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Whimsical ‘whale house’ is the most ‘genius’ home for sale in California. See why

A beautiful and straight up bonkers house has landed on the real estate market in Santa Barbara, California, for $3.25 million — and it’s receiving national attention thanks to its unique design.

It’s called the “Whale House” for a reason, in fact.

“Built in 1978, this one-of-a-kind, architecturally magical masterpiece is exquisite from head to tail,” a release sent to McClatchy News said.

The three-bedroom, four-bathroom residence is literally the shape of its muse that graces the ocean blue and miraculously designed by engineer Michael Carmichael, who told the Los Angeles Times it took three years to build with 20 workers.

“I feel like I’m in the world’s most luxurious tree house,” the owner of the home in 1994 told the L.A. Times. “It provides a natural and nurturing environment that encourages flow and creativity and helps me focus.”

The 2,606-square-foot property is a spectacle both inside and outside, with multiple features that help make it a magical place.

“An artistic home calls for a unique entrance,” the listing on Sotheby’s International Realty’s Montecito and Coast Village Road Brokerage says. “Step through the whale’s mouth and let the imaginative lifestyle begin. Three floors of creative genius encompass the head of the whale.”

Features include:

  • Stairwell

  • “Rock-covered elevator shaft”

  • Stained glass windows

  • Interior courtyard

  • Outdoor shower

  • Lap pool

  • Guest house

The whimsical Whale House in Santa Barbara was built in 1978 and is listed at $3.25 million.
The whimsical Whale House in Santa Barbara was built in 1978 and is listed at $3.25 million. Scott Gibson for Sotheby's International Realty

Multiple news outlets, including Mansion Global, the New York Post, and Zillow Gone Wild, have featured the stunning residence, with most folks completely dumbstruck by its beauty.

“I love everything about this,” one person posted on Facebook.

“Ok, this is definitely one of the best I’ve seen. It’s cool, creative, livable!” someone noted.

“I live in Santa Barbara, and have been to this house. The pictures don’t do it justice...it’s so beautiful!” one person commented.

“A truly unique structure and individual way to live within a home,” another observed.

“This is everything! The coolest house ever!” someone said.

The listing is held by Daniel Carpenter.

The Whale House has landed on the real estate market in Santa Barbara, California, for $3.25 million.
The Whale House has landed on the real estate market in Santa Barbara, California, for $3.25 million. Scott Gibson for Sotheby's International Realty
The Whale House has landed on the real estate market in Santa Barbara, California, for $3.25 million.
The Whale House has landed on the real estate market in Santa Barbara, California, for $3.25 million. Scott Gibson for Sotheby's International Realty
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This story was originally published July 21, 2023 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Whimsical ‘whale house’ is the most ‘genius’ home for sale in California. See why."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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