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‘Turnip’ houseboat keeps close, quirky quarters for $239K

This vessel makes adorable use of 400 square feet

Turnip immediately stands out from its neighbors.
Grant Birkinbine

Houseboats, with both their buoyancy and smaller size, tend towards creative interiors. Few exemplify this more than “Turnip,” one of several root-vegetable-named houseboats currently on the market.

It and most of its siblings—Carrot, Jicama, Rutabaga, Radish, and Ginger—have been successful vacation rentals for quite some time. But with their owner ready to move on, a new person can make their weirdo houseboat dreams come true.

Turnip stands out right from the dock, with its shingled exterior and red details. But inside, it almost looks like a caravan, with wooden walls and an exposed-beam ceiling. It packs a lot into 400 square feet, including a galley kitchen with a full-size fridge, a small living space, and built-ins.

But the design is really anchored by two circular portals in the back. The first leads to a bathroom, which makes use of its limited space with a soaking tub and detachable showerhead. The second leads to a wide bunk—kind of a small-space master bedroom.

1818 Westlake Avenue N Unit D4 is listed for $239,000 by its owner; the slip is $1,050 a month.

Turnip’s creative layout turns its back rooms into decor.
An efficient, open living area packs in the essentials.
Tucked in under a window by the front door, a built-in functions as both a bench and a small guest bed.
The bathroom—complete with soaking tub—and the bedroom are stacked in ascending portals.
There’s just enough room for a queen bed in the back, lit by a unique window.
The outdoor space makes cute, efficient use of its small size, with one deck nestled in the bow and another at the highest point, surrounded by planter boxes.

This article has been updated to reflect an updated, lower listing price.

1818 Westlake Ave N

1818 Westlake Avenue North, , WA 98109