Offered at the price of $6.2 million, this exceptional floating residence stands out prominently, adorned with a pair of meticulously hand-painted Tibetan Buddha Eyes gracing its exterior.
This story began in 2011 when Russ and Gemma Daggatt’s hearts were captivated by a floating home nestled at the terminus of a pier in Lee’s Landing Marina, a prime setting within Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.
The imaginative and free-spirited couple eventually became the proud owners of this waterfront gem, boasting breathtaking panoramas of South Lake Union, Mount Rainier, and the iconic Seattle cityscape. Subsequently, they entrusted the talented Jim Graham from the local architectural firm Graham Baba Architects to reimagine the dwelling to reflect their unique style. Fast forward almost 12 years, and they have chosen to offer this eclectic haven for $6.2 million.
Originally constructed in 1992, Houseboat 9 has undergone a substantial transformation, both inside and out. It has been adorned with treasures acquired during the couple’s adventures as passionate art collectors, featuring a hand-carved Moroccan door, a repurposed Tibetan panel now serving as a bedroom door, and a genuine horse trough ingeniously converted into a luxurious soaking tub, to name just a few of the artistic touches.
The exterior of the dwelling showcases a captivating painting of Tibetan Buddha Eyes, a masterpiece by Gemma, set against a backdrop of streamlined horizontal cedar siding, reclaimed barn wood, crimson-hued metal accents, and vertical zinc panels.
This two-bedroom, three-bathroom houseboat is a veritable treasure trove of artistry, where every nook and cranny of its nearly 2,500 square feet has been meticulously utilized. It boasts an abundance of built-in features and a unique fireman’s pole that provides seamless access from the upper-level living area to the lower entry level.
Further highlights include a spacious open-concept great room graced by a photographic mural of the marina, accommodating a living area, dining space, and a well-appointed kitchen furnished with steel countertops and an eat-in island crafted from live-edge wood salvaged from a fallen tree in Seattle. Floor-to-ceiling accordion-style doors lead out to a generous cable-railed deck with a diving board, while a set of stairs leads to a rooftop terrace offering a spectacular vantage point for viewing Fourth of July fireworks.
The primary bedroom, situated below the waterline, offers a walk-in closet, a built-in desk, and an en-suite bathroom complete with dual vanities, a double-head shower, and the aforementioned horse trough bathtub. Completing the living space is a basement tucked within the concrete hull, serving as storage, laundry, and mechanical areas. The property also includes a 30-foot boat slip, a platform for easy kayak and paddle board access, and two covered parking spaces.
According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, which reported the sale, the Daggatts have chosen to part with their beloved houseboat to be closer to an aging family member. They also maintain residences in Seattle, Santa Barbara, California, and Ketchum, Idaho.
For those seeking more information on this unique listing, Moira Holley and Jay Alan of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty are the appointed agents
