Quirky Lake Union float house
Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, is famous for its houseboats and float houses. When this float house was launched almost a century ago, float houses were still considered a low-cost form of housing occupied by itinerant workers, bohemians and criminals. At one time there were over 2,500 floating homes lining Seattle’s waterways, but that has since been reduced to about 500. With the deindustrialization of Lake Union and the growth of Seattle around it, living on the water is now seen as very desirable.
When first built in 1920, this floating home was likely a pretty tiny dwelling, encompassing the current living room, dining room and bathroom. Since then it has had a couple of additions, bringing it to 640 ft2 (59.5 m2). A lean-to extension at the dock side accommodates the somewhat funky kitchen while the two-storey addition at the other end added a second floor bedroom and a small home office next to the living room.
Steep stairs lead up from the living room to the light-filled bedroom. French doors open the bedroom to a small roof deck from which you can take in views over the neighboring marina.
With their waterfront setting and proximity to downtown Seattle, Lake Union float houses tend to fetch quite high prices. This one sold last October for $490,000.
Enjoy your weekend!
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Photographs courtesy of Coldwell Banker Bain. Via Curbed.
Text copyright 2015 SmallHouseBliss. All Rights Reserved.
this is a wonderful houseboat could live on it till the end of my time, thank you for sharing
Portland also has some amazing houseboat communities and likely far surpasses Seattle in number of available units. When I lived there, the prices of houseboats were relatively inline with a traditional house. You trade the physical property for the amazing waterfront and views.
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I am interested in purchasing a floating home. A small one would be great.