Standing tall against the California sky, the Water Tower House in Sunset Beach isn’t just any home. This 87-foot converted water tower ranks as the second-tallest residence in America, offering panoramic ocean views and a story that spans over a century. Once just a utility structure supporting steam engines, this redwood giant now houses four stories of living space, complete with an elevator, wraparound deck, and quirky features that make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Water Tower House
The Water Tower House sits in Sunset Beach, California, standing out as an iconic landmark visible for miles. Built in 1892, this former utility structure now serves as both a private residence and occasional rental property. The tower rises 87 feet into the sky, making it the second-tallest home in the United States.
What makes this structure special goes beyond its height. The tower features four stories of living space, with 2,800 square feet inside. Its most striking features include a 360-degree wraparound deck with ocean views, a working elevator, and a spiral staircase that winds through the home.
The tower’s redwood and fir construction speaks to its historic roots, while modern renovations have transformed it into a comfortable, livable space. For locals and visitors alike, the Water Tower House represents a perfect blend of preservation and adaptation – proving old structures can find new life when communities value their history.
History and Timeline of the Tower
The Water Tower House story begins in the late 19th century. Built in 1892, the tower originally stored water for steam engines running along the rail line between Santa Barbara and San Diego. The tall structure held thousands of gallons of water, serving a purely practical purpose.
By 1940, the tower underwent a significant rebuild, becoming the largest water tank on the West Coast at that time. It continued serving the community’s water needs for decades until modern infrastructure made it obsolete.
The 1970s marked a turning point for the aging structure. As the tower fell into disuse, city officials planned for its demolition. The tower seemed destined for destruction until a passionate group of locals formed the “Save Our Water Tower” movement. These preservation advocates fought to protect this piece of local history from the wrecking ball.
Their efforts paid off in 1984 when instead of demolition, the tower began its transformation. Workers carefully deconstructed the upper portions of the tower, preserving the original materials for the conversion process. Over the next year, contractors reconstructed the tower – not as a water tank, but as a home unlike any other in California.
Conversion into a Home
Turning a water tower into a livable home presented unique engineering challenges. The conversion process required careful planning and specialized techniques to maintain the structure’s integrity while creating comfortable living spaces.
The project began with crane-lifting sections of the reconstructed house into place. Engineers and builders took great care to reuse the original redwood and fir materials whenever possible, honoring the tower’s historic character. The installation of a modern elevator made all levels accessible, while a custom-built spiral staircase added both function and visual appeal.
The conversion team faced numerous zoning and preservation hurdles. The unusual nature of the project required special permits and exceptions to standard building codes. Local officials worked with the developers to ensure safety standards while allowing for the creative reuse of this landmark structure.
In 2016-2017, the tower underwent another significant restoration. These updates modernized systems while preserving the tower’s unique character. Contractors carefully balanced modern conveniences with historic preservation, ensuring the tower would stand for generations to come.
Architectural and Interior Features
Step inside the Water Tower House and you’ll find a world of surprising spaces and whimsical details. The ground level features a practical garage and cozy guard’s bedroom – hints of the more spectacular spaces above.
Take the elevator up to the main quarters and the tower’s unique character truly reveals itself. Each level offers something special, but nothing compares to the 360-degree wraparound deck. From this vantage point, visitors enjoy unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and the surrounding coastline.
The top of the tower houses a beautiful stained glass cupola, allowing colored light to filter into the upper rooms. Throughout the home, visitors discover unexpected features – a secret bookshelf that opens to reveal hidden rooms, a pirate-themed bedroom that delights guests, and even a model train that runs through multiple rooms.
The rotunda-style main living area makes the most of the tower’s circular shape. Curved walls, custom furniture, and thoughtful design elements transform what could be awkward spaces into functional, beautiful rooms.
Ownership, Sale & Rental Information
The Water Tower House has changed hands several times throughout its residential history. Currently, Gregg and Mary DeNicola own the property, having purchased it in 2022. Their stewardship continues the tradition of careful preservation combined with personal touches.
The tower’s value has increased substantially over the years. Previous sales topped $4.5 million, and in 2025, the property listed at $5.5 million – a reflection of both its unique character and prime coastal location.
Beyond serving as a private residence, the Water Tower House occasionally opens to visitors through rental opportunities. The owners have secured permits allowing for Airbnb rentals and special events. Those looking to experience life in this extraordinary structure can expect to pay around $5,000 for a five-night stay – not inexpensive, but offering an experience few other rentals can match.
Why It Matters: Significance & Visitor Appeal
The Water Tower House stands as more than just a quirky home – it represents a preservation success story with lasting impact. When locals chose to save rather than demolish this structure, they preserved a physical connection to the area’s past while creating something entirely new.
As an example of adaptive reuse, the tower shows how historic structures can find new purpose. Rather than replacing old buildings with new construction, the conversion demonstrates how preservation can be both practical and inspired. The tower’s continued existence helps maintain Seal Beach’s unique character and sense of place.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Water Tower House offers lessons in creative problem-solving and thoughtful design. Converting a utilitarian structure into a comfortable home required innovation at every step – solutions that might inspire other preservation projects.
Travelers seek out the tower for its uniqueness and photo opportunities. Whether admiring it from outside or lucky enough to stay inside, visitors connect with a piece of California coastal history.
Long-Term Maintenance and Legacy
Maintaining an 87-foot historic redwood tower presents ongoing challenges. The coastal environment, with its salt air and weather exposure, requires regular attention to preserve the structure’s materials. Redwood offers natural resistance to decay, but still needs proper care to maintain its strength and appearance.
The current owners follow a careful maintenance schedule that includes wood treatment, structural inspections, and system updates. These efforts ensure the tower remains both beautiful and safe for decades to come.
Within the community, the Water Tower House holds special significance. Locals take pride in this distinctive landmark that helps define their town’s skyline and character. Many residents remember the fight to save the tower and see its continued existence as a community achievement.
The Experience of Living in a Water Tower
What does daily life feel like in such an unusual home? Current and former residents describe a living experience unlike any other. The tower’s height and 360-degree views create a sense of both exposure and privacy – visible to all from the outside, yet offering unmatched seclusion and perspectives from within.
Morning light floods through the stained glass cupola, casting colored patterns across the upper floors. The steady hum of the elevator becomes part of the home’s soundtrack as residents move between levels. Sunset views from the wraparound deck transform everyday evenings into spectacular events.
The circular layout presents both challenges and opportunities for furniture arrangement and daily living. Custom pieces fit the curved walls, while the open rotunda creates natural gathering spaces. Residents learn to embrace the unique architectural elements rather than fighting against them.
Weather takes on new significance when living 87 feet in the air. Coastal storms bring wind that can be felt throughout the structure, creating a subtle swaying sensation during heavy weather. This connection to the elements becomes part of the tower’s character, reminding residents of the building’s exposed position and historic purpose.
Conclusion
The Water Tower House stands as a testament to creative vision and community determination. From its humble beginnings as a utility structure to its current status as a landmark home, this 87-foot tower tells a story of transformation and preservation. The successful conversion from water tower to living space demonstrates how historic structures can find new purpose while maintaining their connection to the past. As both a private residence and occasional rental property, the tower continues to capture imaginations and offer extraordinary experiences. This redwood giant proves that with imagination and respect for history, even the most utilitarian structures can become something truly special – a skyline-defining home that connects past, present, and future in Sunset Beach.
