Opportunities like this - on the water, in Inverness, with a legal pier - simply do not come along anymore.
Property is move-in ready.
While originally built in 1941, the property is exceptionally well-maintained and presented as turnkey. The kitchen features functional white cabinetry, tile countertops, and gas appliances consistent with a renovation from 15-20 years ago. The interior is move-in ready with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and updated windows, showing no immediate need for repairs despite the historic age of the structures.
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 52699, living area = 440.
The property features a rare, legal pier extending directly to the water's edge, a grandfathered asset that cannot be replicated under current Coastal Commission regulations, providing unique value and access.
Situated on the tranquil shores of Inverness, these cottages offer uninterrupted bay views and immediate water access, representing a quintessential and highly sought-after Northern California coastal lifestyle.
Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =52699, other record lot size in square feet = 16500. Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 440, other record living area = 490.
With a list price of $2.7 million for approximately 440 square feet of living space, the property commands an extreme premium that may limit the buyer pool to niche luxury collectors.
Each cottage offers less than 500 square feet of living space, which may be too restrictive for buyers seeking modern spaciousness, large-scale entertaining, or family-sized accommodations.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home |
|---|---|---|
| Beds | 1.0 | 4.0 |
| Baths | 1.0 | 2.8 |
| Square foot | 440 | 2,088.5 |
| Lot Size | 52,699 | 39,377.25 |
| Price | $2.70M | $1.79M |
| Price per sq ft | $6.1K | $923 |
| Built year | 0 | 1942 |
| HOA | $0 | $0 |
| Days on market | 37 | 64 |
Sep 17, 2026
$2,700,000
Initial Listing
Nov 2, 1994
$162,500
Public Record