Discover Santa Barbara’s Iconic $4.9 Million Houseboat: The Thomas Jefferson

Are you tired of the same old cookie-cutter homes and dreaming of something truly unique? Look no further! Nestled in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, there’s a one-of-a-kind houseboat that just hit the market, and it is bound to steal your heart. This houseboat is co-listed with Bryony Atkinson of MaisonRE and Patricia Ruben of Sotheby’s International Realty. Priced at $4.9 million, this bespoke floating residence is not your average abode. 

Craftsmanship Beyond Compare

Every inch of the Thomas Jefferson has been meticulously designed and expertly crafted. This two-story houseboat is the result of a four-year labor of love by a father-son team, where the elder is an engineer and the younger is a carpenter. They tried to create a home that seamlessly blends efficiency, storage, sustainability, and breathtaking design.

A Symphony of Materials

Step inside, and you will be greeted by the warm embrace of quartered and rift white oak floors that exude luxury and elegance. A wooden staircase, ingeniously designed for maximum storage, beckons you to explore further. Throughout the houseboat, you will find pops of burlwood, mahogany, and brass, elevating the interior to a level of unparalleled sophistication.

The Art of Privacy

Privacy is a precious commodity, and the Thomas Jefferson offers it in spades. Tinted and strategically placed windows, coupled with a thoughtful interior lighting scheme, create an atmosphere where you can enjoy solitude without feeling exposed to the world outside.

Spaces That Adapt

This remarkable houseboat offers versatility in its living spaces. Depending on your needs, it can accommodate two sleeping areas that share one impeccably designed bathroom. Full-height glass sliders on the lower level open up to a lounge or art studio, bringing you closer to the water’s edge. Upstairs, a large porthole above the kitchen sink pays homage to classic maritime design. High windows in the bedroom area ensure privacy day and night, while a skylight over the shower bathes the space in natural light.

A Rooftop Oasis

For those moments when you want to take in the panoramic beauty of Santa Barbara, a ladder ascends to a hatch that leads to a flat roof. From there, you will enjoy wraparound views of the harbor, the Channel Islands, and La Cumbre Peak—the highest point in Santa Barbara. And after a day of paddleboarding or surfing, you can rinse off in style with the outdoor shower.

Rarity in Santa Barbara Harbor

What truly sets the Thomas Jefferson apart is its rarity. Among the four grandfathered houseboats in the tranquil waters of Santa Barbara Harbor, this one stands out as the largest and most unique. Municipal codes prohibit the addition of any more houseboats in this serene harbor, making this opportunity even more exceptional.