The Montlake Spite House: Seattle’s Iconic Wedge-Shaped Home Born from a Century-Old Feud

The backyard of the 3,090 square-foot lot was allegedly awarded to a scorned wife in 1925. Courtesy of Rob McGarty at Bushwick Real Estate Services

Seattle is full of charming and historic homes, but few are as unique — or as dramatic — as the city’s famed “Spite House.” Recently sold for $745,000, this quirky, wedge-shaped residence in the Montlake neighborhood has captured national attention, not just for its architecture but for the juicy story behind it.

A Slice of Revenge

Built in 1925, the home is widely believed to be the result of a bitter divorce. According to former owner Emily Cangie, who gave a tour of the property in 2023 to YouTuber Kirsten Dirksen, the legend goes like this: rather than sell their marital home and split the proceeds, the divorcing couple divided the lot itself.

The wife — allegedly out for revenge — was awarded a narrow, 3,090-square-foot slice of the front yard, while her ex-husband kept the original house. So, in a bold move, she decided to build a new home right in front of his… intentionally blocking his view.

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The story goes that she decided to build a house to block his view in the front yard

The widest side of the "Spite House" spans 15 feet—courtesy of Rob McGarty at Bushwick Real Estate Services.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

From the street, the blue stucco home appears to be a quaint Spanish Revival-style cottage. But take a walk around it, and you’ll quickly realize something’s different. One side of the house measures 15 feet wide. The other? Just 55 inches — less than 5 feet! It’s a real-life architectural optical illusion.

Despite its narrow footprint, the home offers an impressive 860 square feet of living space, spread evenly over two levels. Inside, it includes:

• 2 bedrooms

• 2 bathrooms

• A full kitchen

• Living room and family room

• Full-sized appliances (yes, even a dishwasher and washer/dryer!)
  

  

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Cangie noted that while the bathrooms were reminiscent of New York closets, she lived comfortably in the home. Listing agent Rob McGarty of Bushwick Real Estate even showed off the kitchen in a tour for Tiny House Giant Journey, proudly comparing it to some of the best found in Manhattan’s East Village.

The narrow kitchen boasts full-sized appliances, courtesy of Rob McGarty at Bushwick Real Estate Services.

Small Space, Big Potential

The lower level of the home features a separate entrance, making it perfect as a guest suite, Airbnb, or accessory dwelling unit — a valuable option in a high-demand neighborhood like Montlake.

Speaking of which, Montlake homes had a median sales price of over $1.5 million in May 2025, according to Redfin. So while the “Spite House” may be small, the $745,000 sale price was a relatively affordable way for someone to grab a unique slice of this prestigious neighborhood — and of Seattle history.

The bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Courtesy of Rob McGarty at Bushwick Real Estate Services

The living room of the 100-year-old home. Courtesy of Rob McGarty at Bushwick Real Estate Services

The bedroom on the lower level is accessed through a private entrance. Courtesy of Rob McGarty at Bu

Seattle's "Spite House" interior with open garage door showing a driveway and neighboring buildings.