House boat

Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025

Photo gallery for Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025

Exterior
Exterior
Entrance with hand-carved bench from Bali, potted plants and two bicycles
Guests enter overlooking a two story atrium with tropical flora to guest room
Entertainment area, including smart TV

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 63700 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Hot Tub

Explore the area

Map
Sausalito, CA
  • San Francisco Bay Model Visitor Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Tiburon Ferry
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Golden Gate Bridge
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Sausalito, CA (JMC-Commodore Center Heliport)
    ‪2 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Convertible bed

1 Double Sofa Bed

Living Room

1 Twin Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025

Featured in California Home and Design magazine and a number of TV programs. Cited rather grandiosely on CBS as "One of the world's most luxurious houseboats". There are no upscale hotels in the Bay Area where two couples can stay for the price/night as on "Shangri-La". We only accept reservations for a two week period in 2025, from July 12-24.

Our home is an architecturally designed redwood floating home in Sausalito, CA.. Twenty minutes to the museums, art galleries, theatre, cable cars, Alcatraz, great restaurants, and shopping in downtown San Francisco. Drive one hour north to the famous Napa and Sonoma wine country for wine tasting. Our houseboat is ideal to experience the very best of houseboat living. There are three floors, plus a roof garden with a spectacular view. There are two beautiful, luxurious bedrooms. The master bedroom is on the top floor and has a fireplace with a hot tub on an adjoining balcony. A second bedroom on the lower floor has Asian decor with an adjoining sitting room en suite. The middle floor is an open floor plan, beautifully furnished with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen which is adjacent to the dining area with a dining table that seats eight persons. The stunning, yet comfortable and beautifully appointed living room area features authentic ethnic art and history from our travels around the world. There is a porch off the living room to enjoy sunsets over Mt. Tamalpais. The roof garden has spectacular 360 degree views. There two bicycles for your use on the nearby bike path and kayaks for exploring Richardson Bay. There are numerous good restaurants, and shopping, nearby.

It is a five minute drive to miles of mountain hiking trails overlooking the Pacific ocean. We are adjacent to a bird sanctuary with miles of walking and biking paths along Richardson Bay. It is a twenty minute drive to central San Francisco or a twenty minute ferry ride. (The ferry ride from downtown Sausalito to San Francisco, going past Alcatraz is a very special experience). Sixty minutes away are Napa and Sonoma Valleys and world renowned wineries. where you can enjoy a day of wine tasting.

Whats around? Only a 5 minute drive to the Golden Gate Bridge, two miles to the center of historic, scenic Sausalito to shop or dine. Catering or personal chef available.

What's inside: It is a unique, very spacious, luxurious, architect designed redwood and glass houseboat with over 3,000 square feet of living space on three floors plus a roof garden. There is a hot tub off the master bedroom, an interior atrium with tropical plants. The lovely roof garden for relaxing and entertaining, which includes a barbecue, dining table, chairs, two sofas and a gas fireplace. Our houseboat is truly historic, (Pavoratti actually did sleep here), romantic and fun. Totally renovated with great attention to detail.

Mid Level: Perfect for entertaining.(no parties, please). You enter into a vestibule, then continue on past a two story atrium into a spacious living room and seated dining area, with quality furniture and art objects throughout. In the far right hand corner is a large window seat that looks out onto beautiful Mt. Tamalpais which can be used as a single bed. Straight ahead off the main deck through sliding doors is our "wheel house" decorated with the wheel off a French yacht. The state of the art gourmet kitchen is fully outfitted and has custom marble counters, professional stove, full size refrigerator/freezer, small and large appliances, three-person eating counter. There is a bar area. A beautiful Asian decor bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and shower, and a large wall mirror, complete this floor. Tasteful artifacts abound as the owners are a former diplomat and an international travel executive with a background in anthropology.

Lower Floor: There is a suite of two rooms which include a beautiful Asian bedroom with sliding shoji screen doors from Japan and quality queen size bed. Adjacent to this bedroom is a comfortable sitting room with a pull out queen bed, and a desk. The washer and dryer are located separately on this floor. The beautiful bathroom for this bedroom is located at the top of the stairs on the next floor. (It has a shower and bath with jacuzzi). The lower floor also has an apartment which is totally insulated for sound. Our delightful tenant is very quiet, is often not here and does not have access to or use the rest of the house at all. (Please call the owner if you want more information on this).

Top Floor: This floor includes a very large, romantic master bedroom with high ceilings, 8 foot windows, a beautifully crafted ceiling fan, a gas fireplace, two comfortable chairs for reading, a king size four-poster bed with a Tempur-Pedic mattress fit for a king and queen. Off the bedroom is a comfortable office/work out area with a floor to ceiling mirror, while off to the other side is a balcony with a hot tub.

Roof Deck: A sturdy wooden slanted ship's ladder takes you to the roof garden with panoramic 360 degree views over the top of the other houseboats to a yacht harbor, panoramic views of Mt. Tamalpais, and Richardson Bay. Furnished with a dining table, two rain proof outdoor sofas, a very large umbrella, chairs, a gas barbecue, and potted plants.

