The Skinniest House in America

The Skinniest House in the U.S., located at 708 Gladys Avenue in Long Beach, CA, stands as a unique testament to creativity and resourcefulness. With just 860 square feet spread across three stories, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom home has earned recognition from both the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Built in 1932 by Newton P. Rummonds on a lot measuring just 10 feet by 50 feet, the yellow stucco house came into being after Rummonds received the land as repayment for a $100 loan. Taking on a bet that no one could build a habitable home on such a small plot, he proved his skeptics wrong.

In 1959, the house was straightened after it was found to have leaned four inches to the north. Today, the Skinny House is a registered Long Beach landmark (since 1983) and continues to attract curious visitors.

Between 1977 and 1981, public interest lawyer William John Cox operated his law practice from the Skinny House, where he worked on the notable Holocaust denial case. The house has also made its way into popular culture, including a feature on The Early Show.