A distinctive property known for its unique rotating design has recently been listed for sale in Novato, California. Commonly referred to as the “spaceship house,” the Round House is capturing attention as it is being offered for the first time in tandem with a package of six other homes for a total asking price of $3.3 million. This unusual listing is being managed by real estate agents Angelo Baglieri and Henry Wiese from Marcus & Millichap.
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The Round House has become a local icon, easily recognisable to anyone who has travelled along Highway 101. With its unusual architecture, this three-bedroom, two-bath residence can rotate up to 320 degrees to maximise sunlight throughout the year. Built in 1963 by Sam Harkleroad, the property has remained in the family, currently managed by Harkleroad’s grandson, Harold Pozzi.
Baglieri remarked on the property’s significance to the community, saying, “Everyone knows this property, they have been driving past it since they were little. Now they have a chance to buy it. It is an irreplaceable combination of land, income, and history waiting for a new owner.” The listing highlights the combined offering of seven detached homes situated on nearly 2.3 acres, including the notable Potato Chip House, another local architectural gem.
The innovative design of the Round House has intrigued many locals, including current tenant Jessi Adams. Terming it “super quirky,” she expressed her fondness for its distinctive characteristics. “Where else are you going to live in a house that’s round?” she questioned. Adams also noted how the house’s ability to rotate allows her to adjust her living environment based on seasonal changes: “Usually in the winter, I face a certain direction. It heats the house. In summer, I can change the view.”
Despite its charm, the upkeep of the Round House, along with the other unique homes in the package, has proven challenging for Pozzi. He acknowledged these difficulties in a recent interview, stating, “It’s a challenge. He [my grandfather] loved a challenge.” After years of managing the property, Pozzi, now feeling the weight of maintaining such distinctive structures, has made the difficult decision to sell them. “At this age, it’s hard. I’m at the age where it’s too much,” he explained.
The sale not only offers potential buyers a chance to own a piece of local history but also presents opportunities for future development. According to the listing, there may be potential for buyers to add additional homes or subdivide the land, pending independent investigation and approval by city authorities.
The Round House’s mechanical rotation, designed for optimal sunlight exposure, has become a topic of fascination. The switch controlling this unique feature adds yet another layer to the property’s appeal. For many, it represents the ingenuity of mid-20th-century design, becoming a visual and architectural landmark within Novato.
As the property enters the market, it stands at a crossroads for both preservation and potential development. Its rich history intertwined with modern possibilities beckons for a new owner who may embrace the distinctive character of the Round House while considering the future of this eclectic real estate ensemble. The sale is not just an opportunity to own a home; it is a chance to continue the legacy of a remarkable piece of architecture that holds a special place in the hearts of the local community.