These London homes are sure to attract buyers with their luxurious living areas, spacious roof decks and bedrooms worthy of publication.
This plush pad is not found in Victorian houses or apartment buildings. It’s hidden under the houseboats that line the river.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Nicholas Austin, Sales Manager for RiverHomes’ Southwest office, explained houseboats at the top end of the market offer better equipped living areas than most London homes, as well as a sense of peace and tranquility that is difficult to find elsewhere in the city.
The novelty factor is another reason to be unique: A dinner party aboard a houseboat will make you stand out among the rest.
Houseboats may seem like a shortcut to the London housing market, but they are not.
While some of the smaller houseboats are far cheaper than a city centre flat – a one-bedroom narrowboat in trendy Little Venice for £150,000, for example – others have price tags in the millions, although they are still cheaper than comparable London homes.
Austin said, “In London, the only vestibule for calm and peace is the River Thames.” My clients first notice how peaceful and quiet it is at the marinas, with London all around.
The river offers a tranquil and peaceful oasis amid the hustle of London. With the river being the main artery of London’s success for over two thousand years, living on the river makes you part of that rich history and tradition.
“Houseboats at the highest end of the market offer more square footage and better-equipped living spaces than many London houses. They offer a safe, secure and affordable space to anyone looking for a place to settle down in the city.
£3million steel barge, St Katherine’s Dock
Bedrooms: 5
Receptions: 3
Bathrooms: 3
If you’ve got a spare £3million and want to swap views of other houses for a look of the river, then this 1930s steel barge (pictured) which has been converted into a magnificent contemporary houseboat is just right for you
Although the foredeck is nearly 50 feet long, it offers ample space for entertaining al fresco. However, this vessel’s internal volume (pictured) exceeds 5,000 square feet. The large and spectacular open-plan upper deck has been possible thanks to the height of 5.7 m.
The open-plan space boasts a large and bold reception area, kitchen (pictured), and dining areas. It also offers spectacular views of the dock with a central atrium staircase to a lower deck.
A further reception area is located on the lower deck (pictured), which gives access to a Jet ski platform. Five large double bedrooms are also available, with either direct or shared en-suite facilities.
Current owner of the boat, which is currently moored in St Katharine Docks (London’s luxurious yacht marina), has installed new wool carpet (pictured), changed the boiler, and also added LED lighting.
A newly constructed office space is located at the back of the houseboat, with Tower Bridge views. This is isolated from the main living area (pictured).
If you’ve got a spare £3million and want to swap views of other houses for a look of the river, then this 1930s steel barge which has been converted into a magnificent contemporary houseboat is just right for you.
Although the foredeck is nearly 50 feet long, it offers ample space for outdoor entertaining. However, this vessel’s internal volume – more than 5,000 square feet – makes it the largest in its class. It has also allowed for an impressive, open-plan upper deck.
The large, open-plan space features a spacious reception area, kitchen, and dining areas. It also boasts spectacular views of the dock and a central atrium staircase to a lower deck.
A further reception area is located on the lower deck. This gives you access to a Jet ski platform. Five large double bedrooms are also available, with either direct or shared bathrooms.
The current owner of the vessel, which is moored at St Katharine Docks, London’s luxury yacht marina, has recently installed new wool carpet, replaced the boiler and added LED lighting as well as repainted.
A newly constructed office space is located at the back of the houseboat, with Tower Bridge views. This is isolated from the main living area.
£1.8m houseboat, Canary Wharf
Bedrooms: 6
Receptions: 3
Bathrooms: 6
This motor boat, built in 1957 (pictured), was converted to 8,000 square feet. Luxury accommodations measuring approximately 8,000 square feet, including luxury gardens with a roofed roofed and Art Deco-styled outdoor decking.
With six bedrooms (pictured is one of them), plus staff accommodation, six bathrooms, three reception areas and two kitchens alongside a bar, it’s no surprise this place comes with a hefty price tag of £1.8million
Dutch artisans handcrafted the windows and doors. Here is one of the elegant bathrooms that are available on this vessel.
The interior features solid Brazilian walnut floors, tiled bathrooms, and a kitchen countertop made from crushed, natural Spanish granite.
The panelled ceilings and walls are made from American red oak, American pine, American hickory and pecan. There’s also room heating and air conditioning. The kitchen is shown in the picture.
You can find a variety of restaurants and leisure facilities nearby, as well as a residential mooring that is transferable at South Quay in Canary Wharf. This is the dining and living room.
