Established in 1905 San Benito House was originally named The Mosconi Hotel, a moderately-priced hostelry for visitors to the Coast side. With the construction of the Ocean shore Railway, Emanuele Daneri hoped for a thriving business at the hotel.
After the Mosconi’s retired, Daniel Dagni ran the popular place. From the start, the hotel was known for its bargain-priced, family-style Italian dinners.
Since none of the owners of the business never owned the building itself, it gradually began to deteriorate. Carol Mickelsen bought the property in 1976 with several partners, including Ron Mickelsen. After extensive restoration and remodeling it opened for business as a bed and breakfast inn in 1979, the first of such an establishment in the area.
Everything except the studs came off downstairs, and the old wood was restored. Carol built French doors to lead out into a small intimate garden from the dining area. A lovely sense of a French country inn now prevails in the dining room which seats 56.
About the same time as the restaurant restoration, work also began in the saloon. It now gleams of polished wood and brass. Early Coast side photographs hang on the walls, reminding guests of how it “once was” on the Coast side. The impressive collection of large animal heads once hung on the walls of the Museum of Natural History in Santa Barbara.
The hotel entrance was stunningly refurbished and decorated with a 15-foot mirrored hall stand, once in the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. The staircase leads up to twelve guest rooms decorated with antiques of the period and featuring individual touches such as flowered quilts, paintings and findings from local antique shops. One room has a flower-patterned canopy, another a floor-to-ceiling headboard made from antique carved doors. The bathrooms have Victorian fixtures and beautiful stained glass port holders behind the claw foot tubs. For those of contemporary persuasion, there is a sauna as well as a communal shower
The restoration is ongoing. In 1981 Carol built a huge deck outside the dining area’s French doors. Flower boxes separate the areas, making it a perfect spot for sipping morning coffee or afternoon wine, reading, chatting or munching on deli fare. At night, when the fire is lit, guests sip cognac and watch the stars. Being avid gardeners, Ron and Carol planted a garden in the style they had enjoyed on trips to Europe. The gorgeous garden is now a popular site for weddings.
Carol bought the entire property and business in 1985. In 1991, she sold the business to her oldest son, Greg Regan. In 2007 Greg sold San Benito House to Franco and Connie Carrubba, natives of Siracusa, Sicily and owners of Half Moon Bay’s iconic Cunha’s Country Store as well as Shoreline Station. Franco had dreams of bringing San Benito House back to life. His passion for restoring beauty and life to historic buildings was truly realized. After several months of moderate renovation San Benito House was once again ready to serve the people of Half Moon Bay and its visitors.
Further plans for upgrading the rooms are currently in the works!