Friday, September 21, 2007

Available Options



What do you think? What you see here is a floating house. Not a houseboat, but a small house on fixed concrete pilings near a marina in Port Clinton, Ohio.

I was perusing a free local newspaper when I saw the ad for these floating houses and was intrigued by the idea. No property taxes, room with a view, small and on the water. What's not to like? Indeed, these homes are not park models on platforms, nor are they house boats on pontoons, but instead a manufactured home specifically made to be placed on the water. Made in Vandalia, Ohio (near my hometown of Dayton), these homes have several nice elements. They have the standard stove, refrigerator and microwave, as well as a dishwasher (Denny likes!) and a stacking washer/dryer combo. The holding tanks self-empty into the city sewer system, there is city water, electric heat pump and furnace, screening around the base for bugs and possible rodents (although perhaps the water snake I saw nearby would take care of that problem), extra insulation underneath to compensate for resting above the water level. The developer intends to build a swimming pool, shower house and clubhouse eventually. The docks are on the Portage River and Lake Erie is just across the street. On the small side at 936 square feet, there are two bedrooms and two baths and a large deck above with a nice porch on the first floor. Which would be twice the size of what we have now.

It's all very enticing, including the fact that it would be within 110 to 275 miles from every member of our families (well, the immediate family). But there is always the COLD AND THE SNOW. LAKE EFFECT SNOW. But it's an option.



A boat dock is part of the site rental. I'm thinking Sea Doos.



A total of 31 floating houses are planned. I think I like it.

4 comments:

Pearl said...

Definitely an interesting idea. Eventually the city might decide that they have to pay tax.

Soulknitting said...

I see only one problem. NO SAILS!

Lois Lane said...

I like it too. I'd worry about harsh winters. But fishing right off of your own deck would be sweet! :)

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

I think they look adorable. Victoria, B.C. has similar floating houses. Many of them have been there for years and most are painted lovely bright colours. I too would be concerned about the winters.. but apart from that.. they look very neat.

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