Entire house boat

Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

Photo gallery for Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

Yellow Ferry on a Fall Morning
Outdoor dining
Exterior detail
Property grounds
Entryway and front deck

Overview of Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6242 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Sausalito, CA
  • AirportSan Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)42 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay

As seen on Netflix "Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" S1 E3. https://www.netflix.com/watch/81108261?source=35

One of the world's most spectacular homes is now available as a vacation rental. This is the American equivalent of renting a castle in Spain or an ancient stone villa in Tuscany. Yet with the luxury and conveniences of a five star hotel.

The SS City of Seattle (Yellow Ferry) was originally launched in 1888. She is the oldest surviving ferryboat on the West Coast. The Ferry combines luxury and convenience in a spectacular and memorable setting. Surrounded by open water, she is simply the best houseboat in the best berth. Suitable for couples, or families, the Yellow Ferry offers the vacation experience of a lifetime.

The rental suite on the Yellow Ferry is over 2,500 square feet. One enters the Ferry into an open great room that is over 1,000 square ft, but divided into separate areas for dining and lounging. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows looking out to the bay, the main room is both spacious and intimate. The original deck consists of three-inch thick, virgin Douglas Fir, inlaid with Teak. You will quickly find there is a timeless and soothing quality to being surrounded by 120 year old wooden timbers and beams.

Off the living room is huge solarium, surrounded by glass doors. Here you can sit or dine feeling like you are perched over the water, looking at panoramic views of the Bay, the sailboats and Mt. Tamalpais. The solarium is connected the living room via four large sliding doors, which can be opened all the way to make it an extension of the living room.

The carpeted master bedroom features a new, California King bed. Water level views allow you a birds eye connection with the egrets, mallards and harbor seals. Large walk-in closets add to the feeling of luxury. The expansive master bathroom also has bay views and and a tub and walk-in shower.

Down below, the other two bedrooms also have views right above waterline, where seals and waterfowl can swim up and eyeball you.

The kitchen has been remodeled with an extraordinary Wolf six-burner range, with a gas grill and huge oven. The set up is perfect for gourmet meals or reheating your leftovers from one of the many excellent local restaurants. The kitchen is abundantly stocked with all the necessary pots, pans, utensils and appliances. There is a full table setting for 10 and uncharacteristically for a rental, all the knives have been freshly sharpened.

The float containing all watercraft is right off the back deck, providing easy access to the three kayaks and three stand-up paddle boards.

The Ferry is conveniently located between the natural beauty of the northern coast and the cosmopolitan charms of San Francisco. You can attend almost any event in the City and be home at the Ferry before you would find a parking place in San Francisco. A small library adjacent to the kitchen is stocked with books and tip and local attractions,

There are an infinite variety of diversions to be found within a 30 minute drive of the boat. But often the best thing to do is simply sit by the bay with a good book, occasionally looking up to see the harbor seals or migrating waterfowl.

The Ferry is owned by the same couple who own the harbor. We live on the Ferry in a completely separate unit with its own entrance and can be there to assist with any of your questions.

Please be aware that when then you stay on a houseboat, you are a guest in a close knit community of fellow houseboaters. These home owners have chosen to live on the water because of a shared love of nature and a considerate community. It is essential that you respect the community rights to peace and privacy and conduct your residency the same way you would expect from a next-door neighbor. It is absolutely critical that you read the rules and regulations that will be linked when you book. If you have trouble finding the rules and regulations, please confirm with me and I will send you the PDF separately.

Also, the entire ferry is 8,000 square feet. We could not find our keys in our own 2,600 sf side, so we could never imagine filling that kind of room. Therefore be aware we live next door, separated by relatively sound proof walls. There is also a full harbor shop down below that serves the maintenance of the marina, which we also own.

As a final note, the Ferry is not available for birthday parties, cocktail parties, weddings, business retreats, or other large gatherings. We tried that from time to time and it is just too crazy and takes a toll on our home.

Property manager

Chris or Nate Tellis

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Barbecue grill
Mountain view

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
The Ferry is large, but it is an historic home and should not be confused with an event space. Please do not not expect to host large parties.
The floors are made of Douglis Fir and are relatively soft. Please do not wear sharp shoes or drag any of the furniture. Also the roof is off limits.
Please respect the peace and quiet of the neighbors in the Harbor.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

Map
Sausalito, CA

Getting around

  • San Francisco Station - 19 min drive
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 3 min drive
  • Good Earth Natural Foods - 3 min drive
  • Starbucks - 15 min walk
  • Equator Coffees & Teas - 3 min drive
  • Fish - 17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fabulous Ferryboat on San Francisco Bay located?

Situated on the waterfront, this houseboat is within 6 miles (10 km) of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio of San Francisco and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Sweetwater Music Hall and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 98 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 105 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay
What a wonderful place to stay. Such a fun and enjoyable home! My children loved it and so did we. We can't wait to stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An amazing getaway location
The Yellow Ferry is everything promised by the posting--gorgeous, homey, well-appointed. It was a perfect place for a family getaway to celebrate a milestone birthday with adult children at hand. We loved cooking in the kitchen, hanging out together in beautiful living space, and watching the waterfowl and light on the bay outside. Sausalito was also a great location to explore further--great food, walking the Golden Gate, discovering bookstores and shops. We'll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Colleen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ms
This location and ferry boat was terrific- will come back !
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceeded our expectations!
We had a wonderful visit staying on the Yellow Ferry boat. The accommodations were great and the nearby shuttle to Muir Woods was very convenient.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carin B., St. Simons Is., Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love the Yellow Ferry
Oh what fun - staying on the Yellow Ferry was a dream come true. We loved the houseboat community, the tides, the wildlife, and the scenery. The boat was very comfortable and well appointed (and a little dated.) And, we would return!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Chris or Nate Tellis

Host profile image
The Tellis family adopted the City of Seattle in 1956, when we discovered her beached and abandoned along the Vallejo estuary. We brought her back to Sausalito, fixed her up, and in various configurations we have been living here for the past 55 years. The boat is now owned and maintained by Chris Tellis and Isabella Kirkland who live at the other end the boat. Both of us have careers in the arts and environment. We love living on the water and are delighted to be able to share this magical setting with others from around the world.

Why they chose this property

I have lived on the Sausalito waterfront since 1953. There is no place like Sausalito and southern Marin Couty. Even after seven years on the East Coast and two years in London and various other watering holes, I could not imagine living anywhere else. The Bay Area provides the perfect synthesis of intellectual stimulation and sybaritic diversion. I love New York, Europe and Asia, but in the end I would always want to come back to the water here in Sausalito, Chris Tellis

What makes this property unique

Living on an majestic ship, surrounded by history and beautiful wood, watching the sailboats, the harbor seals, the pelicans and migrating birds, there is nothing like this anywhere else. With the quiet of the Ferry, you feel you are miles away, yet just out the window is a water wonderland and a short drive away is one of the world's great cities. It is astonishing that a place can feel so removed yet be so close to a cultural epicenter.
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