In 1975, the Seattle Times ran a regular series called the Home of the Month, and when this floating home came up for consideration, its winning attributes were described as "Just plain lots of fun." Its then-owners, Stand and Carol Clark, couldn't have agreed more. As avid boat racers, the couple had commissioned the home to be able to moor their 24-foot sailing boat next door, to set sail at a moment's notice.

The architect they chose for their project was James A. Jessup, who purportedly bought his first houseboat on Lake Union in 1964 for $300, and went on to become an expert in their design and construction. Jessup led a new wave of architect-designed floating homes that emerged in the late '60s and onward, and he later became known for, among others, his own personal home finished in 1973 (and sold recently after just five days on the market), this house, and the Caner-Edwards Boathouse remodel, which garnered national interest when it appeared as a memorable backdrop in the movie Sleepless in Seattle.

Located at Hamlin Pier, a Seattle landmark with 21 floating homes, this project exemplifies the architect's approach of "interlocking spaces," in order to vertically maximize the home's 1200 square feet. "Everything kind of slides into the next space," was how Jessup described the layout in the ensuing Seattle Times profile.

To that end, a split-level staircase gently unwinds from the entry, to the primary bedroom at the top. Short flights of stairs connect each level, which is then wrapped in a generous number of windows to allow for easy sightlines out to the water. Skylights over the kitchen sink and primary bed bring in more natural light, as does a clever trick wherein Jessup stepped back the upper bedroom level and suspended it on steel rods from the ceiling, so as to create a window well for the living room below.

The most recent owners, there for 35 years, have kept the home's original charm intact. Horizontal cedar planks cover most walls, and all that wood keeps the multi-level interior consistent and cozy. A flared freestanding fireplace in a living room corner only adds to that, as does the built-in furniture and cabinetry throughout, ranging from bathroom vanities, kitchen cupboards, shelving in the study, and a living room window seat.

Meanwhile, the multiple exterior decks at various levels are reminders to get outside, and proof that there's still much fun to be had here, just like in 1975. Perhaps that means a ride in the recreational boat that's included with the sale. Or, climb the retractable ladder to the roof deck, to enjoy the far-flung views of the city, including the Space Needle and Gas Works Park across the water.

Listing Fast Facts

2727 Fairview Ave E #4, Seattle, WA 98102
Size: 1,200 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms
List price: $2,400,000
List date: 5/4/2026
Listing agent: Molly Cartwright and Kristin Ellis, Windermere Real Estate Midtown