‘Spite house’ woman built to block ex-husband’s view lists for $1.2m

A pint-sized house that measures 139 centimetres at its narrowest point is for sale in the US. 

Known locally as the ‘Montlake Spite House’, it is said to have its roots in a bitter divorce feud.

The story goes that in 1925, a woman who had previously been living in the house next door with her ex-husband built the house “to block his view” of the garden. 

She had been awarded the tiny 287-square-metre land parcel as part of a divorce settlement, owner Emily Cangie told YouTuber Kirsten Dirksen. 

Another version of the legend claims the ‘Spite House’ was built by a man who wanted to get revenge on his neighbour, who had made an insulting low offer on the land.

Ironically, the tiny two-bedroom cottage is now worth a hefty $US799,000 ($1.23 million). 

From above, the wedge-shaped house resembles a slice of Camembert cheese. 

It ranges from 4.5 metres at its widest point to just 1.4 metres at its narrowest point – less than the width of a Fiat. 

You enter off the side of the house into a cosy living room with original sash windows.

On one side of the living room is a narrow galley kitchen, while on the other side is a sunny bedroom and ensuite. 

Downstairs, a separate self-contained apartment is accessible via its own entryway. There is just enough space for a couch, a bed, and a small bathroom.

The listing by Rob McGarty from Bushwick pitches the ‘Spite House’ as “the perfect condo alternative”. 

He suggests the downstairs unit could be used as a granny flat for visiting guests or as an Airbnb rental to earn some extra income. 

“‘Wedged’ into Seattle’s historic Montlake neighbourhood, the Spanish Revival style Montlake Spite House is 15 feet wide on one side and just 55 inches on the other. 

“Come celebrate the Montlake Spite House’s 100th birthday,” the listing says.