1 bedroom houseboat for sale

The Spirit of Loch Ness – Exceptional Dutch Barge Project with Huge Potential

Premier Houseboats are delighted to present The Spirit of Loch Ness, a beautiful and historic Dutch barge offering a rare opportunity to create a bespoke floating home or cruising vessel.
This impressive barge has been completely stripped and prepared for conversion, providing a blank canvas for a spacious and stylish home afloat.

Condition and Recent Work
The Spirit of Loch Ness was dry-docked in 2017, where she was blasted back to bare metal, had a new bottom professionally fitted, and was painted inside and out.
A new wheelhouse was also installed at this time, providing an elevated space with panoramic views – perfect for navigation or use as a relaxing day lounge.
Structurally sound and well maintained, the vessel is now ready for a full interior fit-out, allowing the next owner to design the living spaces to their own taste and requirements.

Conversion Potential
The interior offers exceptional volume and headroom throughout, with ample space to create:
Three generous double bedrooms
A family bathroom and an ensuite
A spacious kitchen and open-plan lounge
Alternatively, the layout can be adapted to suit a liveaboard family, rental accommodation, or boutique cruising vessel.

Existing Accommodation
While the main interior awaits conversion, the aft crew quarters are already fitted out and fully usable, featuring:
A built-in double berth
Seating area
Compact galley
Toilet cubicle (easily adaptable into a wet room)
These quarters are ideal for use during the conversion process or could later serve as a self-contained guest suite or studio flat.

Mechanical and Structural Details
Powered by a Daimler Benz M204B 120hp diesel engine, The Spirit of Loch Ness last cruised under her own power to the River Medway in 2017.
While the engine will require servicing before use, it remains in situ and complete.
Her classic Dutch barge hull—built in 1930 and refitted in 2017—is flat-bottomed steel, designed for both stability and interior space.
A flat roof conversion could easily be added to create an extensive upper deck or sun terrace with panoramic views, without compromising internal headroom.

History & Opportunity
With a fascinating past as a working barge, residential houseboat, and even a floating hotel on Loch Ness, this vessel offers a blend of heritage, quality, and limitless potential.
It’s rare to find a barge of this size and condition, already structurally renewed, and ready for a complete interior transformation.
The Spirit of Loch Ness presents an exceptional chance to design and build your own floating home on a strong, fully prepared platform.

Location
Moored in a desirable and well-connected location with excellent road and rail links, this vessel combines tranquillity with accessibility.

Specifications
Condition: Good
Constructed: 1930
Refitted: 2017
Vessel Type: Dutch Barge
Engine: Daimler Benz M204B – 120hp (not recently run)
Length Overall: 106’ 6”
Beam: 17’ 2”
Maximum Draft: 4’
Hull Material: Steel
Hull Type: Flat
Berths (existing): 2
Cabins: 1
Heads: 1

Summary
The Spirit of Loch Ness is an extraordinary opportunity to create a custom-designed floating home within the classic lines of a Dutch barge.
With her renewed structure, ample interior space, and strong mechanical foundations, she is perfectly positioned to become a luxurious residence or cruising vessel in a sought-after mooring location.

Disclaimer
Premier Houseboats offers the details of this advert in good faith as presented by the seller or their representative but cannot guarantee accuracy or condition. Buyers should instruct their own agents or surveyors to verify particulars. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.