Danny Presents: Custom Japanese-inspired NW Contemporary

Custom-built Japanese-inspired NW Contemporary floating home juts into its sunny south-side slip—a rare placement offering unobstructed channel views of Lake Union. Corner living room glass sliders fuse interior space with the water’s edge for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The expansive 3-level floor plan features three proper bedrooms, a concrete float with a full-height finished basement, CVG fir cabinetry and trim, exposed beam ceilings, and exterior clad in PRODEMA® siding. Modern comforts such as Fiber internet, heat-pump heating/cooling, and a natural-gas tankless water heater. Located on Eastlake, within the well-managed and well-run ‘Tenas Chuck’ co-op. A no-stair dock with upgraded infrastructure, which includes new steel pilings, as well as a tucked-away city parking lot with four EV chargers.

Property Video

Home Features

IMMERSIVE VIEWS & SEAMLESS OUTDOOR LIVING
•  Unique footprint juts into the channel, offering unobstructed sightlines deep into, and across Lake
•  Union all the way to Queen Anne Hill
•  Two walls of sliding glass doors open wide to blur the line between indoor comfort and the lake just beyond
•  South-facing orientation brings in abundant natural light
•  The upper-level view deck provides a private perch for morning coffee or sunset unwinding
•  The wraparound main-level deck features a swim ladder and outdoor shower – perfect for spontaneous dips
•  Rear deck includes gas hookup for easy grilling and effortless lakeside entertaining
•  Engineered flat roof offers potential for a rooftop deck with 360° views

A SPACIOUS FLOORPLAN
•  Open-concept layout with 2,052 SqFt across 3 levels, including a rare full-height submarine basement
•  Three true bedrooms—something few floating homes offer—including one with a Murphy bed that converts to a desk, making it ideal as a guest room or office with a view
•  The basement offers incredible versatility—use it as a theater, music studio, storage space, or take advantage of the Murphy bed for a fourth sleeping area
•   A light-filled entry foyer, reminiscent of a Japanese genkan, features concrete floors, skylights, and a water spigot—perfect for indoor plants, bikes, or a serene garden-style welcome
•  The main-level workshop/craft room includes a sink and could easily serve as an office, art studio, or even a laundry room

INTERIOR FEATURES
•  Kitchen with Lake Union views, soapstone countertops, oversized double sinks, and bar seating for 4
•  Wood windows with thoughtful design reminiscent of Japanese shoji screens, bringing in abundant natural light throughout
•  Exterior sun shades on living room sliders allow for comfort and privacy without blocking the view
•  CVG fir cabinetry and trim, hardwood floors, and exposed beam ceilings create a warm aesthetic
•  Heated floors in both bathrooms, plus an extra-long soaking tub in the full bath for spa-like comfort
•  Built-in floor outlet in the living room—ideal for hot pot dining or tabletop appliances

CONSTRUCTION & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

•  Custom-built in 2007 by the original owner with quality materials and low-maintenance design in mind
•  Rare concrete float with a full-height basement—designed for long-term durability, low maintenance, and flexible living or storage space
•  Clad entirely in PRODEMA® high-performance siding panels: the warmth of real wood with exceptional weather resistance and virtually no upkeep
•  Equipped with Fiber internet—one of the few floating homes in Seattle with true gigabit speeds via CAT-6 direct signal (no modem required)
•  An energy-efficient heat pump with mini-splits provides heating and A/C to all three bedrooms. The rest of the house stays cool in summer thanks to the venting skylights, see-through exterior shades, and the naturally temperate below-water basement
•  Natural gas powers the fireplace and tankless hot water system
•  A powerful sewer ejection pump eliminates the common issues floating homes can have with gravity-fed waste systems—and has been service-free since installation
•  Flat roof engineered to support a rooftop deck
•  Recent home and dive inspections confirm excellent condition throughout

Tenas Chuck Moorage

Established in 1996, the Tenas Chuck Moorage is a well-managed cooperative of two docks, named after the Native American term for Lake Union, meaning “little water.” It’s home to a close-knit, welcoming community where regular social events make it easy to meet and connect with neighbors.

One of the dock’s standout features is its no-bank shoreline—providing rare, stair-free access to the homes. Each floating home is thoughtfully set back from the main walkway to allow more natural light to pour into the interiors.

The dock underwent significant infrastructure upgrades in recent years. New steel pilings have been driven deep into glacial shale, engineered to withstand a 100-year storm—offering greater strength and longevity than traditional wood pilings. The community also shares a dual-pump common sewage system for added reliability, and power and phone lines have been routed beneath the dock to preserve views and keep the environment visually clean.

Tenas Chuck is one of the few docks that offers a tucked-away city parking lot used primarily by floating home residents, creating a near-private feel. This lot also includes four EV charging stations. In addition, the co-op owns a smaller lot across the street, with a limited number of parking spaces rented to residents on a rotating basis. More public street parking is available along Fairview Avenue. Monthly HOA dues of $1,200 cover water, sewer, and garbage services for the home, as well as dock maintenance, insurance, and property taxes.

Welcome to Eastlake

Tucked along the eastern edge of Lake Union, Eastlake is one of Seattle’s most iconic and sought-after neighborhoods for floating home living—a rare blend of urban convenience and relaxed waterfront charm. Eastlake’s character is defined by its walkable streets, west-facing sunsets, and vibrant small-town energy. Whether it’s a casual coffee run, dinner at Serafina or Sushi Kappo Tamura, or game night at Otter Bar & Burger, there’s always something happening just around the corner. Tuesday trivia nights and hidden neighborhood gems give Eastlake its personality—authentic, low-key, and full of life. At the heart of the community is Pete’s Market & Wine Shop, a cherished local institution just blocks from the dock. Known for its curated wine selection and gourmet groceries, Pete’s also offers online ordering and dockside delivery—a luxury you’ll quickly come to rely on. On sunny days, locals wander to nearby Lynn Street Park, wine and food in hand, to soak in lake views and chat with neighbors. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy quick access to the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, a scenic route for walking, jogging, or biking that wraps around the lake. And when it’s time to venture further, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and downtown are just minutes away, with Highway I-5 offering a straight shot to wherever you need to go. In Eastlake, every day begins with light on the water and ends with the kind of sunset that makes you pause. It’s not just where you live—it’s how you live.

Lake Union Living

Living on Lake Union is like being part of a quiet village tucked inside a vibrant city. The lake is alive with movement—kayakers glide by at sunrise, seaplanes touch down in the afternoon light, and sailboats fill the water on summer evenings. On Tuesday nights, the Duck Dodge sailing race becomes a floating festival, as neighbors gather on decks and dinghies to cheer and soak in the energy. Lake Union is one of the most active bodies of water in Puget Sound, and its daily rhythm becomes part of your own. Step off your deck and dive straight into the water—clear, deep, and surprisingly warm in the summer months. With depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet, it’s perfect for swimming, floating, and getting to know your neighbors one jump at a time. There’s something uniquely bonding about swapping stories after a morning paddle or an impromptu swim off the dock. And yet, nature is never far. You’ll spot migrating birds diving for fish, Coho returning to spawn in the fall, and bald eagles surveying it all from their perch, undisturbed by the occasional crow. When you want to explore, hop in a kayak or boat and head to dinner— Daniel’s Broiler, Westward, Ivar’s Salmon House, and Agua Verde are all just minutes away, no car required. It’s a lifestyle defined by simplicity, connection, and a little bit of magic. And perhaps most special of all is the floating home community itself. On this water, the so-called “Seattle freeze” doesn’t stand a chance. There’s space for privacy, but friendship happens easily. Many move here for the view and the water—but end up staying for the people.