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......
