Credit Courtesy of Nola Hitchcock Cross
Located at 3138 N Cambridge, this house is a sight to see!
You’ve probably never seen a “house boat” quite like this — and no, it doesn’t float! Unless you’ve mastered walking on water, this one-of-a-kind home lets land lovers enjoy lush grass, gardens, and easy access to Cambridge Woods trails. It’s truly a dry-docked paradise!
Originally built in 1926 as a whimsical tourist attraction, this boat-shaped house has never set sail — but it holds some of Milwaukee’s most colorful stories. Inside, you’ll find charming details like oak trim and hardwood floors, a fresh galley-style kitchen, and a cozy bedroom and bathroom tucked up in the bow. Below deck, the finished lower level offers a rec room, second bathroom, and even nautical porthole lights.
Other standout features? Sea chart wallpaper, a mini lighthouse, and vintage smoking lamps that nod to its maritime spirit. Ready to become captain of this legendary home? Step aboard and sail into the next chapter of its storied past.
Anchored in History: Milwaukee’s Iconic Boat House
Nestled on the east side of Milwaukee, the Boat House at 3138 N. Cambridge Ave. stands as a testament to architectural whimsy and personal passion. Constructed in 1922 by Edmund B. Gustorf, a traveling salesman with a deep affection for nautical life, this unique residence was designed to resemble a 1910 gasoline motor launch. Gustorf, whose father served in Finland’s Merchant Marine, infused his maritime dreams into the very structure of the home, earning it the affectionate nickname “Landlubber.”
The Boat House is a striking sight, measuring 72 feet in length and 18 feet at its widest point. Its exterior boasts porthole windows, life preservers, and even a wooden lighthouse on the front lawn, all contributing to its ship-like appearance. Inside, the nautical theme continues with features like a ship’s wheel, mahogany paneling, and oak flooring that evoke the feeling of being aboard a vintage yacht. The layout includes a pilothouse-style living room, a dining area that opens onto a sunny deck, and a cozy bedroom nestled in the bow, illuminated by porthole windows.
Over the years, the Boat House has changed hands, each owner contributing to its preservation. In 1985, Dr. William E. Kortsch purchased the property to prevent its demolition, undertaking significant restoration efforts to maintain its unique character. More recently, local attorney Nola Hitchcock Cross and her husband Steven Tilton acquired the home, continuing the tradition of stewardship. Recognizing its cultural significance, they have opened the Boat House to the public as an Airbnb rental, allowing guests to immerse themselves in its maritime charm.
The Boat House remains a beloved Milwaukee landmark, celebrated for its distinctive design and the imaginative spirit it embodies. It serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and the individuals who dare to bring their unique visions to life.
