An Adorable Houseboat Named “Turnip” Sets Sail in Seattle

Listed at $190,000, this tiny vessel named after a root vegetable amplifies nautical living with colorful, quirky quarters.
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Meet Turnip, a charming turnkey houseboat currently docked off Westlake Avenue near Downtown Seattle. For those scanning the dock, a red underbelly allows this small yet mighty one-bedroom to stand out from its nearby floating friends.

Turnip is a 354-square-foot houseboat docked off Lake Union. Conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Seattle, it offers residents and guests a tranquil city escape.  

Turnip is a 354-square-foot houseboat docked off Lake Union. Conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Seattle, it offers residents and guests a tranquil city escape.  

Yet, its uniqueness goes well beyond its bright bottom and alluring shingled top cut. All it takes is one peek inside to see see why Turnip is the only houseboat of its kind in Seattle.

The interior design of the 1987 boat is anchored by two bright blue circular portals, which connect the home's bedroom and bath to the living area. On the main level, light bamboo flooring complements the warmer wooden paneling and beamed ceiling.

The interior design of the 1987 boat is anchored by two bright blue circular portals, which connect the home's bedroom and bath to the living area. On the main level, light bamboo flooring complements the warmer wooden paneling and beamed ceiling.

Lined in richly textured wood paneling throughout the interior, the 354-square-foot abode also boasts an open-concept layout, with the sleeping area separated by a bright blue, circular cut-out built into the hull. 

Located near the boat's entrance is a small window seat, which can also serve double-duty as a guest bed, providing an idyllic nook to rest or relax.

Located near the boat's entrance is a small window seat, which can also serve double-duty as a guest bed, providing an idyllic nook to rest or relax.

Through the first portal is the bathroom, which is complete with a small tub that is within arms length of the bedroom nook.

Through the first portal is the bathroom, which is complete with a small tub that is within arms length of the bedroom nook.

Unlike many other houseboats, the bathroom comes with a deep soaking tub. Bespoke storage under the wooden floors helps keep the interiors clutter-free, while horizontal windows and skylights invite plenty of natural light throughout.

An opposite view of the space showing the kitchen down below, as well as additional clerestory windows in the bathroom.

An opposite view of the space showing the kitchen down below, as well as additional clerestory windows in the bathroom.

The captain's bedroom is located at the rear of the boat. Though compact in size, it offers built-in shelving and is nicely lit by three windows—one of which features a groovy pane design.

A queen bed rests on a platform at the back of the boat.

A queen bed rests on a platform at the back of the boat.

Despite the small footprint, the galley kitchen is well equipped with new stainless steel appliances—including a full-size refrigerator—as well as resourceful cabinetry, shelving, and storage. There are also additional drawers for storing items under the window seat.

Along with new appliances, the galley kitchen offers built-ins and a long wooden countertop.

Along with new appliances, the galley kitchen offers built-ins and a long wooden countertop.

In addition to outdoor space near the entrance, there is also a rooftop deck from which to take in views of the harbor and Seattle's world-famous Space Needle.

In addition to outdoor space near the entrance, there is also a rooftop deck from which to take in views of the harbor and Seattle's world-famous Space Needle.

1818 Westlake Ave N Unit D4 is currently listed for $190,000 by Danny Varona-Marin of Special Agents Realty.

Related Reading:

10 Modern Floating Homes That Offer an Aquatic Lifestyle

A Live-In Kitchen on a Houseboat in Amsterdam

Snatch Up This Darling Seattle Houseboat For $275K

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