The Historic Sunset Beach Water Tower
Located in Seal Beach, California
Testimonials
"Amazing experience. The water tower is one of a kind - we hosted a very unique celebration of life for my dad here. The venue - photos speak for themselves but you really have to see in person to appreciate. Mary made the night exceptional, helping us coordinate details and making sure we had everything our 30 person group needed. I’d rebook this again in a heartbeat."- Marilyn M.
"This place has been somewhere i’ve always wanted to visit and it’s an absolute dream!! Mary and Gregg are fantastic hosts and super helpful. They recommended a great chef and bartender for my party and it exceeded my expectations!"- Shelby H.
I'm not a seasoned Peerspace or VRBO reviewer, but I had an experience so special at the Water Tower House that I felt compelled to share. I booked this unique venue for the CSULB Class of 2023 MBA Grad celebration. Many of us have admired this iconic tower from afar for years, and finally stepping inside was nothing short of magical. Mary+Gregg, the phenomenal hosts, accommodated our last-minute request and even shared the fascinating history of the tower.- Ric D.
"Such a unique experience, rich in history and views you will never see in any other home! A few steps from the beach and restaurants in the area. Highly recommend!"- Leigh Ann M.
"Such a unique experience, rich in history and views you will never see in any other home! A few steps from the beach and restaurants in the area. Highly recommend!"- Leigh Ann M.
"I drive past it every morning before walking on the beach and it still amazes me on a daily basis how beautiful it is!" Sharon H.
"Nice views, fun atmosphere in such a historical place. Go if you ever get a chance!"- Larry D.
The History of the Sunset Beach Water Tower
Circa 1892, commercial train service between Santa Barbara and San Diego was offered via tracks along the coast. Steam engines required frequent stops for water to run. Water Towers popped up all along the coastal route. There were actually 2 near each other--one in Huntington Beach, the other in Sunset Beach.
The Sunset Beach tower worked valiantly until 1942 when age, termites, and poor craftsmanship threatened to destroy it. Diesel engines were far from common use, so the Southern Pacific chose to rebuild the Tower, this time using termite-resistant redwood and stronger building methods. Since WW2 was in full swing, much of the metal was repurposed from the original 1892 Tower. Some of this metal is now holding the top level aquarium today-over 130 years later.
About the Property
This Iconic 4 Story, 87-foot Water Tower House now offers an unforgettable vacation rental experience with easy access to great shopping, dining, and local beaches. Take the elevator up to the main level which features large panoramic windows that open outward. There is also a wraparound deck with unobstructed 360-degree views of beaches, the ocean, and mountains. Vacation at the second tallest residential home in the United States and make lasting memories at this one-of-a-kind historic home!
Originally built in 1892 to provide water to power the Pacific Railway steam engines, this famous structure was converted in the mid-1980s from a Water Tower into a Water Tower House! Featuring 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a secret bookshelf that opens to a hiding spot, a sunset deck with a hot tub, a full kitchen, a Family room and dining area, a wrap-around deck, an interior elevator, beautiful spiral wooden staircases, window surrounded Top of the Tower Rotunda ballroom with bar and 4 TVs and 360-degree vistas of SoCal.
Photo Gallery
