'Sleepless' houseboat for sale --
Hanks not included


      
The "Sleepless in Seattle" houseboat on Lake Union is seen in this May 2001 file photo.
(Hilda Anderson / Special to the P-I)


by Brad Wong
SeattlePi.com
April 27th, 2008

Well, maybe those historically-low mortgage rates might come in handy after all.

That is, if you want to buy the houseboat from the movie, "Sleepless in Seattle."

Fans of the 1993 film starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan will be pleased to know the 2,075-square-foot houseboat on Lake Union is selling for $2.5 million, according to a Coldwell Banker Bain listing that is "New on Market."

The Southlake, a blog for the South Lake Union community, pointed out the houseboat sale Saturday morning.

Since being listed Tuesday, more than 50 real estate agents and about a dozen potential buyers have toured the houseboat, said Rick Miner, the Coldwell Banker Bain agent who is showing the home.

"It's probably the largest floating home on Lake Union," he said Saturday. "On a day like today, you're right in front of the boats. It's awesome."

The owners, a husband and wife, bought it 14 years ago.

"They love it but want to move to the East Coast to be near the grandkids," he said.

On Saturday alone, Miner said he spent more than four hours at the houseboat for four different showings.

The houseboat, built in 1978, features four bedrooms, nearly two full bathrooms, large windows and views of downtown Seattle. But forget about movie memorabilia. Miner said there were no special items in the home to hint at its motion picture fame.

Miner said the wooden two-story structure with a shake roof incorporates traditional styling, a Cape Cod influence and "a casual beach house feel."

So, how much would this piece of cinematic history cost you?

If you can afford a $500,000 down payment and secure a 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6 percent, your monthly costs would be about $12,000. Annual taxes are about $6,450 and the monthly homeownership dues are $388. The dues cover the water, sewer, garbage, real estate taxes and dock maintenance, according to Miner's Web site.

There were no offers yet as of Saturday afternoon, Miner said.

MORE INFORMATION ONLINE:

For information about and photos of the "Sleepless in Seattle" houseboat, visit http://www.duckin.com/listings/sleeplessinseattle.php.

Or visit http://www.cbbain.com and type in 28068391 in the MLS section.

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P-I reporter Brad Wong can be reached at 206-448-8137 or bradwong@seattlepi.com.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/360788_sleepless27.html