Seattle, Washington story
A Floating Legacy
Some of Seattle's most historic homes don't sit on land—they float. The Wagner House is one of the oldest surviving houseboats on Lake Union. It actually began its life way back i…
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Some of Seattle's most historic homes don't sit on land—they float. The Wagner House is one of the oldest surviving houseboats on Lake Union. It actually began its life way back in 1909 as a summer home on Lake Washington near Madison Park.
In the 1950s, it was bought by Richard Wagner, who and his wife Colleen eventually converted the building into the home of the Center for Wooden Boats. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this floating landmark serves as a hub for preserving traditional sailing. It's a vivid piece of maritime history that has drifted across the city's lakes, evolving from a private summer retreat into a community treasure for anyone who loves the smell of cedar and the pull of the tide.
Updated June 2026