Seattle houseboats real estate lake union floating homes. Floating homes on lake unions westlake neighborhood and beyond. Lake union the history of lake union so named by pioneer thomas mercer 181898 in 1854 includes the many decades when it was ringed by loud and dirty lumber. Feb 02, 2009 the newest chapter of the lake union virtual museum tell the story of one the lakes most charming features. This book explores the community history of floating homes in seattle, tales. For her impact on the preservation of maritime history, colleen was awarded with the association of king county. Houseboats, living on the water around the world by mark gabor ballantine booksnew york 1979. Lake powell americas best houseboating destination lake. Rules of the road often are rewritten on the fly on lake union, where the mix of. Life aboard houseboats, barges, and liveaboards b y jeri callahan. It is the primary location for seattles internationally famous floating homes and houseboats, which line the shores of the lake and provide moorage for close knit and friendly communities of people who share a love for not just waterfront, but water below. This floating home in washington has some serious perksnamely, a setting that puts its lucky residents level with the smooth waters of seattles lake union. This wonderful, unique community lies in the heart of seattle near the communities of wallingford, fremont, ballard, and the university of washington. Lake union oral history project jack straw cultural center.
From a distance, lake union floating homes on appear as doll houses set upon a table of glass. The inventory has depleted itself again so bringing this gorgeous seattle houseboat on is really exciting for us. Kurtzer seaplane terminal, lake union, seattle, august 12, 1938. Dec 06, 2019 welcome to the 2420 cooperative seattle floating homes dock. Lake union, our charming, chaotic and calming jewel, is full of. Lake union houseboats 8 photos posted on september 12, 2011 september 12, 2011 by andy. Modern houseboat on lake union westlake, seattle, washington. The wagner houseboat, also known as the old boathouse is a historic floating home in seattle, washington, united states. Seattle houseboats seattle houseboats on lake union.
When you first start your search for houseboat rentals in seattle, youll notice that many boats are listed as being moored on lake union. Portland, oregon also has many houseboats along both the willamette river and the columbia river, with the neighborhood of hayden island as a prominent example. Apr 11, 2017 this floating home in washington has some serious perksnamely, a setting that puts its lucky residents level with the smooth waters of seattles lake union. Seattles floating home history floating homes association. I love walking around the lake and eating at the many great restaurants. The history of houseboating in seattle vrbo book your. Its just a stones throw from mohai and the center for wooden boats.
Houseboating getaways on beautiful lake shasta september 20. Most houseboats are designed and built for inland lakes and waterways only. The houseboat book by barbara flanagan release date. The projects focus is the history and development of lake unions shoreline, from. Watermark press 1977, it may be difficult to find but worth the effort staying afloat. Seattle floating homes are a living and evolving part of seattles history from their humble beginnings over a hundred years ago as floating shanties compiled. Youll learn secrets on how to prepare, market, and how to successfully finalize the sale of your boat. Molly has this houseboat open today from 111pm to 1pm. Houseboat books with tips, guides, and info on house boats. Seattle houseboats require special attention when it comes to financing, taxes, insurance, and more we are seattle houseboats realtors and we are experts when it comes to all things afloat in lake union and portage bay. Post world war ii, the houseboats began attracting writers, artists, musicians, and students. And in that same year it was reported that one of the ayps many temporary structures, the hostess house, was purchased by an enterprising individual who hauled it from the fairgrounds, converted it to a houseboat, and floated it on lake union where by 1914 there were a couple hundred houseboats. Howard droker, author of the book lake unions unsinkable houseboats tells how houseboat communities went from being havens for the homeless to some of the most picturesque and expensive. This large, recreational lake is great for renting an electric boat, kayaking and admiring the seattle skyline.
