Lake Nest - A Seattle Houseboat
China Harbor Marina // 2040 Westlake Ave N, #1A, Seattle WA 98109
Listed by Danny Varona // Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
SOLD
MLS# 1582366
Quarantine yourself aboard Lake Nest, a unique Seattle houseboat with unobstructed views of Lake Union. Moored in a friendly and well-managed houseboat marina along the Burke-Gilman Trail, Lake Nest is within walking distance of South Lake Union and the hip neighborhood of Fremont. Remodeled throughout in 2013, this one-of-a-kind houseboat also boasts a floating platform for kayaks, storage, and plants. As one of only 250 approved houseboats in the City of Seattle, Lake Nest is a low maintenance houseboat due to dock floats, metal roofing & composite siding. Enjoy tiny living at its finest with very low slip fees of $718/mo, which includes E/W/G! The marina allows pets, and there is access to 3 parking spots. Whether for private use or as a rental investment, this gem won't last long on the market!
Exterior
266 sq.ft. floating platform
87 sq.ft. front deck
Deck // The Lake Nest houseboat has a stellar main deck with direct views into the center of Seattle’s Lake Union. With southern sun exposure, the sun shines on the deck all day long. This 87 sqft deck is accessible from the living room and from the dock. It is covered so it can be used year-round, and it could be enclosed for warm winter entertaining. No deck would be complete without a grill - on Lake Nest’s deck you’ll find a propane-fired marine BBQ.
Floating platform // A most unique feature of this Seattle houseboat is the 266 sqft floating platform the marina has supplied for this slip. Currently furnished with plants and a storage bin, this floating platform adds endless gardening and storage opportunities. Mounted to the dock and above the platform you will find racks to store two kayaks. A small boat to explore Seattle’s Lake Union can be moored behind the platform and the houseboat.
Structure // Lake Nest is one of the few houseboats in Seattle that enjoys little maintenance due to its float, roof, and siding. To stay a float, this houseboat uses dock floats instead of a hull. The benefits of dock floats are that they last a long time, the houseboat need not be hauled out at a boatyard, and their modular construction is easy to replace piecemeal if one of the modules is compromised making the houseboat nearly unsinkable. The houseboat’s beautiful red roof is made out of metal and the siding is made of out composite, both very low maintenance and durable options. Due its low maintenance, Lake Nest is a great fit for those with little knowledge of houseboats.
The interior
1 bed & 1 bath
333 sq.ft. livable interior space
Living room // As you enter the Lake Nest houseboat, you are welcomed by the bright living room complete with hardwood floors, high vaulted ceilings, and windows that give way to water views. The living room of this Seattle houseboat features a cozy, electric fireplace and a sofa. Enjoy quiet evenings or special celebrations with a seamless connection between the living room and a covered main deck for entertaining through the seasons.
Kitchen // The beautiful bar-style seating kitchen was redesigned in 2013 with an efficient use of space in mind without compromising on counter top space. It features a built-in electric 2-burner stove, a convenient mini-fridge, and a large pantry with plenty of storage.
Bathroom // Retreat to a comfortable three-quarter bathroom with a spacious shower. The toilet is connected to a 60-gallon holding tank that is pumped-out once a week.
Bedroom // A desirable feature of this Seattle houseboat is a ground-level master bedroom. Currently furnished with a full-size bed, this space can accommodate a queen-size bed. You will enjoy the fabulous water views, and plenty of room for clothes in the closet and the dresser.
The marina
The Lake Nest houseboat is moored in one of the coveted slips on the corner of China Harbor Marina. With few neighbors around you, this slip provides great views of Seattle’s Lake Union, the aforementioned floating platform, and easy access to the water. Whether it's the morning or the afternoon, the sun shines upon this houseboat.
The picturesque China Harbor Marina is known for having the lowest mooring fees on Lake Union, its lively houseboat community, and its docks filled with flowers. Home to about 20 houseboats, China Harbor Marina is a well-regarded community of houseboat owners, liveaboards, and water enthusiasts.
Located in the Westlake neighborhood, China Harbor Marina is only minutes from Fremont and South Lake Union and a short drive to Downtown Seattle. It is very conveniently located close to Facebook, Amazon, Tableau, and it’s on the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Houseboat residents enjoy Seattle’s RPZ city parking with up to 2 parking passes for 2 cars and a guest parking pass for a 3rd car.
China Harbor Marina is one of the few houseboat marinas in Seattle that is pet-friendly.
Likewise, China Harbor Marina is one of the few houseboat marinas in Seattle that allows houseboat owners to have tenants and there is no rental cap. However, short-term rentals—less than 30 day stays—such as AirBnb & VRBO are prohibited on Lake Union by the City of Seattle.
China Harbor Marina is a well-managed houseboat marina. The beloved marina manager “Bill” is an active member in the houseboat community and a board member of the Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA) whose mission is to protect and promote the houseboat and liveaboard community.
Expenses
Waterfront for under $1,200/mo!
Unique properties have unique expenses. Here are the expenses related to this Seattle houseboat:
$718/mo for moorage fee includes electricity, water & garbage!
$160/mo for houseboat insurance (estimate)
$80/mo for weekly blackwater pump-outs (estimate)
$2990/yr for personal property taxes (estimate)
Special houseboat financing available is through one of our partner lenders. Please ask.