Realtor.com
Beachfront living comes with plenty of upsides, but one newly listed California property is taking that laid-back lifestyle to new heights—quite literally.
The home in question is a converted water tower, and it’s making plenty of waves on the housing market after being listed for $5.5 million.
The historic Seal Beach Water Tower dates to 1892, when it was built to hold water for passing steam engines, a role that it held for nearly 100 years.
In 1985, it was converted into a 2,828-square-foot, single-family residence that quickly became one of the most talked-about dwellings in Seal Beach. The interest appears to be alive and well 40 years later, with the home quickly shooting to the top of the week’s most popular homes list.
History buffs will love the four-bedroom home’s period details, including a vintage tool display “unearthed during the 1940s tribute” and a bedroom “themed after the only known pirate to haunt these shores.”
Other eye-catching updates include a foyer water feature; an elevator and circular staircase for easy access; a compass rose design found in the hardwood floors; a third-floor modern kitchen; a model train “weaving through the rafters”; a fifth-level, open-air rotunda; and a stained-glass cupola.
Also grabbing attention this week are an affordably priced houseboat in Key West, FL, a midcentury modern estate in Hawaii, and a lakefront lighthouse in Maine.
10. 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd Unit M28, Key West, FL
Price: $250,000
Why it’s here: Here’s an inexpensive way to live right on the water in this adorable and affordable houseboat!
Built in 2018, the cozy 600-square-foot residence being offered fully furnished is located at Garrison Bight Marina. The sun-drenched interior boasts an open floor plan with a cathedral ceiling and exposed beams found in the living area with loft; a galley kitchen; and one bedroom with sliders that open to a waterfront deck.
Buyers should note “it’s a leasehold to the City of Key West,” no rentals are permitted, and it’s a cash-only sale.
(Realtor.com)
9. 248 King St, Boscawen, NH
Price: $345,000
Why it’s here: The historic Boscawen Library is said to have traded hands in January for $135,000 by a buyer who still has plans to convert it into a single-family residence.
Seller Mason Donovan told the Concord Monitor that if it doesn’t sell within the next few months, he will move forward with the renovations. Built in 1913, the Colonial Revival structure designed by architect Guy Lowell is zoned for either residential or commercial use. The historic brick building boasts granite steps, a semicircular pillared portico, a wood-paneled library hall with fireplace, many built-ins, and an original vault.
The 1,591-square-foot investment property needs extensive work to transform it into a single-family residence.
(Realtor.com)
8. 24 St Stephens Pl, Staten Island, NY
Price: $1,599,999
Why it’s here: Attention history buffs! This grand Italianate villa built in 1855 is where British General William Howe famously read the Declaration of Independence to his troops. It has also been featured in numerous magazines.
The site of the former Rose & Crown Tavern was later transformed into a 5,200-square-foot residence where German-born confectioner Gustav Mayer created the recipe for Nabisco’s Nilla Wafers. A double parlor, three bedrooms, two kitchens, and two full bathrooms have been fully restored on the first floor, which also boasts preserved hardwood floors, numerous fireplaces, original millwork, and soaring ceilings. Upstairs, 2,800 square feet of space awaits a buyer’s finishing touches.
The home sits on more than a half-acre with views of Raritan Bay and the Verrazzano Bridge.
(Realtor.com)
7. 204 N Washington St, Everson, WA
Price: $595,000
Why it’s here: Here’s the unique opportunity to own a Gothic Revival church zoned residential “with an approved conditional use to hold church services.”
Offering unlimited potential, the 6,960-square-foot residence built in 1937 features wooden pew seating for 120 people. Other heavenly highlights remaining intact include a timber-frame sanctuary, an altar, cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and arched doorways.
A commercial kitchen and oversized rooms on the lower level could be used as bedrooms or classrooms.
(Realtor.com)
6. 825 E Washington St, Muncie, IN
Price: $795,000
Why it’s here: The grand Charles Over Mansion located in the Emily Kimbrough Historic District was built in 1902 for the founder of Over Glass Works.
The Georgian Revival estate last traded hands in 2020 for $440,000. Since then, the sellers have meticulously restored the 11,116-square-foot interior. Historic highlights include five pocket doors, original oak floors, custom millwork, tray ceilings, five fireplaces, and stained-glass windows. Modernizations include a hand-painted mural in the dining room, a chef’s kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, and a third-floor ballroom with built-in bar.
There is also a two-car garage.
(Realtor.com)
5. 1826 Laukahi St, Honolulu, HI
Price: $2,998,000
Why it’s here: Originally listed for $3.3 million in March, the recently reduced Hale Hoku (Star House) boasts a modernized midcentury interior and lanai providing spectacular views from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
The uniquely designed four-bedroom residence built in 1978 features vaulted wood ceilings, glass walls, and an exposed foundation rock feature found on the lower level. An open floor plan showcases an original suspended fireplace, a stylish kitchen surrounded by windows, a floating staircase, a two-story atrium, an elevator, and a sauna.
An in-ground pool can be found in the lush backyard.
(Realtor.com)
4. 20 Hummingbird Ln, Tijeras, NM
Price: $775,000
Why it’s here: It’s a 4.1-acre legacy compound with fun for the entire family. It features a dome home, guesthouse, cottage, and pole barn.
Built in 1975, the circular primary residence is “unlike anything else in the east mountains” with its exposed beams, skylights, glass blocks, and floor-to-ceiling wood-burning stove found in the two-story living room. A cozy one-bedroom casita with full kitchen would be ideal for guests, while a modern three-bedroom cottage with concrete floors, wood stove, and sliding barn doors was designed for multigenerational living.
The spacious lot also has a storage container and a detached garage with a workshop. According to the listing, all furniture and tools are included with the sale.
(Realtor.com)
3. 86 Ridge Rd, Frye Island, ME
Price: $1,100,000
Why it’s here: The iconic Lighthouse on Frye Island has frontage on Sebago Lake and comes with a private beach and boat dock.
Offered fully furnished, the three-bedroom lake house has a two-story living room with a loft area and sliders that open to a wraparound deck. Built in 1987, the 1,536-square-foot home features cathedral ceilings, a wood-burning stove, an eat-in kitchen, and a bonus room.
A back deck overlooking the wooded lot offers spectacular views of the lake.
(Realtor.com)
2. 7705 Old State Rd, Menlo, GA
Price: $599,900
Why it’s here: It’s an egg-shaped, monolithic dome home that looks like it landed from outer space on 24 acres surrounded by rock formations, waterfalls, a spring-fed pond, and private swimming hole on the W Fork of Little River.
The two-bedroom Lookout Mountain retreat boasts a multilevel interior with a floating wood staircase, a stacked-rock fireplace, and a remodeled kitchen with a farmhouse sink. A private primary suite accessed through stained-glass French doors opens to a private balcony. Front terraces and a side deck were designed for relaxing and entertaining.
There is also a covered parking pad and several outbuildings.
(Realtor.com)
1. 1 Anderson St, Seal Beach, CA
Price: $5,500,000
Why it’s here: It’s the chance to own the historic Water Tower House and live like the “Animaniacs”!
Originally designed to hold water for passing steam engines, the four-bedroom residence nestled high above the city with an elevator now boasts 2,828 square feet of transformed space.
Highlights found throughout the uniquely designed space include a foyer with a water feature, a wall of vintage tools, a spiral staircase with ironwork and wood details, a stained-glass cupola, a model train “weaving through the rafters,” and a compass rose detail in the hardwood floors.
A wraparound deck and top-floor rotunda provide breathtaking city and ocean views.
The property last traded hands in 2022, when it was purchased by the current owners for $4.5 million.
(Realtor.com)