HOUSE ON THE MOVE: Barging away from Beach Drive


(First two photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

12:01 PM: Nickel Bros is getting ready to rescue another West Seattle house. This one is a 1912-built Craftsman in the 7000 block of Beach Drive SW, between Lowman Beach and the north shore of Lincoln Park, on a site where a new house is set to be built.

The house-moving firm was originally scheduled to be barging the house away right about now, but the tides will be more conducive late tonight, so they’ve rescheduled for 11 pm.


(Photo by Lynn Hall)

The twist here: The house does not have a new owner, yet, but Nickel Bros decided to take a chance on it, and it will be taken to a storage yard. You can see inside the house via its listing on the Nickel Bros site.

P.S. Nickel Bros tells us they’re working with six moving-or-movable West Seattle houses right now. We’ve already told you about this one at California/Findlay. Listings on their site include three from the Alki area – here, here, and here.

ADDED 8:22 PM: If you have a late-night eye on the water – you might see the house go by, as the storage spot it’s going to is on the Duwamish River. We also wanted to say thanks to local journalist Jenny Cunningham (with whom we worked long ago in local TV news) for the original tip on this; she’ll be covering it for KCTS and we’ll let you know when the story is set for broadcast.

11 Replies to "HOUSE ON THE MOVE: Barging away from Beach Drive"

  • WGA March 21, 2017 (12:15 pm)

    Seattle real estate is getting so expensive, even the houses are moving out!

  • cjboffoli March 21, 2017 (12:58 pm)

    Recycling on a grander scale.

  • Paul Binder March 21, 2017 (1:17 pm)

    I would take one of these any day over a new ugly box.

  • James Guest March 21, 2017 (2:36 pm)

    Holy moley!  how feasible is it to transport this home?  Can it go on roads and highways?  It’s not like home takes precedence as say transporting the space shuttle.  Inquiring minds want to know!

    • WSB March 21, 2017 (2:42 pm)

      Houses can be moved on streets, yes; we’ve covered a few. In this case, it’s on the water and being moved over the water. (Added) This wasn’t a Nickel Bros project but it was a house moving on West Seattle streets from old home to new:

      https://westseattleblog.com/2010/07/happening-now-moving-the-house-from-4516-42nd-sw/

      • James Guest March 21, 2017 (5:16 pm)

        That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen (second to watching the Space Shuttle being transported in Los Angeles). Thanks for covering / sharing WSB!

  • Chemist March 21, 2017 (3:34 pm)

    I was wondering what was up when I saw Nickel Bros signs on the 4 car garage along the street. I couldn’t imagine moving that garage to be useful. The house beyond the garage looks like it will be quite a catch for someone.

  • Heather March 21, 2017 (5:20 pm)

    Clinked on the link. It’s quite a beautiful home.

  • GJJ March 21, 2017 (5:57 pm)

    I lived in this house for 2 years.  Loved the old house and great neighbors.

  • wssz March 22, 2017 (12:16 am)

    What a exquisite house. If I didn’t love mine  I would jump at this one.  The fireplace, wood trim around the leaded windows, and timeless grace are stunning. I wouldn’t be surprised if it has fir flooring under the carpet.  Someone is going to fall in love with it and give it a well deserved second life. 

  • Swede. March 22, 2017 (6:10 am)

    That looks like a nice and solid old house. Any info of what will be built there?

    Same with the blue house and the smaller white ones listed as in the works? They are right next to each other so probably bought by same developer…

    (The blue was for sale awhile back for $2 million!)

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