Seattle houseboats seattle floating homes houseboats. Imagine all the comforts of homecomfy beds, great living space, a fully appointed kitchen and a solid sound systemon your private houseboat, surrounded by lake powells breathtaking scenery. New houseboat development on lake union is buoyed by demand. Its a true home, with a beautiful interior and ample space indoor and out for yearround habitation the outside is gorgeous enough, of course, painted. The lake is huge, and you would not likely see it all even in a lifetime, so no reason to have to share your favourite beach with anyone if you prefer solitude. Seattle houseboats seattle houseboats in lake union and. The houseboats of the 1920s are the classics, characterized by their rounded sprung roofs and built with the craftsmanship of the. Courtesy mohai pi20441 seattle city light hydro house on lake union daniel huntington, 1912, ca.
Cruise the beautiful waters mother nature has given us. Hike lake union for bridges, boats, parks and a troll. Exploring the natural landscape of south lake union. There is no need to have any experience of houseboating, as the marina staff will explain how to navigate the boat and even assist with getting you safely out of the marina and out to explore the lake. As of 2010, there were about 480 floating homes on lake union and a lesser number elsewhere in the city. Little has been shared about this intimate and unique community that is characterized by eclectic architecture, diverse individuals, and a strong sense of community. She is designing a progressive, hilo tech, offthegrid houseboat to be moored in north america. Seattle houseboats and seattle floating homes for sale are the ultimate in seattle living and we are the seattle houseboats experts houseboats offer a unique form of seattle waterfront living like none other. Mohai is right on the south end of the lake and gasworks park is on the north end.
Part of the fun of tooling around the community is the mixture of high and low architecture and design. You can learn more on the components that make up our unique lifestyle by viewing these videos from the lake union virtual museum. Seattle has one of the largest communities of modern floating homes in the world. Its a true home, with a beautiful interior and ample space indoor and out for yearround habitation. Lou reed left a letter in the guestbook after his stay of one of the houseboats called buckingham palace, saying the floating hotel had. Lake union is a freshwater lake entirely within the seattle, washington city limits and a major portion of the lake washington ship canal. Layers of lake union views in this gas works park houseboat this home in the fremont and wallingford area has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and views of the lake from every floor. Above, the chairman of the houseboat association, mr azim tuman, looks out across nageen lake from his boat, the mascot. Seattle houseboats seattle floating homes houseboats for. That was done to build the lake washington ship canal in 1917.
Lake union seattle 2020 all you need to know before you. Lake washington houseboats took a hit in 1916, when the lake was lowered nine feet, to make it level with lake union. You should always start with the float on a seattle floating home, but most people start with the house itself to make sure it checks all the seattle houseboats boxes. Here are a few of the areas most stunning features, all within 30 miles 48. It sure likes like a nice lifestyle to be right on the water like that. Please admire and learn about seattle floating homes or.
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Learn about their origins as a refuge for the homeless, and how the city spent much of the 20th century trying to get rid of them. It is located on lake union at 2770 westlake avenue north near the aurora. The elaborate, architectdesigned floating homes that you see today didnt come onto the scene until the last 40 years, when the lake union houseboats first became sanctioned in the eyes of the city. Comfortable, cozy, newly renovated 1 bedroom basement studio with its own private entrance and bathroom.
Fyi, theres often a bit of noise from the upstairs footsteps, dog noise parking can be tricky in our neighborhood, but you can usually find a spot within 12 blocks using our handy guest pass. May 27, 2015 their legacy, says helen, will only remain in books. We can help you with all seattle houseboats for sale including vessels, barges, and seattle floating homes for sale right. Modern houseboat on lake union houseboats for rent in. This book focuses on the stories of the people who live aboard floating houses very few boats on lake union in seattle. Lots about their history, a little about what its like to live aboard a boat, but not very useful to someone like myself interesting in what its like to live aboard a boat a houseboat is more like a little house. Drydocking vessels up to 6000 tons 420 in length, lake union drydock company repairs factory trawlers, fishing vessels, coast guard cutters and buoy tenders, tugboats, research vessels, ferries, megayachts, barges, and houseboats. Outdoor writers association 2011 only way to see shastawith comforts of home june 1, 2011. Houseboats move slowly at no more than 10 mph, and mooring them up takes time. Lake powell americas best houseboating destination. Today, the houseboats of lake union are among seattles most desirable homes and treasured landmarks.
