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California's Spinning 'Round House' Listed for $3.3M

architecture-design · 2026-08-26

The iconic 'Round House' in California has been listed for sale for the first time since it was built in 1963. Situated in Novato, Marin County, this unique property is part of a $3.3 million package that includes the 'Potato Chip House' and five other tenant-occupied buildings. According to the Marcus & Millichap listing, the 2.25-acre location off Highway 101 can be either preserved or subdivided. The house, designed by Sam Harkleroad—who lacked formal architectural training—features a washing machine motor that allows the 1,562-square-foot structure to rotate 320 degrees every 20 minutes. A current tenant mentioned to Fox Local that this rotation offers changing views, enabling one to experience both sunrise and sunset in a single day.

Key facts

  • The Round House is a spinning home in Novato, California.
  • It was built in 1963 by Sam Harkleroad, who had no formal architectural training.
  • The house rotates 320 degrees using a washing machine motor and old railroad track.
  • The property is listed for $3.3 million and includes the Potato Chip House and five other structures.
  • The 2.25-acre site can be preserved or subdivided.
  • The current tenant describes the experience of turning the house to follow the sun.
  • The Potato Chip House was built with recycled materials and has an arena-like shape.
  • The listing is handled by Marcus & Millichap.

Entities

Artists

  • Sam Harkleroad

Institutions

  • Marcus & Millichap
  • Galerie Magazine
  • SFGate.com
  • Fox Local

Locations

  • California
  • Novato
  • Marin County
  • Highway 101

Sources