I live in a one-of-a-kind houseboat in one of US’s most expensive cities – it’s a ‘paradise’ & also makes me $149 a day
A UNIQUE houseboat in New York City has served as a budget-friendly alternative to expensive housing in one of the most desirable regions of the US.
Although it was listed for sale at $250,000, it is also a source of income for its current owners, who rent it out for $149 a night.
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The James Franco is a one-bedroom vessel located in Rockaway Beach, Queens.
The boat, previously owned by actor James Franco, is moored at Marina 59, one of the city’s most sought-after moorings.
According to Escape Brooklyn, the buyer must pay an additional $1,000 in rental fee to the marina on top of the list price.
Potential buyers will be pleased to know that the home is just two blocks from the subway or an hour’s drive from Manhattan.
And the houseboat could also be a source of income, as it’s currently available on Airbnb for $149 per night.
This boat was built in 1968 but is in excellent condition and well styled.
Impressive photos of James Franco show his kitchen with an oven, stove and a large worktop with plenty of storage space.
An open plan area also houses a dining table and seating directly opposite the kitchen, perfect for relaxed cooking and dining.
If you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the Rockaway Beach area to linger.
Despite being a houseboat, there is enough space in a private bedroom for a bed large enough for two people.
In the age of work from home, a small desk and a chair corner create a small home office, perfect for work and email, as Airbnb stated that the home has limited Wi-Fi.
The feature of the house is a beautiful outdoor area on the roof of the boat, leading from the bedroom French doors.
Seating, a table and plants line the home’s colorfully painted decks, which offer views of the marina and Jamaica Bay.
Other features of the boat include surfboards and fishing rods attached to the ceiling, as well as a pellet stove for the winter months.
More practical and less quirky, this boathouse is one of the few in the marina to have a fully functioning bathroom on board.
Marina 59 is also unique in that it is open all year round and hosts year-round residents, meaning there will always be some activity and energy in the area.
The popular lease had a waiting list, but the lease is up for grabs and also belongs to the lucky new owner.
If a new owner wishes to moor their new purchase elsewhere this would not be a problem as there are numerous other marinas to choose from nearby.
According to Realtor.com, the boat could be the perfect option for people who want to live in New York City but can’t afford the median price of $795,000 for a home in NYC as of August 2023.
Fans of water hobbies will delight in the endless opportunities for fishing, boating and water sports.
Previous Airbnb guests raved about their stays at the special property in the review sections.
One guest said: “We had a lovely time on the houseboat! It was very charming, sunny and pleasant to spend time :).
“It’s also just a short walk/drive to a great surf spot.”
Another person said: “It was something unique and out of this world. Beautiful and wonderful summer experience, I highly recommend it.”
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