Happily Hutcheson

The Historic Yankee Ferry: A Floating

Imagine a place where history and imagination meet — where steel and steam once carried newly arrived immigrants, then later became the canvas for whimsical artistry. That place exists, and it’s now on the market. The Historic Yankee Ferry, a century-old vessel rich with stories and character, is for sale for $1.25 million, and it’s not your typical real estate listing. V&R Emprise

A Century of Stories on the Water

Built in 1907 in Philadelphia, the Yankee Ferry began life as a hardworking ferryboat, connecting people to islands and ports along the Eastern seaboard. Over the decades it wore many hats — from carrying troopers and supplies during World War I and II, to serving as an immigration ferry to Ellis Island, and later as a tour boat in New York Harbor. Today, it stands as the last remaining Ellis Island ferry still afloat, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993. V&R Emprise+1

This floating relic stretches about 150 feet long, with four levels, seven bedrooms, and nearly 10,000 square feet — a truly sprawling space by any measure. V&R Emprise

A Home Full of Artistic Flair

For nearly 25 years, the Yankee has had a second life as a home and studio for renowned artists Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs. Known for founding the beloved design brand MacKenzie-Childs, the couple has adorned the ferry’s interior with their signature imaginative and whimsical aesthetic, creating a living space that feels more like an immersive work of art than a houseboat. V&R Emprise+1

Tucked into its Staten Island berth, the Yankee is a blend of rich history and creative vision — a place where original architectural remnants meet playful colors, patterns, and textures that reflect the couple’s decades of artistry. Gothamist

A Unique Opportunity for New Stories

The current stewards of this historic vessel are ready to pass the torch. On their site, the couple highlights that the ferry’s potential goes far beyond serving as a quirky residence. Future caretakers might reimagine it as:

• A private event space
• A tourist attraction or museum
• A boutique hotel or boatel
• A restaurant, café, or speakeasy
• A quirky creative studio or gallery

…or maybe something even more unexpected and personal. The possibilities, as suggested on the listing, are as vast as the ferry’s four decks. V&R Emprise

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a houseboat for sale. It’s a rare chance to own a piece of American maritime history. Few vessels carry the layered legacy of Yankee — from serving waves of human migration to inspiring beauty and creativity on its decks. Power & Motoryacht

Whether you’re a lover of history, art, architecture, or just bold living spaces, the Historic Yankee Ferry stands as an invitation to imagine a life — and perhaps a business — all its own on the water.