When you think of a houseboat with a price tag of $3.6 million USD, your first reaction is to guffaw.
That's a fancy (and fun) word for being flabbergasted, befuddled, or perplexed.
A $3.6 million dollar yacht, sure, those are plentiful, beautiful, and on nearly every boater's wishlist. But a houseboat? Come on now.
When word broke that the world's most expensive houseboat just hit the market in Seattle, boaters naturally needed to know: could a houseboat possibly be worth that much? It turns out that, yes, it's very much possible. And dare I say it, but it's a really, really nice boat.
The Aurora, moored at 907 N Northlake Way in Seattle, boasts a staggering 4850 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Built in 2012, it's situated on a 1 acre 'lot' and is meticulously crafted some bow to stern. It's currently listed on Realtor.com.
Among her many fancy features include two fireplaces, stone and hardwood floors, French doors, a hot tub, a solarium/atrium, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, a walk-in pantry, a theatre room, and a detached parking garage on the mainland. It also boasts expansive views of the city, the canal, and even the Cascade mountains. They're even tossing in the appliances with the deal, so you won't have to shop for a new dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer/dryer, microwave, refrigerator, or stove. Convenient.
Whatever images you have in your head about a houseboat, this 'boat' defies them all. Just look at the pictures.
From the listing: "Nestled in the heart of Seattle's iconic Fremont neighborhood, and situated on one of the most serene stretches of Lake Union, Aurora presents 4,800sqft of tranquil and unmatched living on the water. Its signature design and spacious floorplan provide breathtaking views and living spaces seldom seen in floating properties. Every detail of craftsmanship has been meticulously considered. The main floor is an entertainer's dream with a gourmet kitchen featuring a Bertazzoni range, sunroom, formal dining area, and a cozy eating nook with panoramic views. The full-floor master suite offers unparalleled vistas, a spacious walk-in closet, and a luxurious five-piece bath. Includes year-round 32-foot moorage."
The Aurora just had her price reduced from $3.9 million in April to $3.6 million last month. She's been on the market for 30 days. Strangely, that's the same price she sold for last time back in April 2022. Aurora is listed as a 'residential' home, but be advised it does involve a land lease (or water lease, as it were).
Sadly, there's no available information about her propulsion, if she even has any. It sounds like Aurora may have been built under the guise of a 'houseboat,' but in reality she's just a floating home.
That might not deter buyers, though, because houseboats are already becoming the emerging alternative to cottages.
If a vessel like Aurora tickles your nautical desires, just be advised that houseboats are earning a bit of a reputation as a problematic vessel these days.
A recent case in Miami is duking it out in court about whether a 'houseboat' is a boat or a floating home, and how it should be taxed. In the UK, the 'liveaboard trend' has begun to draw the ire of local governments as young people are scooping up houseboats instead of buying homes. Gotta collect that tax money, and waterfront ain't cheap.
If the $3.6 million USD pricetag is a little steep, don't worry about that either. There are other options that will get you on the water without the problems of home ownership. A company in Canada has started a houseboat ownership program for boaters looking to spend a few weeks a year living the 'slow cruise' lifestyle without the associated hassles.
Or if Seattle isn't your jam, you can always live on a houseboat in Toronto. Similar climate. More poutine.
Comments