Seize this unique opportunity to experience the adventure and romance of houseboat living at its very best! Very unique, elegant yet casual, fun, and definitely an unforgettable vacation.

Keywords: Floating home, houseboat, luxurious, historic,

Property manager

Wilford Welch

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Gym

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only
Not suitable for very young children

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Sausalito

Located in Sausalito, this houseboat is in the city center and on the beach. Golden Gate Bridge and Palace of Fine Arts are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Presidio of San Francisco and San Francisco Bay. California Academy of Sciences and San Francisco Zoo are not to be missed. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sausalito, CA

What's nearby

  • San Francisco Bay Model Visitor Center - 16 min walk
  • Golden Gate Bridge - 12 min drive
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 12 min drive
  • Marin Headlands - 15 min drive
  • Alcatraz Island - 16 min drive

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 21 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Fish - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Joinery - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Equator Coffees - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Junction - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Large, Unique, Comfortable, Charming - Available only July 12 - 24. 2025 located?

Located in Sausalito, this beachfront houseboat is in the city center and within 6 mi (10 km) of Mount Tamalpais State Park, Presidio of San Francisco, and Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Sweetwater Music Hall and Bay Area Discovery Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

Reviews

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Lovely houseboat
We had a lovely stay on the houseboat. I lived on one previously,for 15 years so it was a homecoming for me. Friendly neighbors and of course a wonderful location.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Daryl T., chattanooga, tennessee, usa

Amazing Houseboat in Sausalito
This is the third time that we have booked a houseboat in Sausalito. While all of our experiences have been positive, this boat was by far, the nicest, decorated with art from around the world, comfortable beds and living area and an amazing deck on top of the house overlooking the bay. The houseboat is walking distance from many businesses and restaurants and a walk or bike ride from downtown Sausalito. The owner was helpful, friendly and accommodating in every way. I can not say enough about the boat, the owner and the overall experience. Thank you Wilford!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennie Kirk

The Perfect Retreat
Cosy, quirky and comfortable. Such an interesting home with all the many different artefacts and books around for you to enjoy. They reminded us so much of places we have lived in or travelled through, maybe that is why we felt so at home ! Thank you for sharing your home Wilford and also thank you to Gail and Kathy who were so helpful with restaurant suggestions and recommendations on where to visit. We have had a wonderful stay and thank you for the wine ! Ian and Jennie Kirk - Cape Town
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kurt P.

Houseboat Heaven
An absolute magical vacation for our family of 6. The boys and girls all enjoyed the Kayaks, roof top, and the various quiet reading nooks throughout this very spacious houseboat. A fabulous location to venture off to Napa, the East Bay, and of course all the magnificent sites of San Fran. Loved meeting the owners and learning all about their favorite travel destinations as the HB is filled with treasures from near and far.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Magnificent & Magical
We stayed for 10 heavenly days and enjoyed every second. Wilford & Carole and their floating home haven is a true sanctuary. We kayaked every day and reveled in the hot tub, bedroom fireplace and all the art, and the VERY creatively inspiring environment. Luxury, adventure and the best of being "at home" while away.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon Marie K., Canada

A Perfect Trip!
There is nothing I can say about Wilford and Carole and their fabulous houseboat that hasn't already been said. My husband, myself and another couple had the pleasure of spending time here and every day was perfect. We did tons of sightseeing in San Francisco, as well as the Napa Valley Wine Train, which is a must, and everything was easy to get to. We all agreed that the best part of the trip was knowing that we would be returning each afternoon or evening to our exciting accommodations. It made us all smile! We plan on returning in the very near future. Thanks again Wilford and Carole "for the memories".
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Catherine R., United States

Happy guest!
We were planning a family vacation to San Francisco that involved needing accommodations for 2 couples and 2 teenagers. We wanted something comfortable and reasonably priced (very hard to find in the SF area). The houseboat certainly met and exceeded all of our needs! The owners, Wilford and Carole, were extremely nice to deal with. The house itself, was like living in a comfortable museum, due to the "souvenirs" of the owners extensive travels. The artwork, decorations, and furniture were pieces that could be studied all day long! Even the dishes were precious relics of another culture, yet there for our enjoyment and use. Honestly, San Francisco became an afterthought, since we enjoyed the house so much. Nobody had any interest in leaving it! Along with staying in a beautiful setting, there were great "toys" such as bikes and kayaks, which I regret not being able to use due to other plans, but hope to return and use someday. I am honored to have been trusted with the house & cannot find one negative thing to say. The roof balcony was awesome, the beds were comfortable and sleeping arrangements were quite private and cozy. After many nights in a hotel, this was everything it promised to be and more! Sausalito was a very nice city and easy commute to San Francisco or the wineries.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carol J., Columbia, South Carolina

