The Thomas Jefferson has been proudly floating in Santa Barbara Harbour since 1971. This one-of-a-kind floating beauty is listed for $4.9 million.

The yacht is permanent and it's been a very delicate process to get her to where she is today," said Bryony Atkinson, who is one of three listing brokers along with Patti Ruben and Alan Melkonyan. We heard from people that even though we had some incredibly good photos, it was even more beautiful in person."

The current owners bought it a few years ago and completely updated the 1,290-square-foot space.

They tore it down to the studs and rebuilt it off-site," Atkinson said. Then they shipped it back and reinstalled it on a floating foundation," Atkinson said.

The remodelled home boasts two bedrooms, a bathroom and excellent craftsmanship.

"A lot of homes don't have this kind of storage and the storage is not placed in the best way. ...... This is amazing," Reuben said.

The residence has all the mechanical equipment of a land-based home, as well as a wastewater tank that needs to be pumped. Residents could park their cars on the dock and walk home along it.

When I saw it, my first thought was surprise," recalls Melkonian. As soon as I stepped into the house, I was reminded of a high school teacher's saying twice measured, once cut. That mantra runs through the entire house. You can see it in every line of the house. It's extraordinary craftsmanship."

As for the name? The name was born with the house.

Reuben says the homeowners "considered changing the name many times and had many interesting ideas, but wanted to honour the original name."

The layout of the house has a roof terrace with seating overlooking the sea, mountains and nearby yachts.

Reuben says the home has attracted a lot of attention from potential buyers. She noted that there are both potential full-time residents and holidaymakers.

Melkonian said, "I think what all these buyers have in common is that they don't live in the past. They don't live in the future. They live in the present - and that's what a buyer is, someone who lives in the moment at all times, because when you're in the moment, all you can feel is the moment."

Patti Ruben and Alan Melkonian are with Sotheby's International Realty.Bryony Atkinson is with Maisonre.