You could own poet Shel Silverstein’s Sausalito houseboat for $390,000

Photo: Paul Bergeron

Though he hasn’t been with us for 18 years, Shel Silverstein’s literary legacy lives on, as does his houseboat Evil Eye. Docked at 8 Liberty in Sausolito, California, Evil Eye is currently on the market for $390K after its previous owner, Larry Moyer, a friend of Shel Silverstein’s, died in March of last year.

The one bedroom, one bathroom floating abode is full of rustic charm, and seems to harken back to the Beatnik era. In the 60s, this dock was a haven for artistic bohemians seeking an alternative lifestyle to solid ground. Silverstein, beloved author of the childhood classic “The Giving Tree” and the poetry collection “Where The Sidewalk Ends,” moved into Evil Eye in 1967. Moyer and Silverstein traveled the world together collaborating on projects, and both worked for Playboy from 1957 until the mid 70s.

Sausolito’s waterfront was vastly different back then. Moyer’s obituary explains, “Moyer spoke a lot about freedom; he believed that this was the magical thread that drew artist, writers, and other creative types to Sausalito and particularly the waterfront.”

Curiously, realtor Paul Bergeron does not divulge the former owner’s identity on the listing. However, he did talk to SF Gate about the houseboat’s unique aesthetic:

“It has a degree of an ecclesiastical feel,” explained Bergeron. “The multi-level window is flanked by original stained glass that almost have a temple-styled feel as if you’re walking into a church. There’s no escaping when you’re in there, you feel like you’re in a sanctuary. You feel like you’re in a very special place.”

Inside, an atrium with a skylight serves as the focal point, while the rough wooden boards may be a warning to watch out for splinters. Whoever becomes the new owner will want to invest in a remodel, but this dusty literary trove of historical treasure would be well worth it.