USA Houzz: Come Aboard a Renovated Houseboat Near San Francisco
A couple transforms a floating ‘shack’ in Sausalito, California, into a lovely, light-filled waterfront home
Margot Hartford
25 February 2015
Houzz Contributor. Interiors photographer in the Bay Area for over 15 years. Publications include Veranda, California Home & Design, Sunset Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens.
Houzz Contributor. Interiors photographer in the Bay Area for over 15 years. Publications... More
The old houseboat they purchased in 2000 turned out to be a 12-year reconstruction project for Tom and Malinda Macey. “The original structure was like a shack,” remembers Malinda. “The wood was so rotten, we ended up with dusty wood particles, instead of planks, when we tore the structure apart.” Tom was working as a construction superintendent on residential and commercial projects in the San Francisco Bay Area and was able to bring home discarded pieces from various job sites. “Tom rebuilt the boat section by section when we had the materials we needed,” says Malinda. “And we lived in the boat during the entire renovation.”
The wait may have been long, but the results were worth it. Today the houseboat is a light-filled, beautiful and functional space that seems larger than its 45 square metres.
The wait may have been long, but the results were worth it. Today the houseboat is a light-filled, beautiful and functional space that seems larger than its 45 square metres.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tom and Malinda Macey and their cat, Gypsy
Location: Sausalito, California
Size: 45 square metres (485 square feet); 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
No longer a shack, the houseboat, pictured here at low tide, now stands out amid its neighbours with its blue exterior.
Who lives here: Tom and Malinda Macey and their cat, Gypsy
Location: Sausalito, California
Size: 45 square metres (485 square feet); 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
No longer a shack, the houseboat, pictured here at low tide, now stands out amid its neighbours with its blue exterior.
This built-in banquette, which hugs one wall of the living area, was part of Tom’s original design for the boat. The couple’s cat, Gypsy, finds it a cosy place for relaxing while looking at the neighbouring houseboats.
Raising the ceiling and adding dramatic windows visually expanded the narrow space that comprises the living and dining areas, creating the look and feel of a great room.
Windows added to the north wall on the opposite side of the living and dining room let in even more light.
Tom’s collection of vintage squirt oil cans numbers over 3,000. A majority of the cans were found at flea markets and garage sales. This display sits just under the north wall’s windows.
A stainless steel island made by Bulthaup is the dominant feature in the kitchen, but surprisingly it doesn’t crowd the space, which is just over 4 metres wide. The benchtop was originally purchased for a homeowner Tom was working with. When the homeowner changed his mind about using it, Tom had it redesigned to fit in their houseboat.
A William Wegman photograph has a place of honour in the kitchen. It was given to Tom in exchange for construction work he did in an art gallery.
A few of Malinda’s drawings and paintings are displayed on the walls. Using a portable easel is the most practical way for Malinda to work.
The maple flooring was salvaged from the same project that gave the Maceys their kitchen counter.
The view from the dining area, seen here in the afternoon, is impressive at all times of the day and night.
The Maceys use the one room on the lower level as a bedroom.
The Maceys extended the length of the boat by just over a metre so they could enlarge the bathroom and add a laundry room.
The heated floor in the bathroom is another favourite spot for Gypsy and a perk for the human members of the household on foggy mornings.
The laundry room also contains a sewing desk and a cupboard. Storage in a home that is only 45 square metres can be tight, so the Maceys live simply. “If something comes in, then something else goes out,” Malinda says.
Outside, a custom mural by graffiti artist John Neuhoff adorns the side of the houseboat.
Malinda picked blue exterior paint colours she liked and knew she could live with. They trimmed the windows in dark red.
Tom and Malinda look at old photos of the boats’ reconstruction. They have another restoration in the works: Tom is refinishing a 10-metre sailboat.
What are you working on?
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Beautiful houseboat! The interior paint colors are wonderful, do you remember what they are?
Since i was 17 i've had a dream of living on a houseboat. None here in Sydney, well only a couple. When i lived in San Diego i toyed with the idea of buying one as a weekender but it never eventuated, so i am envious & also admiring of what a beautiful job the owners have done as it's so gorgeous.
Gorgeous, and what views you have!!