THE ENCINITAS BOAT HOUSESLocation: Encinitas, CA
Accessibility: Private Property Built: 1920s |
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The Encinitas Boat Houses are a unique and iconic architectural landmark in the beach community of Encinitas, California. These two houses are situated right on the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and are one of the most photographed and recognizable structures in the area. The houses are owned by two different families and were originally built in the 1920s as a summer vacation spot for a wealthy San Diego family.
The Boat Houses, as the name suggests, are designed to resemble two boats that have been docked on the shore. They are built using redwood timber and cedar shingles and have a distinctive, nautical style. The roofs of the houses are shaped like the hulls of a ship, and the walls are curved to mimic the shape of a boat. The houses were originally painted white, but over the years, the sun, sea, and salt have weathered the wood, giving them a rustic and natural appearance.
The interior of the houses is compact but cozy, and both are decorated in a beachy and maritime style. The smaller of the two houses has a living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the first floor, while the bedroom is located on the second floor. The larger house has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, and can accommodate up to six people.
The Boat Houses have been the subject of many local legends and stories over the years. It is said that during Prohibition, the houses were used to smuggle illegal alcohol, and during World War II, they were used as lookout posts to spot enemy submarines. Today, they are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and many visitors stop to take pictures and admire their unique architecture.
In recent years, the Boat Houses have faced some challenges due to erosion and rising sea levels. The houses are built on a narrow strip of land between the highway and the beach, and the shoreline has been slowly eroding over time. The owners have worked to protect the houses by installing sea walls and other erosion-control measures, and they continue to be a beloved and unique landmark in the community.
The Boat Houses, as the name suggests, are designed to resemble two boats that have been docked on the shore. They are built using redwood timber and cedar shingles and have a distinctive, nautical style. The roofs of the houses are shaped like the hulls of a ship, and the walls are curved to mimic the shape of a boat. The houses were originally painted white, but over the years, the sun, sea, and salt have weathered the wood, giving them a rustic and natural appearance.
The interior of the houses is compact but cozy, and both are decorated in a beachy and maritime style. The smaller of the two houses has a living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the first floor, while the bedroom is located on the second floor. The larger house has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, and can accommodate up to six people.
The Boat Houses have been the subject of many local legends and stories over the years. It is said that during Prohibition, the houses were used to smuggle illegal alcohol, and during World War II, they were used as lookout posts to spot enemy submarines. Today, they are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and many visitors stop to take pictures and admire their unique architecture.
In recent years, the Boat Houses have faced some challenges due to erosion and rising sea levels. The houses are built on a narrow strip of land between the highway and the beach, and the shoreline has been slowly eroding over time. The owners have worked to protect the houses by installing sea walls and other erosion-control measures, and they continue to be a beloved and unique landmark in the community.