We're clearly obsessed with houseboats here at Property Watch—and just when we think we’re done covering them for the season, a cute little home with a built-in reading cabinet pops up to say hello. Dubbed “Seaweed,” this 452-square-foot home is on the boatier side of Seattle's various floating-on-water residences, with a wide roof deck, custom woodwork, and a pilot house bedroom.

The main living area is below dock level (belowdecks!) and stays tidy through a variety of clever, multipurpose built-ins. A handsome breakfast nook by the door, made from polished wood slats, has a little entryway cubby behind one seat. A kitchen island provides both visual separation and some extra surface area. Not to mention storage and easily accessible space for small appliances. The layout leaves enough room for a full-size range and fridge, which is pretty rare in a houseboat this size.

Our favorite built-in is the living room cabinet, though, because you can store yourself in it. A wide, enclosed shelf has a frame TV mounted in the back—but enough space and cushioning to double as a reading nook. Or perhaps even a bed for a child, a short person, or someone who just curls up really small. Hang up a curtain and you have a perfect cocoon. There's even a small shelf lining the top for all your favorite books. (It used to be on the kitchen side and have a stained glass window; perhaps you could restore it in lieu of the TV.)

In case, unlike us, you are not instantly comforted by a human-sized pod, the second-story bedroom is actually big enough for a queen-sized bed. It has its own little multipurpose nook by the ladder opening, and easy access to the deck just outside. (You can also reach it from the dock level or via skylight from the bottom floor.)

The bathroom is much dreamier than your typical nautical head, and includes a soaking tub directly beneath a skylight. It’s also where the stacked washer and dryer live—a major convenience on the water.

The circa-2000 boat is docked practically underneath the Fremont Bridge on the Westlake side, so if the bridge is down, it’s just a couple of minutes on foot to downtown Fremont with bars, restaurants, coffee, and groceries. The location right along the Westlake bike track means an almost completely flat cycling route to South Lake Union and downtown.

Listing Fast Facts

2706 Westlake Avenue N, Slip 98
Size: 452 square feet, 1 bedroom/1 bath
List Date: 8/5/2023
List Price: $345,000
Listing Agent: Linda Bagley, Special Agents Realty