Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 13 hours ago
The Last Ellis Island Ferry: A Secret 1907 Home Tour
What is the history of the Yankee Ferry? Built in 1907 as a luxury steamship in Philadelphia, the Yankee Ferry is the only surviving Ellis Island passenger ferry and has served as a troop transport in both World Wars. For the last 23 years, it served as the remarkably creative residence of the late Victoria MacKenzie-Childs and her husband Richard.
The Most Unique Home in NYC: Yankee Ferry Full Tour
In this special episode of New Jersey Outdoor Adventures, Patrick Botticelli takes you on an exclusive "nut and bolt" tour of this 150-foot historic landmark currently docked in Staten Island, NY. While many viewers follow this channel for RV life, camper van builds, and trailer tours, the Yankee Ferry represents the ultimate in alternative living.
Abandoning Land: Why This Artist Chose a 1907 Steamship
Explore multiple floors of eclectic design, from the "cargo area" living room to the steampunk engine room housing massive Navy-added diesel engines. You’ll see original MacKenzie-Childs pottery, ingenious pulley-based furniture, and the captain's quarters with panoramic harbor views. Whether you are interested in historic ship restoration, tiny home inspiration, or the legacy of a world-renowned artist, this tour offers a rare glimpse into a life lived on the water. This historic vessel is currently for sale; see the link below for listing details.
Chapter Selections
0:00 The Incredible 100-Year History of Yankee Ferry
1:40 Welcome to Staten Island: Exclusive Access
2:19 From Steamship to Navy Troop Transport
3:45 The MacKenzie-Childs Legacy on Board
6:41 Stepping Aboard: The National Register Entry
7:22 The Cargo Hold: A Living Room Like No Other
11:12 Ingenious Pulley Systems & Kinetic Furniture
14:18 The Artist's Studio & Workshop Tour
18:15 Cozy Guest Quarters & Bunk Bed Layouts
22:46 The Steampunk Control Room & Original Gauges
32:16 Main Living Quarters: The Heart of the Ship
39:14 The "Bright Red" Kitchen & Garden Window
46:00 Passenger Floor: Where Immigrants Once Sat
53:56 Massive Deck Tour & Harbor Views
59:07 The Captain’s Quarters & Panoramic Wheelhouse
1:03:09 The Holy Grail: Victoria's Private Design Space
1:09:31 Deep Dive: The Massive Diesel Engine Room
1:13:46 How to Buy This Piece of History
The Yankee Ferry proves that "home" isn't defined by a foundation, but by the layers of history and personal creativity we add to a space. The most valuable lesson from Victoria’s 23 years on board is her philosophy of "art-less" living—repurposing discarded items (from Hurricane Sandy finds to old pulleys) to create a functional, whimsical masterpiece that respects its industrial roots.
#YankeeFerry #AlternativeLiving #mackenziechilds #floatinghome
MacKenzie-Childs' Historic Floating Home for Sale: $1.25M
Purchase the Yankee Ferry: 703.220.4625 | gregorcollins@gmail.com
victoriaandrichardemprise.com/pages/historic-yankee-ferry-is-for-sale
@TheScientificChristian
Heather & Nils Chaplet: Heatherandnils@gmail.com
xoomba.com/our-story
Victoria Mackenzie-Childs YouTube Channel
@victoriamackenzie-childs7215
Thank you Gregor Collins, Heather Chaplet & Nils Chaplet for the opportunity to showcase this amazing floating home with such great history.
This channel explores the exciting world of vanlife, with your host Patrick Botticelli, showcasing custom camper van builds, 4x4 off-road adventures, and DIY conversion projects. Join Patrick for in-depth RV tours and inspiring travel stories!
New videos every Saturday at 10am eastern. Please subscribe for more awesome video tours. youtube.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures?sub_confirmation=1
New Jersey Outdoor Adventures With Patrick Botticelli Website
newjerseyoutdooradventures.com
Follow New Jersey Outdoor Adventures on Social
instagram.com/patrick_njoa
facebook.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures
NJOA Merchandise
youtube.com/channel/UCZ4P6JaFzImeSWPAr3gGGCQ/store
Thumbnail Art by
motivedezign.com
Music By Epidemic Sounds
share.epidemicsound.com/7r0ua5
All content owned and distributed by NJO Rental Adventures LLC.
The Last Ellis Island Ferry: A Secret 1907 Home Tour
What is the history of the Yankee Ferry? Built in 1907 as a luxury steamship in Philadelphia, the Yankee Ferry is the only surviving Ellis Island passenger ferry and has served as a troop transport in both World Wars. For the last 23 years, it served as the remarkably creative residence of the late Victoria MacKenzie-Childs and her husband Richard.
The Most Unique Home in NYC: Yankee Ferry Full Tour
In this special episode of New Jersey Outdoor Adventures, Patrick Botticelli takes you on an exclusive "nut and bolt" tour of this 150-foot historic landmark currently docked in Staten Island, NY. While many viewers follow this channel for RV life, camper van builds, and trailer tours, the Yankee Ferry represents the ultimate in alternative living.
Abandoning Land: Why This Artist Chose a 1907 Steamship
Explore multiple floors of eclectic design, from the "cargo area" living room to the steampunk engine room housing massive Navy-added diesel engines. You’ll see original MacKenzie-Childs pottery, ingenious pulley-based furniture, and the captain's quarters with panoramic harbor views. Whether you are interested in historic ship restoration, tiny home inspiration, or the legacy of a world-renowned artist, this tour offers a rare glimpse into a life lived on the water. This historic vessel is currently for sale; see the link below for listing details.
Chapter Selections
0:00 The Incredible 100-Year History of Yankee Ferry
1:40 Welcome to Staten Island: Exclusive Access
2:19 From Steamship to Navy Troop Transport
3:45 The MacKenzie-Childs Legacy on Board
6:41 Stepping Aboard: The National Register Entry
7:22 The Cargo Hold: A Living Room Like No Other
11:12 Ingenious Pulley Systems & Kinetic Furniture
14:18 The Artist's Studio & Workshop Tour
18:15 Cozy Guest Quarters & Bunk Bed Layouts
22:46 The Steampunk Control Room & Original Gauges
32:16 Main Living Quarters: The Heart of the Ship
39:14 The "Bright Red" Kitchen & Garden Window
46:00 Passenger Floor: Where Immigrants Once Sat
53:56 Massive Deck Tour & Harbor Views
59:07 The Captain’s Quarters & Panoramic Wheelhouse
1:03:09 The Holy Grail: Victoria's Private Design Space
1:09:31 Deep Dive: The Massive Diesel Engine Room
1:13:46 How to Buy This Piece of History
The Yankee Ferry proves that "home" isn't defined by a foundation, but by the layers of history and personal creativity we add to a space. The most valuable lesson from Victoria’s 23 years on board is her philosophy of "art-less" living—repurposing discarded items (from Hurricane Sandy finds to old pulleys) to create a functional, whimsical masterpiece that respects its industrial roots.
#YankeeFerry #AlternativeLiving #mackenziechilds #floatinghome
MacKenzie-Childs' Historic Floating Home for Sale: $1.25M
Purchase the Yankee Ferry: 703.220.4625 | gregorcollins@gmail.com
victoriaandrichardemprise.com/pages/historic-yankee-ferry-is-for-sale
@TheScientificChristian
Heather & Nils Chaplet: Heatherandnils@gmail.com
xoomba.com/our-story
Victoria Mackenzie-Childs YouTube Channel
@victoriamackenzie-childs7215
Thank you Gregor Collins, Heather Chaplet & Nils Chaplet for the opportunity to showcase this amazing floating home with such great history.
This channel explores the exciting world of vanlife, with your host Patrick Botticelli, showcasing custom camper van builds, 4x4 off-road adventures, and DIY conversion projects. Join Patrick for in-depth RV tours and inspiring travel stories!
New videos every Saturday at 10am eastern. Please subscribe for more awesome video tours. youtube.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures?sub_confirmation=1
New Jersey Outdoor Adventures With Patrick Botticelli Website
newjerseyoutdooradventures.com
Follow New Jersey Outdoor Adventures on Social
instagram.com/patrick_njoa
facebook.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures
NJOA Merchandise
youtube.com/channel/UCZ4P6JaFzImeSWPAr3gGGCQ/store
Thumbnail Art by
motivedezign.com
Music By Epidemic Sounds
share.epidemicsound.com/7r0ua5
All content owned and distributed by NJO Rental Adventures LLC.