About 1,200 houseboats were moored in lake union, portage bay, and the ship canal in 1957. Floating homes are one of the truly unique habitats in which to live. There is a pretty good mix of seattle houseboats on the market right now including lake union seattle floating homes in eastlake, westlake, and portage bay, and housebarges, and other floating on water residences such as registered liveaboard vessels in westlake and northlake. Seattle houseboats moving fast life afloat on lake union. Lake union seattle 2020 all you need to know before. Internet, children welcome, parking, no smoking, heater bedrooms. But as time marches on, the history books remind us of a time when you could see. Floating homes arent boats although they are often affectionately referred to as houseboats. The newest chapter of the lake union virtual museum tell the story of one the lakes most charming features. There has been a very long history of back and forth between the city and state and any floating homes on the water so as a houseboats owner, you should definitely purchase securely by purchasing a home with an owned slip on the lake. It doesnt hurt that its literally floating on top of lake union. Sarah jio s family rented a houseboat on lake union in seattle when she was writing.
Houseboats on lake of the woods houseboat adventures inc. Molly and i have four seattle floating homes in escrow right now and there are a few others beyond that which are pending in the mls. The inner marinas, however, such as lake union are full of houseboats with personality. From the lake union side, the views overlook downtown. Seattle houseboats is devoted to houseboats and floating homes on lake union in seattle, washington. A little dirt on seattle houseboats history you may not. My houseboat includes an amazing location, a beautiful interior, a kayak to explore lake union, and much more. Lake union has it all and its right downtown in seattle. The popularity of seattle houseboats is significantly increasing, leading some marinas to ban them. A short history of shasta lake august 4, 2017 posted under. The project team noted that several history books have been published about. While sailing around lake union i recently snapped some shots of my favorite houseboats.
The history of lake union so named by pioneer thomas mercer 181898 in 1854 includes the many decades when it was ringed by loud. Dig deep into history books to discover that at one time, this neighborhood was a forest. The first houseboats on lake union in the early 1900s were floating shanties for workers at the lakes various industries. Many changes have swept through eastlake, since its beginnings in the 1890s. Walk from mohai museum of history and industry, over the fremont bridge, past gas works park, over university bridge, past houseboat docks and the center for wooden boats, and back to end at mohai. Each one of these is so very different, but it is important that.
Isbn 0345273125, isbn 0345281179, library of congress catalog card. Lake union is a wonderful urban waterfront lifestyle. The projects focus is the history and development of lake unions shoreline, from the perspective of the water, including stories of ship yards, houseboats, bridges, industrial sites, the natural environment, and other unique and distinctive aspects of this area. On lake union, houseboats were built as permanent homes for families of men who lived from the water. Hike lake union for bridges, boats, parks and a troll parentmap. The how to sell your houseboat ebook has the top10 selling tips that provides you with information and techniques used by many professionals around the world. Lake union the history of lake union so named by pioneer thomas mercer 181898 in 1854 includes the many decades when it was ringed by loud and dirty lumber mills, a chemical plant, a tannery, a varnish manufacturer, an asphalt plant, an asbestos factory, the seattle gas companys 1906 coalgasification facility at todays gas works.
The new south lake union park is open and easily accessible from downtown by streetcar. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Lake union is the namesake of the neighborhoods located on its east and west shores. Westlake cove a wonderful dock in the north portion of westlake at the base of queen anne and just footsteps from fremont. A little dirt on seattle houseboats history you may not know. We have completed the rooftop deck that adds amazing views. Jan 03, 2004 the houseboat book flanagan, barbara, garn, andrew on. Lake powell houseboats can be rented for three days or longer. Seattles historic houseboats by peter blecha, august 12, 2010. Seattle houseboats require special attention when it comes to financing, taxes. New houseboat development on lake union is buoyed by. Jun 11, 2017 lake union has it all and its right downtown in seattle. Lake union drydock company is a fullservice shipyard that specializes in vessel repair and conversions located in seattle, washington.
