8 Houseboats Floating Onto the Scene
We all dream about sailing away sometimes. Here are some inspiring images to accompany you as you drift off...
At a time when transportable housing alternatives such as tiny houses and yurts are all the rage, the moor-able and moveable houseboat offers a different kind of freedom – that of the open ocean – and for a fraction of the cost of a stationary coastal property. So, to assist your dreams of getting away from it all in your own buoyant abode, here is a collection of some of our favourite houseboats on Houzz, to really get your boat floating.
2. The best of both worlds
Embracing a love of multiple landscapes, this houseboat is moored in the harbour of a bustling city, yet enjoys the tranquillity of being that little bit removed from the hustle and bustle. Even better, from the top deck of the boat, the owner can relax with breakfast or an evening cocktail and bask in the views of a mountain range just across the water.
Embracing a love of multiple landscapes, this houseboat is moored in the harbour of a bustling city, yet enjoys the tranquillity of being that little bit removed from the hustle and bustle. Even better, from the top deck of the boat, the owner can relax with breakfast or an evening cocktail and bask in the views of a mountain range just across the water.
3. Rolling on the river
Floating on a log platform, this renovated houseboat now features retrofitted skylights to bring even more light into the dark-toned, masculine space. A sleeping loft was also added to the existing structure, making it more comfortable and liveable space.
Floating on a log platform, this renovated houseboat now features retrofitted skylights to bring even more light into the dark-toned, masculine space. A sleeping loft was also added to the existing structure, making it more comfortable and liveable space.
4. Going green
Not only do houseboats offer the freedom of open water and Champagne views on a box-wine budget, they can also be more eco-conscious than a static home, with significantly smaller footprints. This houseboat was made from a reclaimed log float, and has been clad with recycled cedar for even greater eco credentials.
Design tips to make compact homes work
Not only do houseboats offer the freedom of open water and Champagne views on a box-wine budget, they can also be more eco-conscious than a static home, with significantly smaller footprints. This houseboat was made from a reclaimed log float, and has been clad with recycled cedar for even greater eco credentials.
Design tips to make compact homes work
It’s also just a beautiful space, which was architecturally designed as a cosy and comfortable home for a woman and her cats. Carefully considered features such as the built-in storage cabinets and the central core – which houses the kitchen and separates the living space from the bedroom – ensure the small space functions perfectly.
5. Sleepless in Portland
When an interior designer was presented with the opportunity to buy this floating home from her ageing aunt and uncle, she jumped at the chance to make it her own. This A-frame home was intended to serve as a holiday home for the designer and her family, but she ended up renovating it for profit when a buyer came along unexpectedly. It also won third place in the US Interior Design Society’s national competition for living spaces under US$30,000.
When an interior designer was presented with the opportunity to buy this floating home from her ageing aunt and uncle, she jumped at the chance to make it her own. This A-frame home was intended to serve as a holiday home for the designer and her family, but she ended up renovating it for profit when a buyer came along unexpectedly. It also won third place in the US Interior Design Society’s national competition for living spaces under US$30,000.
6. Barge in
On Regent’s Canal in London’s Bethnal Green, the owner of this refurbished canal boat decided to forgo built-in banquette seating and other furniture designed to be space-saving. Instead, he chose freestanding designer pieces such as this vintage Danish sofa to give the barge a unique and homey feel.
See more of this canal-boat home
On Regent’s Canal in London’s Bethnal Green, the owner of this refurbished canal boat decided to forgo built-in banquette seating and other furniture designed to be space-saving. Instead, he chose freestanding designer pieces such as this vintage Danish sofa to give the barge a unique and homey feel.
See more of this canal-boat home
While space is tight, with the kitchen butting right up to the exterior of the bedroom wall, the owner wanted every area to feel bright, beautiful and full of quality touches. He finished the small galley kitchen with a solid marble benchtop, and used luxury bedding on the bed to create an even more appealing retreat.
7. Bobbing along
On the canals of Utrecht, a city in the centre of The Netherlands, this floating home looks quiet and unassuming on the outside, with its dark-toned cladding and minimal visibility…
On the canals of Utrecht, a city in the centre of The Netherlands, this floating home looks quiet and unassuming on the outside, with its dark-toned cladding and minimal visibility…
… but on the inside, it is a light, bright space full of interest, style and cosy spaces. It features an abundance of built-in cabinetry and purpose-made furniture – such as the sofa/window seat seen here in the indoor living area – much of which is clad in rustic-looking recycled timber planks. The home also boasts a second outdoor living area, with outdoor fireplace, a fully fitted-out kitchen, and a lower level with sleeping quarters.
8. Seaside Scandi
This rather large houseboat, with plenty of space for a family that entertains regularly, is another bright and welcoming space, kept from becoming overwhelmingly white by timber features in a variety of tones. The white walls, pale wood floors and greenery give the space a Nordic feel, proving that houseboats can have buoyantly on-trend designs too.
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This rather large houseboat, with plenty of space for a family that entertains regularly, is another bright and welcoming space, kept from becoming overwhelmingly white by timber features in a variety of tones. The white walls, pale wood floors and greenery give the space a Nordic feel, proving that houseboats can have buoyantly on-trend designs too.
Tell us
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below.
More
Browse more tiny spaces
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This home, which sits on the water in Seattle’s Portage Bay, was inspired by the design of a cabin in the woods, only one that floats… In this living area, bi-fold doors open out to a small deck, allowing the owner to take in that incredible view.
Living the good life on a small scale