The patio and entrance to the Whale House.
Designed in 1978, the home draws inspiration from architect Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical, curved works.
The estate, containing a stone grotto and lap pool, has hardly a single straight line.
It can be rented on Airbnb for $1,561 per night, but the person booking must be born before 1984.
Tucked into the hills of Santa Barbara, a 45-year-old home dubbed the “Whale House” is on the market for $3.25 million.
The courtyard.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The structure is made of weathered grey shingles — similar to the color of a whale — that move in the breeze.
The home’s entrance.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
But it’s not only the color of a whale. The entire estate aims to recreate the creature’s form, explained listing agent Daniel Carpenter. “It truly runs the anatomy of the whale,” he told Insider.
The patio.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The front entrance mimics a whale’s head. There’s a “blowhole” spiral staircase, a “belly of the whale” interior courtyard, and a “tail” lap pool that flows out to the connected guest house.
The home’s entrance.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Oak trees grow over the 75-foot lap pool.
The lap pool.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The lap pool is split, with 40 feet outside and 35 feet flowing inside the guest house.
The lap pool.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The home consists of three bedrooms and three-and-half bathrooms.
The second floor living room.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The sloping, grooved aesthetic was inspired by the flair of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
The dining room.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
“There are no right angles in the house,” Carpenter told Insider.
The second-floor kitchen.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Architect Michael Carmichael designed the home in 1978 and was its first resident, Carpenter said.
The second-floor kitchen.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Whale-flecked touches can be seen throughout home, like the refrigerator in the kitchen.
The second-floor kitchen.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The three-story home is covered in river rocks and Venetian plaster.
The second-floor bathroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Carmichael also designed a sister house, dubbed the “Wave House,” located nearby.
The dining room.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
A private grotto, seen to the right, is located right off the primary suite bedroom, featuring a full spa.
The primary suite bedroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
A bright red wave of tiles cuts through the primary suite bathroom, with a private balcony off to the side.
The primary suite bathroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
If the seven-figure price tag is out of your budget, the home is available to rent on Airbnb for $1,561 per night — with one important catch.
A fourth-floor bedroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Because of the home’s artistic quality, the person making the booking must be at least 40 years old.
A bedroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The owners wanted to ensure people won’t be “packing in” guests to “throw massive parties,” Carpenter said.
A fourth-floor bathroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The interior courtyard includes a bamboo-lined outdoor shower.
The outdoor shower.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The lap pool provides easy swim-in access to the guest house.
The lap pool.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
The guest house includes a bedroom and living room.
The guest house living room.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Interested parties might need to move quickly, though.
The guest house bedroom.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
Carpenter told Insider that over 30 people have already toured the home and they’ve received multiple offers.
The guest house laundry room.
Courtesy of Scott Gibson for Sotheby’s International Realty
