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Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million
Jun 27, 2023
Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million Houston
By   Tiffani Sherman
  • City News
  • Rotary homes
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Abstract: Can't decide which room in this La Mesa, California house has the best view? Just wait. It's about to change.

"It rotates 360 degrees - both counterclockwise and clockwise - and the plumbing and electrical all rotate together," explains Melvina Selfani, listing agent for Top 1% of 21st Century Real Estate.

 

The architectural marvel is known as the "Rotating House" and sits high on Spiral Hill. It is priced at $5.3 million and is being rotated for the first time on the market.

 

"I think it's incredible," Selfani said." It's a genius. Everything about it is my favorite."

 Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million

The second floor is about 5,100 square feet, including about 1,400 square feet of deck space that can also be rotated.

 

The ground floor has a garage (with 180-degree rotating display space, of course) and a guest suite. There are also 1,200 square feet of fixed, non-rotating decks on more than half an acre of land.

 

Inside, there are four bedrooms and three bathrooms, all with a bit of a vintage feel.

 Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million

"The walls are light pink," Selfani says." It's a little modern, but with a 1980s vibe."

 

At its fastest setting, the home can be fully rotated in 33 minutes or take up to 24 hours at its slowest speed, powered by simple controls in the closet. The place can also remain stationary.

 

"With one switch, you can control everything," Safrani said.

 

A 1.5-hp motor moves 16-inch drive wheels on a track that rotates the house.

 Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million

Selfani contends that you don't really feel the movement.

 

"You see the landscape and the trees, and five minutes later you look out and say, 'Oh, I see a different view,'" she says.


Owners Al and Janet Johnstone completed the home in 2004, doing most of the work themselves. The couple is selling the one-of-a-kind residence because they are moving out of the area.

 

"The reason they rotate their residences is that they want to have a view from every room," Selfani explains.

 Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million

Needless to say, this innovative design has gotten a lot of attention over the years. HGTV featured the house in an episode of "Strange Homes."

 

The house is resistant to fire and earthquakes, has 43 solar panels, an elevator, and smart home technology throughout.

 

The Johnstons have been living in the house full-time, but Selpherne said that may not be the case with the next owners.

 

"I think this will be a second home for someone who wants a cool house," she predicts." It won't be someone who really needs a home. It's going to be someone who wants a luxurious, unique house. Whoever buys it will buy it for its uniqueness.

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Famous California Spin House Hits the Market for $5.3 Million
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