The projects focus is the history and development of lake union s shoreline, from the perspective of the water, including stories of ship yards, houseboats, bridges, industrial sites, the natural environment, and other unique and distinctive aspects of this area. One can rent a boat at the wooden boat center and explore. Howard droker, author of the definitive book on the subject, seattles unsinkable houseboats, hosts a five and a half minute mini documentary video on the first page. After about four miles of walking, we reached lake union park at 860 terry ave. Seattle s floating homes community began as a population of unregulated and inexpensive industrial houses in the late 1800s, yet it has evolved to become some of the most soughtafter real estate in seattle today. Lake union floating homes and other seattle houseboats are formed on docks that are preferably fee simple. Howard droker, author of seattles unsinkable houseboats, talks about the history of houseboating on lake union. But this property isnt your runofthemill cramped houseboat. Movies books music theater classical music tvstreaming comics.
Its a perfect spot to relax or host others and enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the scenery. Seattle houseboats require special attention when it comes to. Choose from more than 500 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. The house is only a block away from the water and minutes away from the amazon campus, downtown seattle, capitol hill and the uw. Houseboat history lake union virtual museum project. Lake union seattle floating homes for sale come in many shapes and sizes both historical and newer.
Easily walk to lake union, the houseboats and restaurantscafes. One of the best things about houseboating is that even a firsttime boater can learn how to pilot a houseboat after just a short lesson, taught by. Droker takes us back to the early years of the 20th century, when. Brand new construction seattle floating home on lake union. There was a time when these floating hotels that have rested on the lakes of kashmir since the 1800s, were host to movie stars, artists, writers, famous musicians and wealthy western travellers searching for inspiration and tranquility. May 01, 2005 this book focuses on the stories of the people who live aboard floating houses very few boats on lake union in seattle. Voted as a top 10 coolest airbnb rental in seattle by curbed magazine. Seattles floating home history seattle floating homes. Welcome to the 2420 cooperative seattle floating homes dock. On the trail cheshiahud lake union loop suggested route 6mile loop with 100 feet of elevation gain. Barbara flanagan, a writer and designer, trained as an architect at yale. A good number of houseboats live on the lake in this area mixing the dwelling selection even more.
Houseboats no comments most people will see a body of water without giving any thought as to how it was created or how it has been used by the local population. Houseboats are indeed abundant along much of the shoreline of the citys sprawling freshwater lake though the neighborhoods in which youll find them hold an appeal of their own. Aug 22, 2017 there has been a very long history of back and forth between the city and state and any floating homes on the water so as a houseboats owner, you should definitely purchase securely by purchasing a home with an owned slip on the lake. Parking is plentiful in this section of town and you have the added benefit of being a hop and skip away from south lake union and downtown seattle. Some feel that the houseboats can contribute to waterfront pollution, schools systems, and other public needs without paying taxes toward these. Whether youre an active traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, south lake union is a great place to get out in nature. Feb 09, 2009 howard droker, author of the book lake union s unsinkable houseboats tells how houseboat communities went from being havens for the homeless to some of the most picturesque and expensive. Its easternmost point is the ship canal bridge, which carries interstate 5 over the eastern arm of the lake and separates lake union from portage bay. Spectacular seattle houseboat, lake union living seamarie a spectacular seattlehouseboat seattlehouseboat the water lodge. Some folks from connecticut in a rental electric boat, searching for the. Here we could have passed several hours touring the museum of history and industry mohai, the center for wooden boats, northwest seaport, steamship virginia v and generally enjoying the park. We can help you with all seattle houseboats for sale including vessels, barges, and seattle floating homes for sale right now you can find all seattle.
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