Vintage Rotating House from 1963 Hits Market for $3.3 Million

The rotating house, conceived and built by builder Sam Harkleroad in 1963, remains a striking example of mid-century mechanical design. The structure was engineered to rotate 320 degrees using two repurposed washing-machine motors, allowing occupants to adjust their orientation to natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The engineering feat showcases Harkleroad's creative approach to residential construction during an era when such experimentation was relatively uncommon.

The property comprises seven homes situated along the busy Highway 101 corridor in Marin County. All units are currently leased, generating steady income for the current owner. The entire portfolio is being offered for $3.3 million, representing a significant real estate investment rooted in architectural history.

Harkleroad's influence extends across Marin County, where his distinctive designs have left a lasting imprint on the region's built environment. However, the current property owner—Harkleroad's grandson—has opted to list the asset, citing the considerable maintenance complexities associated with the rotating mechanism and older structures as a primary factor in the decision to sell.

The listing offers potential buyers an opportunity to acquire a unique piece of California's architectural heritage, though future owners would likely face decisions about preserving or adapting the innovative 1963 engineering that remains the property's defining feature.