It really is mostly square, or at least rectangular; but the clever rotation of at least one section gives this $799,000 Portage Bay floating home a unique look. The uncommon angles mean an interesting roof line, an extension of a room onto the deck, and some unexpected room layouts. If you want to live in a house on water instead of on land, why not do something a bit different?
Rotating a couple of walls 45 degrees means at least one set of windows is looking out towards the canal, not just pointed at the neighbors. That’s handy when you’re on the land side of the dock. It changes the way the rooms connect and the traffic flows: a bit more space for the living room, and an angled entry and exit from the kitchen. Making the most of the 1,500 square feet is essential when living in a space that can’t accept room additions.
Upstairs, the side walls are canted so the windows point up enough to pull in more light. It adds space without bulking out the side of the building. The master suite is turned as if the canal traffic is passing in review. You get that view from the partly sunken tub, too. (Be careful using the word ‘sunken’ when on a floating home, though.) Another bedroom and bathroom deviate from the wood and view with a lavender bath and a bedroom with a much more private window.
They don’t list the age, but the vibrant orange kitchen cabinet doors are either an homage to a style from a few decades ago, or they’re from that era. In either case, celebrate them the way they are, or be glad that all you have to do is paint the doors, not the rest of the cabinets.
As if a floating home wasn’t enough access to the water, there’s moorage plus an accessory raft for kayaks. Evidently, there was room for an addition, at least for your boats.
- 3110 Portage Bay Pl E APT F [Zillow]