A UNIQUE houseboat in New York City has served as a budget-friendly alternative to expensive housing in one of the US's most coveted regions.
While it was listed for sale at $250,000, it's also a source of income for its current owners who rent it for $149 a night.
The James Franco is a one-bedroom vessel located in Rockaway Beach, Queens.
The boat, which was previously owned by actor James Franco, is docked at Marina 59, which is one of the city's most desirable slips.
In addition to the list price, the buyer will have to pay an additional $1,000 fee in rent to the marina, according to Escape Brooklyn.
Potential buyers will be happy to learn that the home is only two blocks away from the subway or an hour's drive from Manhattan.
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And the houseboat could also be a source of income as it is currently available on Airbnb for $149 a night.
This boat was built in 1968 but is in great condition and well-styled.
Impressive photos of the James Franco show its kitchen with an oven, stove, and a full-sized worktop with plenty of storage space.
An open-plan area also hosts a dining table and seating right opposite the kitchen, which is perfect for relaxed cooking and dining.
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If you don’t fancy cooking, the Rockaway Beach area is full of shops and restaurants for people to enjoy.
Although it is a houseboat, there is plenty of room for a bed large enough for two people in a private bedroom.
In the age of work-from-home, a small desk and chair corner make a little at-home office, which is perfect for work and emails as Airbnb listed that the home has limited Wi-Fi.
The home's special feature is a beautiful outdoor space on the top of the boat, leading out from the bedroom's French doors.
Seating, a table, and plants stand on the vibrantly painted decks of the home which offer views of the marina and Jamaica Bay.
The boat’s other quirky features include surfboards and fishing rods attached to the ceilings and a pellet stove for the winter months.
A more practical and less quirky feature is that this boat home is one of few at the marina with a fully functioning bathroom on board.
Marina 59 is also unique as it is open all year and home to year-long residents, meaning the area will always have some activity and energy.
The popular slip had a waiting list but the rental agreement can be taken over and belong to the lucky new owner too.
If a new owner wanted to dock their new purchase somewhere else, that would not be a problem as there are plenty of other nearby marinas to choose from.
The boat could be the perfect option for people looking to live in New York City but cannot afford the $795,000 average price for a home in NYC as of August 2023, according to Realtor.com.
Fans of aquatic hobbies will be excited by the endless fishing, boating, and water sports activities available.
Previous Airbnb guests gushed about their stays at the special property in the review sections.
One guest said: “We had a lovely time on the houseboat! It was very charming, sun soaked, and comfortable to spend time on :).
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“It’s a short walk/drive to a great surf spot as well.”
Another person said: “It was something unique and out of this world. lovely and wonderful summer experience recommend it.”
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