The engine dates back to 1962, was serviced in February 2010, and is currently available for private rental and corporate events. It crossed the North Sea to cross in August 2011. One of the bedrooms
Built in 1957, this motor barge was recently converted into 8,000 sq. ft. of luxury accommodation, featuring luxury gardens covered by a roof and Art Deco-styled outside decking.
With six bedrooms, plus staff accommodation, six bathrooms, three reception areas and two kitchens alongside a bar, it’s no surprise this place comes with a hefty price tag of £1.8million.
Handcrafted windows and doors made in the Netherlands. Solid Brazilian walnut flooring is used throughout. Tiled bathrooms are also included. The kitchen counter top was made of crushed Spanish granite.
Panelled walls and ceilings are made of American red oak, pine, hickory, pecan and poplar, while there’s also individual room air conditioning and heating.
You can find a variety of restaurants and bars nearby, as well as leisure facilities, on the transferable residential mooring located at South Quay in Canary Wharf.
It’s currently being run for private hire and corporate events, and has an engine dating from 1962 and serviced in February 2010. It crossed the North Sea in August 2011.
£1.75m houseboat, Riverside Quarter, Wandsworth
Bedrooms: 3
Receptions: 2
Bathrooms: 3
Houseboat ‘Penelope’ claims to be one of the most stylish and attractive boats on the Thames (pictured) – but will cost potential buyers a staggering £1.75million
With a length of 29m and a beam height of 5.7m, it offers 2,405 sq. 2,405 sq. ft.
Built by top naval architects, the vessel also boasts stunning views from Riverside Quarter, Wandsworth. It is licensed up to 2063. The kitchen is shown in the picture.
You will also find a large studio, an office, and 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms in the abode. One of the bathroom options in this abode is shown here.
Large, bright and open, the main living area is a great space for entertaining. The dining room can comfortably seat 14 people. Here is one of the bedrooms.
Current owners say that the boat is extremely well-insulated. She is also very stable because of her 140-tonne weight. The outside of the boat.
Houseboat ‘Penelope’ claims to be one of the most stylish and attractive boats on the Thames – but will cost potential buyers a staggering £1.75million.
She measures 29m in length and has a beam of 5.7 metres. It offers 2,405 square feet. living area of 3,405 square feet, including three bedrooms and two receptions.
Built by an acclaimed naval architect, the vessel also boasts stunning views when moored at Riverside Quarter, Wandsworth. It has a license til 2063.
The apartment also includes a large office and a studio. Two of its three bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom. Large, bright, and spacious, the main living space is a perfect place to entertain. A dining area seats 14 comfortably.
According to the boat’s current owners, the boat has good insulation and is stable because it is heavy at 140 tonnes.
£1.35m renovated barge, Wandsworth
Bedrooms: 3
Receptions: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Monarch is moored at Prospect Quay in Wandsworth, with secure, long term mooring rights – and will cost potential buyers £1.35million (pictured)
This fully-operational barge, meticulously renovated, features an open-plan living room that is filled with natural light.
The lower level contains three bedrooms, including one that has an en suite bathroom. A utility room is located in the same room. An ultramodern, fully tiled, modern bathroom features separate shower areas. Additionally, there’s a multi-use room with a TV, study or walk-in area.
A parking facility, 24-hour concierge and access to a swimming pool are all available for the new owner. There is also a gymnasium in an adjoining development. Bathroom.
Monarch is moored at Prospect Quay in Wandsworth, with secure, long term mooring rights – and will cost potential buyers £1.35million.
This fully-operational barge has been meticulously renovated.
It features a contemporary fully fitted kitchen, rear and front decks as well as an amazing roof terrace that offers stunning views of the River Thames.
Three double bedrooms are located on the lower floor. One has an ensuite shower room. The utility room is adjacent. A fully tiled and modern bathroom features a separate shower. An additional multi-use space can be used as a media/TV area, study, or walk-in closet.
In the adjacent development, there will be a swimming pool, a concierge service, parking and gym facilities for the new owner.
Prospect Quay can be found at the corner of Wandsworth Park by the River Thames. It is just a fifteen minute walk away from East Putney and Putney underground stations. River taxi services run from Riverside Quarter, which is adjacent to Prospect Quay.
£700,000 houseboat, Chelsea
Bedrooms: 3
Receptions: 1
Bathrooms: 2
Moored on the historic Cheyne Walk, facing towards Battersea Bridge, houseboat ‘Antje’ (pictured centre) enjoys enviable views – at a cost of £700,000 to potential buyers
Beautifully presented, with stylish and bright décor, the boat is awash with natural light due to the many windows and skylights – and this is amplified by the choice of materials throughout (pictured)
It has three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, one of which is en Suite to the Master. The property also features a spacious open-plan kitchen/family room (picture), and a deck lounge.
