‘Groovy’ Granite Bay geodesic dome house on 3.3 acres hits Sacramento market
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Granite Bay geodesic dome hits market under $1.2M on 3.3 private acres.
- Two-bedroom, two-bath dome includes lap pool, casita and large shop.
- Owned solar, two wells and potential lot split boost functional and value.
Sacramento area homeowner Vincent Chad Jones is spoiled by his charming longtime residence, an unconventional geodesic dome built in the groovy ‘70s.
“Every other property just looks boring now — we’ve never encountered anything like our Granite Bay sanctuary,” he wrote in an email to The Sacramento Bee.
At the quiet terminus of Boren Lane — beyond the traditional grandeur of Granite Bay’s mansions and sweeping ranches — the 2,000-square-foot home in a picturesque setting emerges.
Listed for under $1.2 million — a figure that undercuts many nearby estate homes — the 3.3-acre property invites buyers searching for something beyond the ordinary.
“This property is so unique and special,” listing agent Kristin Rolph of Compass said. “It’s in a fantastic location in Granite Bay, situated on a quiet, private street, but still close to everything. The lot is stunning with a seasonal pond, mature trees and open space. The home itself is whimsical and quirky — definitely a product of the ‘70s.”
‘Soulful, groovy’ home
Built in 1976, the home stands apart: a rare, two-bedroom, two-bathroom geodesic dome residence thoughtfully placed on three private acres and on market for the first time in years. Jones bought the property in 2011, according to property records.
“The main residence is a soulful, groovy ... geodesic dome filled with beautiful woodwork, skylights, and expansive windows that bring the outdoors in from every angle,” according to the official property listing. “The 1970s are calling — if you’ve ever dreamed of sipping coffee on the deck of your very own dome overlooking the pond, this home delivers charm, character, and creative energy in spades.”
The home — originally built by McClellan Air Force Base electronics technician Russell May — instantly drew attention, according to a 1977 article in the Sacramento Union. Lots of people began stopping by to check out the unique home, which was constructed from 60 pre-cut wood triangles. Some saw it as the “house of the future,” according to the article.
After seeing an overwhelming interest in the style of home, May decided to change careers and become an independent distributor for Cathedralite Domes in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Nevada counties.
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Serenity and unique character are the central themes of this property, which features mature trees and landscaping, a seasonal pond, lap pool and endless potential.
It’s as practical as it is distinctive. Owned solar, two wells, and a spacious detached 1,125-square-foot shop — complete with kitchen and bath — offer flexibility for buyers.
If ever there was a home built for observing changing light and weather, this is it. Sunlight fills the dome’s open floor plan, amplified by generous wood accents and broad windows that showcase views of oaks and the pond nearby.
Homebuyer opportunities
The property’s design opens the door for a wide range of lifestyles. A few steps from the dome, the flexible studio casita and lap pool create options for guests, extended family, work-from-home pursuits, or a future rental unit. The lot may also be eligible for a split, according to the sellers.
“The detached studio casita, lap pool and large workshop with kitchenette provide so many different opportunities for buyers —build your dream home, embrace generational living, or create rental revenue. It’s a great opportunity for buyers seeking something unique in an amazing setting,” Rolph said.
Jones made significant upgrades to the property, including new windows, doors and skylights; refinished floors; extensive deck, pool and landscaping renovations; expanded driveway; and complete renovations of both the casita and barn/shop with modern amenities.
For Jones, the peaceful 3-acre setting proved hard to beat.
“This multi-acre property was our own private park,” he said. “We’d take morning walks around the pond watching the ducks. We’d harvest persimmons, figs, and pomegranates from our orchard. On summer evenings we’d gather with friends around a fire pit on the artificial beach, fire up the grill on the wide pool decks, and watch the kids play in the sand beside our 40-foot lap pool. The pool guest house was, hands down, the best office I’ve ever had. Our massive shop with eight skylights made the perfect art studio.”
The property listing suggests a new owner “embrace the existing vibe and enjoy space, peace, and privacy. A truly special property for those who crave something unique, not cookie cutter.”
Jones said he and his wife know the next steward of 7890 Boren Lane is in for a treat.
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“When my wife’s rare arthritis forced us to relocate to the desert, we left behind something truly irreplaceable,” he said.
The home is not far from the high-end enclave of Los Lagos and the large estates on Moss Lane in Granite Bay. In Granite Bay, the average home value ranges from $1.1 million to $1.37 million, according to Zillow.
