Welcome back to your trusted source for Marin County real estate news and local updates. Today, we are diving into a fascinating listing that has just captured the attention of architecture enthusiasts everywhere.
The famous rotating round house located in Novato has officially hit the open real estate market. This eccentric piece of local history offers a rare glimpse into mid-century unconventional building and visionary design.
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Unveiling the Unique Novato Portfolio
Priced at an eye-catching $3.3 million, this iconic property is not being sold in isolation. Instead, it comes bundled alongside six other distinct residential structures across the same sprawling acreage.
All seven detached homes sit comfortably on roughly 2.25 acres of solid bedrock. The land rests conveniently just off Highway 101 along Harkle Road, providing unique regional visibility.
The Legacy of Sam Harkleroad
Built over six decades ago by visionary creator Sam Harkleroad, these unusual structures were constructed largely from recycled materials. His creative engineering genius eventually earned him the affectionate local nickname of “The Frank Lloyd Wright of Novato”.
If you are planning a trip to explore architectural marvels across the region, checking out local Novato hotels makes for a great weekend getaway. Visitors can easily spend days discovering the rich heritage embedded throughout northern Marin County communities.
Engineering Wonders of the Round House
The crown jewel of the package is a 1,562-square-foot round house resting securely upon a central pedestal. Remarkably, the entire structure moves 320 degrees over a smooth 20-minute span.
Its ingenious rotation mechanism relies on an old railroad track system powered by a surprisingly simple washing machine motor. Such mechanical ingenuity highlights the creative DIY spirit that defined mid-century residential architecture in California.
More Architectural Marvels on the Grounds
Beyond the rotating marvel, the portfolio also features another wildly unique design known widely as the “potato chip house”. This rare hyperbolic paraboloid structure adds yet another layer of mid-century visual flair to the compound.
Historically, a workshop on the grounds even featured an operational wind turbine. However, this turbine was removed back in 2021 out of an abundance of caution to protect nearby freeway traffic.
Current Tenancy and Investment Potential
For prospective buyers looking at investment value, the compound comes with established rental income streams. Currently, all seven individual homes on the lot are fully occupied by tenants.
Furthermore, these dependable occupants conveniently pay for their own utilities, making it a streamlined acquisition. Whether you are looking for unique places to stay permanently or a historic portfolio investment, this property stands alone.
Here is the source article for this story: Bay Area’s spinning round house hits the market for the first time
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