Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com
🧱 The Narrowest House in Seattle — Born from Revenge
A legendary piece of Seattle real estate drama is back in the spotlight — and this time, it’s on the market for a cool $799,000.
Welcome to the Montlake Spite House — an architectural anomaly built in 1925 by a scorned ex-wife, hell-bent on revenge. With a jaw-dropping width of just 55 inches at its narrowest point (that’s barely wider than a doorway), this iconic home proves that bitterness can be beautifully designed.
A shockingly narrow Seattle home built by a scorned ex-wife purely to spite her former husband has hit the market for a whopping $799,000
The ‘Montlake Spite House’, wedged into Seattle’s historic Montlake neighborhood, measures a shocking 55 inches at its narrowest point – barely wider than a standard doorway
Including both floors, the home measures 850sq ft and it serves up two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living rooms
🧼 From Divorce Drama to Design Marvel
Located in Seattle’s historic Montlake neighbourhood, the home was built after a heated divorce. The land, awarded to the woman in the settlement, was part of her ex-husband’s front yard. Instead of selling it or leaving it empty, she made a bold move — she built a house. Not just any house — a house designed specifically to block her ex’s view.
Now, nearly a century later, it’s being admired not just for its pettiness, but for its charm, style, and smart use of space.
🛏️ What’s Inside This 850 sq ft Micro-Mansion?
Despite its slender silhouette, the house cleverly utilizes all 850 square feet with:
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🛏️ 2 bedrooms
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🛁 2 bathrooms
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🛋️ 2 living rooms
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🍳 A functional galley-style kitchen
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👕 New washer/dryer
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🚿 Stylish modern bathrooms
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🌳 A fenced yard space
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🚗 Two off-street parking spaces — rare for this area
Built in 1925, the Spanish Revival-style property has been compared to a wedge of cheese due to its specific tapered shape
Emily, who works in product management and marketing for Amazon, said she came across the Montlake Spite House by chance and she was drawn to it because it was ‘historically odd’
The home is located at 2022 E 24 Avenue, Seattle, Washington
The unique shape was deliberately designed by a scorned ex-wife to block her former husband’s view, according to local legend
The unusual property gives new meaning to the phrase ‘living in close quarters’
The bathroom, however, is a bit more of a squeeze
🧠 From Oddity to Opportunity
Current owner Emily Cangie, who works at Amazon, describes the home as “historically odd” and admits it was love at first sight. A fan of unusual design, she was drawn to the quirky layout and cozy character.
“I thought I’d feel like I was in a fishbowl,” she said. “But it’s actually cozy, private, and brilliantly designed.”
The main bedroom fits a queen-sized bed and two dressers, while the lower level — originally a carriage house — is now a self-contained flat with its own entrance.
🪟 Light, Angles & Creativity Required
Emily explains that while the layout takes some getting used to (especially in the angled bathroom), creativity is key.
“If you’re going to live in a weird house, you have to get very creative.”
Natural light was a concern, especially on the lower level, but with smart lighting and interior design, the space feels warm and inviting — a cozy retreat in the heart of the city.
The listing by broker Rob McGarty, highlights recent upgrades including a new roof, fresh paint and new water heater
Emily highlights that the sleeping area is a sizable, with room for a queen sized bed and two dressers
It still manages to pack plenty of charm and modern amenities into its 850 square feet of living space
🏡 Why You Might Actually Want to Buy This
Whether you’re a minimalist, an architecture lover, or just someone who appreciates a good revenge story, this home delivers. It’s been updated with a new roof, fresh paint, and a water heater, offering a surprising amount of comfort for its slim frame.
Broker Rob McGarty describes it as:
“The perfect condo alternative with a fenced yard and an income-producing unit.”
📍 Address: 2022 E 24th Avenue, Seattle, Washington
💸 Price: $799,000
🛠️ Built: 1925
🏆 Fun Fact: It’s shaped like a wedge of cheese — on purpose!
🧲 Watch the Full Home Tour 🎥
🔗 Click here to view the full YouTube video tour
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL