The process of buying a house can sometimes come with complications, which could explain why a growing number of people are abandoning ship when it comes to owning or renting a property. They are casting off in search of a less complicated, cheaper way of life – buying a houseboat.
The Residential Boat Owners’ Association estimates that there are more than 15,000 “liveaboards”, as they are known, on Britain’s canals and marinas.
Since the recession this number has risen, with people finding the idea of living on a boat not just romantic, but à la mode.
The “liveaboard” way of life means seeing the country from a different viewpoint; experiencing life at a gentle pace either moored or trundling along the water, enjoying nature, the waterside community and pubs.
OnTheMarket.com looks at five properties offering this opportunity.
1. Oyster Pier (£1,500,000 Bective Leslie Marsh, Chelsea)
Luxury location: Oyster Pier is a stone’s throw away from Kensington and Chelsea
An artist’s impression: New owners will be able to create their own personalised space
Making a splash is our first houseboat in a beautiful location with great potential. Buyers have the opportunity to purchase one of 10 vessels to be kept at London’s Oyster Pier, just a short distance from Kensington and Chelsea. The barges are comparable to a roomy loft, with residents having a blank canvas to make the space their own.
The barges are hand selected in France and Holland and are known for their high quality build. Typically, the hull and super-structure are built of superior heavy steel. In addition to the more than adequate inside space, the barge will also have a large deck to enjoy views of the river and city beyond. The boats will take 7 to 10 months from order to completion.
2. Barge Jason, Bursledon (£350,000 River Sales & Lettings, Hamble)
Spacious: The houseboat extends over 90ft
Stylish: The houseboat has undergone a major renovation
All aboard the second property for a tour of Jason, a former Thames Lighter which has been a houseboat for 30 years. The upper deck boasts a fully fitted galley featuring a breakfast bar, five burner gas hob and fully integrated appliances including an electric oven and grill and fully functioning wood/coal burning oven.
The dining and living area fits an eight-person table with ample space beyond for the two large sofas and armchair. French doors open out on to the side decks, allowing Jason’s inhabitants unbroken views of the river. The lower deck holds the accommodation consisting of the master bedroom, which has a king size bed, built-in wardrobes and an en-suite. There are a further three bedrooms, two of them doubles. The sun deck spreads across the whole width of the boat, creating a beautiful outdoor area to enjoy during the warmer months.
3. Chichester Marina, West Sussex (£112,500 Baileys, Chichester)
Award-winning marina: Chichester Harbour is a recipient of the Yacht Harbour Association’s Five Gold Anchors Award
Garden access: The boat can be reached through its own garden
The third property is moored in Chichester Marina, which is well known for its natural beauty and idyllic location. There’s a lot to be discovered along The Salterns Way, with the historic city of Chichester at the end of the canal path.
The houseboat is approached via a floating pedestrian pontoon and a garden area. The garden is well maintained and features a raised decking area, extra storage and separate summerhouse. Inside comprises a living/dining room, open plan kitchen and bedroom. The whole property is finished to a high standard and has beautiful waterside views over the canal and beyond to the marina and garden.
4. Catherine Wheel Road, Brentford (£29,500 Quilliam, Brentford)
Prime location: Situated where the River Thames and the Grand Union Canal meet
Original: The interior of the narrowboat has a fitted galley
Nestled in a private residential mooring just off the Grand Union Canal, Applejack II is a 30 ft steel narrowboat, dating back to the 1970s. The marina boasts excellent liveaboard facilities including washing and laundry and has a convenient location for Brentford High Street and local transport links.
The boat itself has a cosy interior with a lounge area, fitted kitchen, tiled shower room and good sized double bedroom. Further benefits include a new solid fuel burning stove and a working engine, which allows owners to explore the canals of the UK in the comfort of their own home.
5. Taggs Island, Hampton (£1,750 pcm (£404 pw) Water Side Residential, Thames Ditton)
Tranquil: The houseboat sits in a tranquil location
Modern: The whole houseboat has been furnished to a high standard
Last to drop anchor is a boat that offers a well presented interior and occupies a sought after mooring on Taggs Island – a great location close to London’s Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace. There is also a railway station nearby, allowing easy access to the centre of London. The accommodation includes two double bedrooms, with one featuring an en-suite. The fitted kitchen is fully integrated and the living room is spacious and comfy with unrivalled views of the River Thames.
See www.onthemarket.com/newandexclusive. Agents specify exclusivity and are committed to accuracy under terms of use.