Offering over 1,100 sq. Antje is over 1,100 square feet. The estate agents call it a lovely houseboat situated in a fashionable and highly prestigious spot.
Moored on the historic Cheyne Walk, facing towards Battersea Bridge, houseboat ‘Antje’ enjoys enviable views – at a cost of £700,000 to potential buyers.
Beautifully presented, with stylish and bright décor, the boat is awash with natural light due to the many windows and skylights – and this is amplified by the choice of materials throughout.
This accommodation has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is an en-suite to the master, a large open-plan kitchen, family room, and a deck lounge.
Offering over 1,100 sq. Antje measures over 1,100 square feet. Estate agents call it a lovely houseboat, in an enviable location.
£595,000 lighthouse vessel, Silvertown
Bedrooms: 6
Receptions: 3
Bathrooms: 2
The home, a former Trinity House vessel lighthouse (pictured), was lovingly transformed by the celebrity owner and photographer to be a beautiful abode for filming and photo shoots.
There are six bedrooms in this accommodation, with four being crew cabins. The original 1930’s mahogany furniture is still there (pictured). One bedroom has an en suite.
The vessel has a lot of storage and views from its 45-foot high lighthouse tower.
Many hundred of square meters of space open to the public on different levels offers additional possibilities for entertainment, photography, filming, leisure and entertaining.
The top floor houses a new master bathroom and master cabin, while the second level features a French-inspired copper bath from the 19th century (pictured).
This home is a former Trinity House lighthouse vessel, lovingly converted by her celebrity and advertising photographer owner a stunning abode and location for photoshoots and filming.
Six bedrooms are available in the accommodation, including four crew cabins. Each one is furnished with original 1930’s mahogany furniture. One of these rooms has an en-suite bathroom.
A new master cabin and bathroom occupies the top level of the vessel, with the latter showcasing a 19th century French copper bath.
Meanwhile, a large open space gallery is fitter with English Rose furniture and the former engine room now boasts a stylish studio space.
It has ample storage space throughout and enjoys views of the docks from 45 foot high lights at the top.
You have the option to use hundreds of square meters of outdoor deck space at multiple levels for entertainment, photography, and filming.
£450,000 houseboat, Fulham
Bedrooms: 2
Receptions: 1
Bathrooms: 2
Chelonia, a two-bedroom houseboat with natural light through its windows (pictured), is beautiful.
It features an open-plan living/reception space (pictured), two bedrooms, two bathrooms and one en suite bathroom.
Chelonia, pictured, has a 30 foot long sundeck and is located in central Chelsea, close to all the restaurants and bars.
The estate agents only sell the vessel, and not the Imperial Wharf Marina mooring. You can rent the mooring by negotiating separately with either the marina management or the marina. The bedroom in the picture is one of two.
Chelonia, a two-bedroom houseboat with 2 bedrooms, has neutral décor to increase the amount of natural light.
This vessel has an open-plan, kitchen/reception area, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. One of these is adjacent to the master bedroom.
Chelonia is home to a 30-foot-long sundeck. It’s located centrally near the restaurants, shops and bars of Chelsea.
However, the estate agents are only selling this vessel and not the mooring at Imperial Wharf Marina. You can rent the mooring by negotiating separately with either the marina management or the marina.
River Homes advises prospective buyers to make inquiries directly with River Homes in order to learn about the mooring fees and ongoing costs.
£150,000 narrowboat, Little Venice
Bedrooms: 1
Receptions: 1
Bathrooms: 1
The 44-ft. houseboat, (pictured), was constructed in 2007 and has a cozy and modern interior. This gives the home a spacious and bright feel.
According to the estate agents, the property (pictured) could be used as a city escape or permanent residence.
The space is open plan and includes a kitchen, living and dining area as well as a bedroom and modern bathroom. Estate agents state that a 2017 survey of the property was conducted and that the boat has undergone significant upgrades since.
The property is located in Little Venice, in the Blomfield Road Moorings gated community. There are many local amenities such as shops, restaurants and other services close to it. The living area is shown in the picture.
Built in 2007, this 44 ft. houseboat offers a cosy and contemporary interior, which results in a bright and spacious feel throughout.
Agents say that the home would make a wonderful city getaway, permanent home, or fun summer cruiser.
It features an open-plan space with a fitted kitchen and living area, bedroom and modern shower room, and the estate agents say a survey was done in 2017 and the boat has been significantly upgraded since.
This property can be found in Little Venice at the Blomfield Road Moorings gate with all local amenities including a variety of shops and restaurants.