A stunning Santa Barbara houseboat that is immaculately decorated but only has one bedroom has been listed for $4.9 million.
The approximately 50-year-old houseboat known as the Thomas Jefferson is moored in Santa Barbara Harbor.
The floating house has around 1,300 square meters of living space and is equipped with all modern amenities, including electricity, plumbing and a laundry room.
For those lucky enough to be welcomed on board, the spacious dining room comfortably seats ten people, although there is only one bedroom.
The house also has its own berth in Santa Barbara Harbor.
This floating home in Santa Barbara Harbor is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece
The current owner, Jeff Wapner, grew up in Santa Barbara but left the company to travel the world. Upon his return, he was determined not to live in a traditional house and looked for different boats for sale.
Wapner opted for a minimalist look with handleless cabinets for the kitchen.
A staircase leads to the upper floors, including a bedroom and a roof terrace with plenty of natural light.
Flooring throughout is a clean and refreshing white oak, whilst a workshop could easily be converted into a second bedroom.
The home features professional, handcrafted carpentry with beautiful wooden cabinets, floors and drawers
The windows offer a wonderful view of the surrounding harbor
For those lucky enough to be welcomed aboard, there is seating for 10 at a dining table
A wooden terrace offers views of the harbor and the lapping water at your feet
Guests boarding will discover a spacious dining room that comfortably seats ten people
There is also plenty of space to work with a desk, table and chair
The house was designed and remodeled by a father (engineer) and his son (carpenter) over a period of four years
Wapner originally purchased the boat for $650,000 and is one of only four houseboats permitted in the harbor. He spent around $2 million on repairs.
Although there is no engine, the boat could be towed to another location if necessary.
After living aboard for a year, Wapner noticed that the boat was slowly deteriorating around him, as termites were eating away at the structure and the wooden frame was rotting.
“I didn’t plan on remodeling the whole house. But I’m not the type of person who could live on a rotten and essentially sinking ship,” Wapner said WSJ.com. ‘
Wapner set about demolishing the existing house. The floating structure underwent extensive reconstruction, and Wapner finally returned to the houseboat two years ago.
On the lower level of the boat are the workshop and laundry room, while on the second level are the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and dining area.
A staircase leads to the upper floors, including a bedroom and a roof terrace with plenty of natural light.
After climbing the stairs, a ladder is required to get to the roof
An inviting staircase gives access to the upper floors, where a bedroom and a roof terrace with lots of natural light await you
The bedroom also has plenty of natural light, wooden furniture and clean lines
Double sinks in the houseboat bathroom, complete with mirrors and gold-rimmed faucets
To the untrained eye, there is no obvious indication that the house is a boat on the water
There’s even enough storage space for a collection of surfboards
The roof terrace is accessible and offers views for miles with palm trees on the horizon
The house is around 50 years old and looks back on around 50 years of history. It is anchored in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor
The bathroom has two sinks and a shower with a skylight – ideal for gazing at the sky and some stargazing.
“At night, when you see the stars and moon shining through, it’s an incredible place to shower,” Wapner said.
Although the waves rock slightly, Wapner emphasizes that this is not noticeable.
He says the reason for the sale was his desire to start traveling again.
The lower level of the houseboat houses the workshop and laundry room
It allows plenty of natural light to flow through the house
The owner’s decision to sell the houseboat is based on a desire to rekindle his passion for travel
The house rises and falls with the tide, occasionally moving from side to side
The houseboat, docked in Santa Barbara, California, has an asking price of $4.9 million
The current owner is an avid surfer, which is a popular pastime in Santa Barbara
From the roof of the house you can see the surrounding mountains and the marina in a panoramic view
The historic harbor is an excellent base for a variety of adventures including sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding
The open skylight on the roof of the house can be seen from above
Although the $4.9 million asking price may seem steep, agents Sotheby’s International Realty believe the cost per square foot of the neighboring waterfront properties currently on the market is comparable to other properties.
The houseboat is so unique that the listing is already generating a lot of interest.
“This house is so specific that when I told a few people I was listing it, they said, ‘Oh, is it the big, beautiful brown house?’ “We really wanted to get involved,” said Patricia Ruben of Sotheby’s.
