In a city where million-dollar listings are becoming the norm, one Seattle home is floating above (beside?) the competition.
A custom Polynesian-inspired floating home overlooking Portage Bay is on the market for $1.3 million, offering buyers the chance to live directly on the water in one of Seattle’s most iconic lakefront communities.
But don’t call this a houseboat.
Unlike houseboats, which are built on movable hulls and can be towed around like vessels, floating homes are essentially full-time houses built on floating foundations and permanently connected to utilities. Think “waterfront bungalow” more than “captain of the seas.”
Vaulted Ceilings, Wood Walls, And Major Cozy Energy
This particular floating home leans hard into cozy Pacific getaway energy.
The 833-square-foot, one-bedroom home features soaring vaulted ceilings, warm wood-paneled walls and ceilings, oversized windows, and a freestanding wood-burning fireplace that looks like it belongs in a luxury cabin retreat somewhere deep in the San Juan Islands.
The listing from Real Broker LLC says the home was architect-designed by Gerald Van Slyck and includes two outdoor spaces, including a covered front porch and a partially covered deck where you can pull your boat right up alongside the home. Because apparently “parallel parking” in Seattle can also mean docking.
A Rare 43-Foot Moorage
One of the biggest selling points is the unusually large 43-foot moorage, which the listing says can accommodate a wide range of vessels, including sailboats — a rarity for floating homes, where space can be tight.
The home was built in 1958 and last sold in 2018 for $624,000, meaning its value has more than doubled in less than a decade as Seattle’s floating-home market continues to attract buyers looking for something far less cookie-cutter than a standard condo.
Lake Living In The Middle Of Seattle
And despite the tucked-away-on-the-water feel, the home still sits just minutes from Seattle restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
So yes: technically it’s a one-bedroom home. But it’s also a floating Polynesian-inspired lake retreat with a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, boat parking, and front-row sunset views in the middle of Seattle.
Now… who’s ready to trade their apartment lease for dock lines and lake sunsets?
