Skinny House
Discover the Skinny House, one of America's narrowest homes, a unique architectural marvel in Long Beach, CA.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Skinny House
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Skinny House, one of America's narrowest homes, a unique architectural marvel in Long Beach, CA.
"It's kind of mind blowing how skinny it is. I REALLY wish I could go inside!"
📸 Snap from the Street
Admire and photograph the Skinny House from the sidewalk. It's a private residence, so respect the occupants' privacy.
📍 Location, Location, Location
Easily spotted as the second house on the right after making a specific turn.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Skinny House Exterior
Long Beach, California
Marvel at the incredibly narrow facade of this architectural oddity, a true testament to creative space utilization.
A Piece of Local History
Long Beach, California
Discover the intriguing story behind its construction, a tale of ingenuity and perhaps a touch of neighborly rivalry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Unique Architectural Marvel
Respecting Private Residences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap from the Street
Admire and photograph the Skinny House from the sidewalk. It's a private residence, so respect the occupants' privacy.
📍 Location, Location, Location
Easily spotted as the second house on the right after making a specific turn.
📏 Truly Skinny!
It's only about 10 feet wide, making it one of the skinniest houses in America.
🏠 Unique Architecture
A fascinating example of how homes can be built on very narrow lots.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap from the Street
Admire and photograph the Skinny House from the sidewalk. It's a private residence, so respect the occupants' privacy.
📍 Location, Location, Location
Easily spotted as the second house on the right after making a specific turn.
📏 Truly Skinny!
It's only about 10 feet wide, making it one of the skinniest houses in America.
🏠 Unique Architecture
A fascinating example of how homes can be built on very narrow lots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the extreme narrowness of the Skinny House, calling it 'mind-blowing' and 'amazing.' While many wish they could see the interior, they understand and respect that it's a private residence. Some locals humorously note it's not as skinny as they might expect, adding a touch of local perspective.
"It's kind of mind blowing how skinny it is. I REALLY wish I could go inside! Im dying to know the layout!"
The Angela Marie
"I got to see it while my driver was driving by. It was so freaking amazing! I prefer not to disturb the people who live there. It's a unique home to see."
Krystalle Melencio
"Visited from August 7th to August 14th loved the living room .kitchen 2 floor Elvis bedroom bathroom Bedroom and 3rd floor patio 😍 & game room"
Carisa Acosta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Skinny House is located in Long Beach, California. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common way to access it. Many visitors report seeing it from their car or ride-share.
The Skinny House is situated a couple of miles from downtown Long Beach, making it relatively accessible within the city.
Street parking is generally available in the residential area where the Skinny House is located, but it can be competitive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Skinny House is a private residence and is not open to the public for tours. Visitors can only admire its exterior.
There is no admission fee as it is a private home. You can view it from the street free of charge.
As it's a private residence, there are no official visiting hours. It's best to view it during daylight hours to appreciate its unique structure.
📸 📸 Photography
The best way to photograph the Skinny House is from the street, ensuring you capture its full narrow profile. Be mindful of private property and avoid trespassing.
Directly in front of the house, from a slight distance, usually provides the most dramatic perspective of its extreme narrowness.
Drone usage over private residences is generally restricted and may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to avoid flying drones near the Skinny House.
🎫 🏠 Onsite Experience
The Skinny House in Long Beach is a 3-story building with only 860 square feet. Its construction is attributed to a construction firm employee in 1931, though the exact motivations are debated. +1
The Skinny House is approximately 10 feet wide, making it one of the skinniest houses in America.
While the interior isn't accessible, it's known to be a 3-story structure with living spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms, all within its compact footprint.
No, there are other 'skinny' or 'thin' houses in various cities like London and Boston, often built on narrow lots or as 'spite houses.' 
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The Allure of the Skinny House
While the exact historical context for its construction isn't definitively known, theories suggest it might have been built to maximize the use of a narrow lot or perhaps even as a 'spite house' to annoy neighbors, a common motivation for such unusual constructions. Regardless of its origin, the Skinny House stands as a quirky and memorable landmark, drawing visitors eager to witness its extreme narrowness firsthand.
Many visitors express a strong curiosity about the interior layout, wishing they could explore the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and game room that fit within its slender walls. However, it's crucial to remember that the Skinny House is a private residence, and its occupants deserve their privacy. The best way to appreciate this architectural marvel is from the street, snapping photos and marveling at its unique design.
Skinny Houses Around the World
+1Boston also boasts a 'Skinny House,' a historic property dating back to around 1890, which is a prime example of a 'spite house' – built to irritate neighbors. These houses, like the one in Long Beach, often have intriguing backstories involving property disputes or the desire to utilize awkward plots of land.
+1These narrow dwellings highlight different approaches to urban planning and architecture, often born out of necessity or a desire to make a statement. They serve as fascinating visual reminders of how space can be creatively manipulated, offering a unique perspective on residential design and local history.
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