Best "Home Base" for Sightseeing in Northern California
First, the owners are accommodating to the point you feel like family - thank you Wilford and Carole for sharing your beautiful home with others! It is everything and more than what is portrayed in your description and photos! Second, the home is gorgeous and although filled with treasures from across the world and a book collection to die for, it was comfortable and homey, down to the gas fireplace in the living room, which you WILL use in the mornings with your coffee. And we can't forget the oh so comfortable bed and linens to dream the night away after a long day of whatever! The inside of the home is filled with life in the form of live plants and flowers, including orchids and a banana tree (still not sure if this is real). The kitchen has all the amenities you need and a grocer/deli/restaurant within 2 minutes walking distance of the home to purchase supplies to cook the entire week if you don't enjoy eating out in the many local restaurants (we recommend Tommy Wok's and Sushi Ron). And last but certainly not least, there's the rooftop "lounge" and/or the "private" hot tub to enjoy after long days of hiking and sightseeing or just lounging. Kayaks and bikes available for use right at your front door, too, although we did not take advantage of these items - too busy on the CA1 locating new and exciting places to hike. Third, you can travel CA1 everyday from here and hike to some of the most beautiful locations known to man. The farthest we drove was 47 miles and that took us to Pt. Reyes National Seashore and the lighthouse there. We highly recommend renting a convertible to visit this beautiful Northern California destination. May your visit be as pleasant and wonderful as ours!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

I trust all is well and y...
I trust all is well and you are re-settled into your marvelous abode!! We truly enjoyed our stay and hope to have the opportunity to do it again sometime soon. -- August 2008
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Our stay was delightful a...
Our stay was delightful and the houseboat just great. I'm racking my brain to think of some kind of improvement, but nothing comes to mind. The kitchen in particular was wonderful--everything we needed was there and although we didn't cook every night, when we did we knew we'd have the utensils to do it right. -- July 2008
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

We had an absolutely wond...
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at your houseboat. Thank you so much for sharing your house with us. It had a real welcoming feeling when we arrived. It was like staying with friends. -- July 2008
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Leo M., New York, NY

This is a delightful home...
This is a delightful home and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to stay in Southern Marin. Pros: The house is filled with beautiful artifacts from various eastern cultures and is well stocked with books. The middle floor provides ample dining and living room space for a large family while the top and bottom floors house both bedrooms and quiet sitting rooms. It is not obvious from the text, but there is both a queen bed and a pull out sofa on the bottom floor. The hot tub off the master bedroom is AMAZING - private yet open to the sky it allowed my wife and I to take a relaxing dip in the tub every night. The freeway access can't be beat allowing for quick trips down into the city or up into northern Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. There is a deli/grocery a short walk from the houseboat. Cons: If your dream is to stay on a houseboat that feels like a boat or to be isolated from everyone, alone on the water this rental is not for you - this houseboat is simply a (beautiful) home moored alongside a dock. Other: Parking is a little wonky - everything nearby is theoretically reserved for long term marina residents...but I parked near the boat for a week without problem. Also, the owner expects renters to be met by a friend of the owner upon arrival and departure. This was not a major issue since they were very accomodating, but it is different and may pose a problem for those with particularly early or late arrival/departure schedules.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

What a delightful way to ...
What a delightful way to vacation. We traveled to SF from Florida to visit family and friends for a reunion in northern Marin. Having family in Marin and the City this was the perfect "Spot" for us. The houseboat was everything we expected and much more. It was very spacious and comfortable for a grown family of five. When you think of a vacation rental usually what comes to mind is a sparcely furnished and supplied home. This is like going home, only to someone elses. The views were fabulous, the location was very central to the Wine Country or San Francisco. We would definitely return on a future trip to California. Absolutely top drawer. Excellent and a great value. Thank You !!!

About the host

Hosted by Wilford Welch

Host profile image
Wilford is a former U.S. diplomat in China and the rest of East Asia during the Johnson and Nixon administrations, the author of several books, (the 2021 book entitled "In Our Hands - A Handbook for Intergenerational Actions to Solve the Climate Crisis" which is the primary text in the Presidio Graduate School's "Climate Essentials" program being taught to K-12 teachers throughout the United States. Wilford is the lead teacher in this program.

Carole's background is in anthropology. In 1991, she founded Cross Cultural Journeys, a successful travel company that takes clients to exotic international destinations where indigenous people continue to live in traditional ways. While there we explore the healing and belief systems of indigenous elders. We both have a lifetime of international travel and work behind and in front of us. Our home reflects our interests and adventures.

Why they chose this property

We enjoy living 'on the docks' in Sausalito. We moved here from Belvedere, CA. because we found the houseboat community filled with interesting, creative people with casual, unpretentious, active, lifestyles. Being only 20 minutes by car to the middle of San Francisco for cultural, educational and social activities, and less than an hour from Napa and Sonoma and the beautiful wine country, are all big pluses. Hiking is five minutes away and great restaurants are nearby. We feel we have the best of many worlds right here. We call our houseboat "Shangri-La" for one feels they are living in a different and very special world.

What makes this property unique

Ours is a home that is ideal for a couple (or two) who appreciate the finer things in life and would like to relax and entertain in style in one of the most unique houseboats in the world.

Languages:

English
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