Earlier this year, one of the iconic Encinitas “boat houses” was available for a rare public tour and we were there. The Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association took advantage of a recent vacancy, and allowed the curious a look through the port-holes of the recently renovated SS Moonlight. More than 1,000 visitors strolled her decks, led by DEMA volunteers.
Any local can point you in the direction of the sister ‘boats’, the Moonlight and the Encinitas. These two whimsical houses were built by Miles Kellogg in the late 1920’s. Miles used timber salvaged from the 1888 Moonlight Beach Dance Pavilion, after the popular nightspot closed during Prohibition. How’s that for an early example of ‘going green’ and recycling? Over the years, they have been rented out to the adventurous, and are a well known (but unofficial) landmark in downtown Encinitas.
“A cabin on the SS Moonlight is not for sissies…”
The SS Moonlight was available for rent the day we toured her. For around $2000 per month, she would be yours to cruise on for a year or two. Rolling floors, slanted decks, open port holes with plastic cloud painted window “shades” and curved walls all bid you welcome on the lower deck. The Galley was a tilting affair with a whimsical ‘hatch’ to above decks and a slanted pantry. On the upper deck, the Master Cabin is complete with a covered patio on the bow. Not a straight wall in sight!
“She looks like a boat & feels like a boat, so if your prone to seasickness…”
Included in last years $1.55 million purchase of the ‘boats’ by the Encinitas Preservation Association, was the income producing 4 unit apartment building located at the rear of the property. The purchase was a year long process entailing the partnering of the Downtown Encinitas Main Street Association (DEMA) and the Encinitas Historical Society, as well as a number of dedicated community members.
When sufficient funds have been raised from rentals & donations to perform a full restoration of the buildings, the plan is for the boat houses to evolve into a museum. Until then, the fund raising efforts continue. The recent tour raised around $6,000, but more is needed. Patrons can buy a historic brick, keepsake or simply make a donation. To help preserve these important pieces of Americana…
Click here → Encinitas Preservation Association & make your donation today!
Current photos ©SanDiegoSunCoast.com. Historic photo courtesy of the Encinitas Preservation Association & Richie Strell
