Craftsman cottage houseboat asks $425K on Lake Union

Floating off Westlake Avenue, this little vacation homes combines the best of two little house modalities: the itty-bitty cottage and the houseboat. Built in 2010, this house is significantly larger than a lot of houseboats, but still clocks in at a relatively small 728 square feet—but fits in all the basics, including a decently-sized kitchen, an airy living room, and room to sleep at least four.

The biggest drawback here is that it’s not docked at a liveaboard slip, so it has to be a vacation getaway, not a full-time home. But it is built with a beach home aesthetic, with giant windows and roomy, waterside porches.

A cozy living area feels bigger thanks to a vaulted, cathedral ceiling, and stays cuddly thanks to a propane fireplace, which, on a practical level, can also heat the home. Above the living room, a loft provides a space for spare beds, or just a little library or other nook. For more privacy, the master bedroom features a built-in queen Murphy bed (plus plenty of built-in storage, including shelves and a bureau)—it opens up to its own little deck for saying good morning to Lake Union, too.

2000 Westlake Avenue N Slip E-4 is listed for $425,000 through Special Agents Realty.