Iconic Water Tower Home in California Surf Town Lists for $5.5 Million

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 7:28 PM ET

Driving down Pacific Coast Highway, at the northern edge of Orange County, one home has made surfers (and high-end homebuyers alike) doubletake for decades. The historic water tower house of Seal Beach, towering above with panoramic views of the ocean.

And now, it’s up for sale…for a cool $5,500,000.

Originally built in 1892, the Anderson Street Water Tower is a relic of another time. It looms over all other residences at a whopping 87 feet. By 1985, after its time as real water tower, it was converted into a house – and one unlike any other. It boasts four bedrooms, a spiral staircase, and as mentioned before, unparalleled opportunity for checking the waves.

The home was bought in 2022 for $4.5 million, and primarily used for short-term rentals. It also hosts the Anderson Street Surfline Cam. But now, they’re selling again.

According to the listing:

“Dreaming of living within a piece of coastal history with stunning ocean views? Rising above the community of Surfside, the legendary Water Tower House is not just a home—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience! Originally constructed in the late 1800s to hold water for passing steam engines, this historic landmark was transformed into a fully functional residence in 1985, and now offers over 2800 sq ft with four bedrooms & four baths for a truly unforgettable lifestyle. From the moment you enter the base of the tower, step into a story that connects today to yesteryear.”

In addition to the four bedrooms, the home comes with a whimsical wooden design, a wrap-around deck, and an elevator from the ground up. And some have even called it “possibly the second-tallest single-family residence in the country.”

“It’s definitely an iconic property. It was just a water tower,” John Simcoe, listing agent for the property, told SFGate. “Now it has the best view on the coast for a residential property.”

Any takers?

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: