Life on a London Houseboat for One Man and His Dog
With a creative eye and a lot of spit and polish, a retired workboat was transformed into a stylish home to float anyone's boat
Built in 1924, this transport boat had a busy working life throughout the 1920s and ’30s, ferrying steel and coal along England’s waterways. But as times changed there was less need for such boats, and, in the ensuing 80 years, the Beecliffe changed hands several times before being discovered by Gary Marshall, founder of beauty brand Anatomicals. “It had lots of heart – it just needed its soul bringing back,” he says. So he set about restoring it to its former glory while also creating a warm and welcoming home.
The Beecliffe is a traditional Humber Keel boat and, as the name suggests, was originally built for working in the shallow waters of the Humber estuary.
When Gary Marshall found the vessel in 2015, it was looking slightly worse for wear after having had several owners. “It needed a new lease on life, both inside and out,” he says.
Fifty Eight sofa: vintage G Plan; wire side table: Pols Potten; Jieldé floor lamp: Made in Design; Storm pillows: Hem
When Gary Marshall found the vessel in 2015, it was looking slightly worse for wear after having had several owners. “It needed a new lease on life, both inside and out,” he says.
Fifty Eight sofa: vintage G Plan; wire side table: Pols Potten; Jieldé floor lamp: Made in Design; Storm pillows: Hem
The inside of the boat was initially a network of small rooms, so Marshall started the redesign by opening up the interior and reconfiguring it to create an open-plan living space.
With floor space tight, the layout needed to be carefully designed. “There were too many small, badly divided rooms from a much earlier refit that had closed the boat in and made it seem dark, old-fashioned and tired,” Marshall says. “I wanted to create a modern, light and comfortable living space fit for 2016, while still retaining elements of the boat’s history. I also wanted the interior to have an element of surprise.”
Custom cube shelving: Goodingham Brothers
With floor space tight, the layout needed to be carefully designed. “There were too many small, badly divided rooms from a much earlier refit that had closed the boat in and made it seem dark, old-fashioned and tired,” Marshall says. “I wanted to create a modern, light and comfortable living space fit for 2016, while still retaining elements of the boat’s history. I also wanted the interior to have an element of surprise.”
Custom cube shelving: Goodingham Brothers
Marshall describes his style as “a mixture of traditional nautical mixed with Scandi chic,” and this refined and pared-back aesthetic is apparent throughout the interior.
“I started off by creating a very precise mood board of the inspirations and styles I wanted,” he explains. “That way, there was no confusion or mistakes through the refit.”
Artwork: Jo Chapman
“I started off by creating a very precise mood board of the inspirations and styles I wanted,” he explains. “That way, there was no confusion or mistakes through the refit.”
Artwork: Jo Chapman
Marshall is a creative at heart; he was previously an art director in advertising and now has his eye on other interior design challenges. “Having previously designed my brother’s flat in an old biscuit factory in Bethnal Green and now the boat, I’d love the opportunity to get involved in more projects,” he says.
BEFORE: This photo shows the main living area of the boat before the transformation.
AFTER: Marshall worked closely with woodworkers and furniture makers Goodingham Brothers on the refit. “They are amazingly talented,” he says. In addition to designing the staircase, they also custom-built other sections of the boat, as well as the interior panelling.
In the main living space is an original 1920s Godin wood-burning stove. “It became a firm friend to myself and Sniff during the chilly months of January and February,” Marshall says.
A slim galley kitchen is tucked along one wall. Goodingham Brothers built it for the space.
Kaico Japanese enamel kettle: Twentytwentyone
The master bedroom and bath are accessed through a submarine-style door. Up a small set of steps in one corner is a cosy crash-pad area stocked with pillows and throws.
Tongue-and-groove panelling on the wall and ceiling and a porthole window above the bed create a snug, nautical feel, and white bedding keeps the room feeling crisp and fresh.
Mini Moderns DAB radio: Roberts Radio
Mini Moderns DAB radio: Roberts Radio
A rich grey feature wall, large artwork and thick rug underfoot add warmth and character to the space.
Rug in ‘Denim’: Linie Design; desk lamp: Made in Design; white Ringo laundry basket: Ekobo Home
Rug in ‘Denim’: Linie Design; desk lamp: Made in Design; white Ringo laundry basket: Ekobo Home
The slim, custom desk sits on the wall across from the bed, making the most of the natural light coming in through the porthole.
Desk: Goodingham Brothers; wall clock: Wild & Wood
Desk: Goodingham Brothers; wall clock: Wild & Wood
The crash pad, accessed by a short ladder, is a clever use of an awkward space. With a skylight above and a porthole to gaze out of, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the river views.
Maze blanket in ‘Curry’: Ferm Living; Eclectic pillow in ‘Denim’: Hay; Zoeppritz Gunny pillow: Amara
Maze blanket in ‘Curry’: Ferm Living; Eclectic pillow in ‘Denim’: Hay; Zoeppritz Gunny pillow: Amara
The adjoining bathroom also underwent a total transformation. “The complete re-plumbing and reworking of the electrics was quite a challenge,” Marshall says. Boats are totally different from apartments on dry land, he says, especially when it comes to how the plumbing works.
The wooden vanity is custom made. The circular mirror complements the porthole windows throughout.
Bathroom cabinetry: Goodingham Brothers
Bathroom cabinetry: Goodingham Brothers
The wheelhouse has commanding views and a comfy bench seat.
Below the wheelhouse are the crew’s berths, where those working on the boat in the 1920s would have slept.
These snug beds have been turned into guest quarters. “They are very charming and a real nod to the previous working life of the boat,” Marshall says.
Kilim rug: Ferm Living
These snug beds have been turned into guest quarters. “They are very charming and a real nod to the previous working life of the boat,” Marshall says.
Kilim rug: Ferm Living
Contemporary wall hooks and artwork add character and storage to the sleeping berth.
Small Gym wall rings by Hay: Made in Design
Small Gym wall rings by Hay: Made in Design
The deck has plenty of space for guests. Marshall removed “years of rubbish” to create an outside entertaining area that comes into its own when the sun shines.
Lyra table and chairs: Made; Galet concrete garden stool: Habitat; Skien outdoor rug: Cuckooland
Lyra table and chairs: Made; Galet concrete garden stool: Habitat; Skien outdoor rug: Cuckooland
“I love the contrast of a calm and tranquil marina with the dramatic towering buildings of the financial centre of the UK as a backdrop,” Marshall says.
After eight-and-a-half months of hard renovation work, the boat was completed in January, ready for a new chapter in its life.
TELL US
How would you like the idea of living on the water in a houseboat like this? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
TELL US
How would you like the idea of living on the water in a houseboat like this? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Houzz at a Glance
Owner: Gary Marshall, director of beauty brand Anatomicals, and his 3-year-old terrier, Sniff
Location: Poplar Dock Marina, Canary Wharf, London, UK
Size: About 92 square metres; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Brunel table and benches: Heal’s; dipped terracotta pendant light: Hand & Eye Studio; block kilim rug: Ferm Living; hemp footstool: House Doctor