The ultimate floating home.....
After......
We're a young couple. I'm self-employed and it's impossible for us to get a mortgage for a home that isn't a tiny leaking box in the middle of a roundabout!
We didn't want to continue saying goodbye to a wad of hard earned cash every month to a landlord that didn't care that we had no hot water!
Our answer..... my mum (to gain a loan for us!), an old holey steel boat.... and a dream of designing our own home!
Here's the result:
Currently moored in East London on the Grand Union Canal, the narrowboat living space is a teeny 40 feet in length and 6 foot 2 width. Having first been constructed in the 1970’s, the boat has been lovingly stripped back to it’s original shell and restored from scratch.
With the layout being as open plan as possible to maximise light from the unusually large windows, and the rubber floor having been especially chosen for its heat storing properties and functional finish. Storage was also cleverly executed in the form of built-in units with each area within the boat having various uses which can be adjusted with the flick of a hinge or the slide of slats, to allow a more economic use of space. The L-shaped sofa with strong coloured stripes dominating it’s upholstery can simply slide-out into a double bed with upholstery folding to suit. Similarly, all worksurfaces on one side flip up or down depending on the space needed for dining or preparing. There are only 2 doors within the interior, these are both sliding. Within these doors a walk-in wardrobe has been created within the only section of the boat where windows do not prevail. Hanging space and drawers sit to either side of the space as you walk through to the bathroom which occupies the end section. The bathroom is fully tiled with bevelled edge brick tiles, for a vintage city feel. Moving back to the main area, the expansive windows are covered with ease by sliding fabric blinds and the somewhat large DVD and book collection sit efficiently within the streamline designed waist-height shelving. By maintaining a light, simple look throughout, with reflective and smooth textures, the overall feel of the space is much larger than it truly is. With the ability to move where we please and whenever we feel, this economical yet designer way of living sets the scene for many young couples looking for a relaxed and serene alternative to city commuting.
Before......
Hi Dominique! I LOVE your narrow boat conversion so much! The design and use of space is brilliant, I love your minimalism, and your attitude towards designing and living in your dream home. Being on water is great as well, for moving around. I have a 4 ton Transit van that I converted into a dream palace on wheels, so I really share your enthusiasm for your beautiful project. The satisfaction at the end, of having created your own home that you own, and can move as you please, is just magical!
ReplyDeleteI featured your narrow boat conversion on my blog, in a post about my 5 favourite tiny dwellings. You can have a peek here:
http://jesuisunemonstre.blogspot.fr/2012/05/five-fabulous-fings-on-friday-tiny.html
Keep up the great work, and enjoy your narrow boat!
Katie. xxx
well done Dominique ! You have followed your dream and gone through with it to the finish ! not many people do this and we both think you are brave to have completed the boat to a high standard ! You have kicked convention in the pants and showed others who are struggling to get thier own place how it can be done ! pity that most people dont think out of the box !
ReplyDeleteThats fantastic! Im not sure these kind of boats exist in Australia, but your boat is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAre there many types of floating houses in in London and are the rates pretty affordable compared to being in a stingy unit??