Cheer up in a $355K pastel houseboat

It’s been a dark and chilly November so far, which seems like a less-than-ideal time for a houseboat. But this houseboat in the Fremont Cut, with its brightly-colored walls outside and cozy fireplace inside, might be just the ticket for cozy winters—and the right-on-the-water location will be right there when warmer weather comes back around.

Located in the Nickerson Marina just two blocks from the Ballard Bridge, the two-bedroom home was built in 2007, but has a classic, boxy houseboat design. Inside, it’s equal parts house and boat: A built-in sofa seems more nautical, but it’s gathered around a cozy gas fireplace.

On one end of the main floor, a full, light-filled kitchen rivals one you’d find in a condo, but on the other, the smaller of the two bedrooms is separated on a curtain, with a bed on a built-in cabinet.

The home’s larger bedroom, accessible by a ladder from the living area, is much larger—and more private. Nestled in the home’s smaller upper floor, it opens directly to the roof deck, giving it the best views in the house.

Compared to the rest of the market in Seattle right now, this boat can seem like a steal at $355,000—although there’s $650 a month to reckon with for the slip.

• 1080 W Ewing Place 765 [Windermere]