Historic Ellis Island ferry asks $1.25M

All you need is $1.25 million to acquire one of New York’s most historic (and buoyant) properties. A storied Ellis Island ferry that served in World Wars I and II, did a stint as a tour boat and is now the 11-bedroom home of artists Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs is currently for sale.

Built in 1907, the 150-foot boat was originally used to ferry people, cargo and lifestock, according to Curbed. In 1917, the U.S. Navy acquired the ship, and it saw action during World War I and World War II. In its day, the boat also ferried new immigrants to and from Ellis Island.

The Mackenzie-Childses — founders of the emponymous ceramics and hand-painted furniture company — picked up the boat in 2002, which was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

They “renovated [it] with their creative touch” into a 5,000 square foot houseboat with 11 bedrooms, according to the listing. A lower-level ballroom can accommodate 150. It is docked at the Henry Street Pier in Red Hook.

The brokers are Michael DeRosa of Michael DeRosa Exchange and Michael Franklin of Syracuse-based Franklin Ruttan. [Curbed] — E.B. Solomont