Live aboard the historic USS Manzanita on Mercer Island

Commissioned in 1906, the USS Manzanita was a steel steam lighthouse tender with a top speed of 13 knots. Designed to maintain and support lighthouses—from providing fuel to delivering mail—the 109-foot boat completed missions off the Oregon coast near Astoria for years. The boat eventually became available for purchase, and its stern was relocated to Mercer Island and repurposed as a guest house.

A standalone property today, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home provides a unique opportunity to own a piece of seafaring history. Over time, the home has been lovingly restored, taking care to preserve the ship’s original character and charm.

With nearly 1,400-square-feet, this stately space offers high-end touches, including AGA appliances and copper sinks, backsplash and soaking tub. Rich, custom woodwork lines many of the home’s surfaces, while views of Lake Washington are ample throughout. Typical of houseboats, every inch of space is maximized with clever storage options so that everything has its place. The main living space is located on the lower-level, where the kitchen flows into open den and dining areas. Beyond the living room, doors lead onto the patio. Up the spiral staircase, a bright and airy room—the largest of the three—provides direct access to the boat’s large upper deck.

Beyond the walls of the boat, the property also includes swim steps and a dock—and views of Mount Rainier can be enjoyed from either.

Listed by Lori Holden, John L. Scott, Inc. | Listed at $1,995,000