69 Liberty Dock - Sausalito - Mark Rushford

Return Home Images Details Map

69 Liberty Dock, Sausalito Vintage Single-Level Ark with Beautiful Views & Separate Rental Unit

69 Liberty Dock, Sausalito

PRESENTED BY MARK RUSHFORD

69 Liberty Dock, Sausalito CA 94965

Represent Seller • Ark - Houseboat (on pilings) • Offered at $1,375,000

2

Bedrooms

3

Baths

2060

Square Feet

1946

Year Built

Square Feet

Property Description

Vintage Single-Level Ark with Beautiful Views & Separate Rental Unit

Set between the Liberty Dock and South 40 houseboat communities, 69 Liberty Dock captures the romanticism and character of Sausalito’s waterfront past. Originally constructed as a Navy barge in 1946 it was purchased around 1948 white it was home to generations of one family, this ~2,060-square-foot, single-level Ark retains much of the look and feel of its era, with 2 bedrooms and 3 baths across a main residence and a separate one-bedroom rental unit.

Raised onto pilings in the 50’s to become the Ark it is today with one end attached to land, the ark is just steps from the parking lot for easy access. A lush, green entry provides a welcoming arrival to both units throughout the year and introduces the personality of this special property.

The expansive one-bedroom, two-bath main residence feels like a step back in time. Its generous living / dining / kitchen area with what could be original hardwood flooring offers privacy and beautiful views, creating an inviting setting for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying the waterfront surroundings. Stunning year-round sunrises and sunsets add to the atmosphere.

The smaller one-bedroom unit is about 640 sqft and is bright and full of charm, with its own private entrance and private outdoor oasis that extends the living space. It provides a separate setting alongside the main home while maintaining the ark’s distinctive character.

With its vintage fireplace, single-level layout, wrap around deck, easy proximity to parking, beautiful views, and second unit, 69 Liberty Dock offers a rare connection to the origins of Sausalito’s houseboat community, its waterfront history, and truly an opportunity unlike any other.

Property History

69 Liberty Dock History

Tashi Monroe and her husband Keith purchased and moved into the houseboat in 1947 / 1948 and ultimately raised it onto pilings to be the Ark that it is today. Tashi was a native Sausalitan whose Irish immigrant parents, Herbert and Margaret Ward, came to Sausalito in 1899.

Excerpt from Tashi Monroe’s notes on her history in Sausalito…

“We lived on a cottage on the beach near Nunes Brothers Boat Yard and moved to the big barge in 1947. It was then located in the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. There we stayed until 1954. My seventy one years have been spent in and near Sausalito. I live in a landmark designated U.S. Navy Barge in an area that is now The Waldo Point Harbor since 1957.”

Shown above is the houseboat being moved to its current location. Below are pictures of Keith remodeling the barge into a living space for himself, his wife, Margaret Ward Monroe (Tashi), and their twin daughters.

The barge, referred to as The Sargasso by family, is iconic as a historic Sausalito barge in Richardson Bay.

It was a gathering place for the artists, writers and the creative community in Marin and San Francisco and known for its notorious parties. Visitors undoubtedly included Jean Varda who lived nearby in the Vallejo which he purchased with another artist in 1947 as well as artist Walter Keane. The apartment on the barge was rented out at various times. At one point in 1968, it was said the apartment was rented out for a very short time to Steve McQueen while the movie “Bullitt” was being filmed in San Francisco.

Both Keith and Tashi were artists. Keith Monroe was a sculptor and furniture designer and Tashi Monroe worked for Edith & Brian Heath, founders of Heath Ceramics in downtown Sausalito, designing and making their pottery.