Mother Builds Dream Houseboat After Mortgage Denial, Creating a Stunning Floating Home
When Jen from England couldn’t secure a mortgage due to her self-employed status, she chose a unique path: designing and building her own houseboat. For over three years, she has lived on the water with her two children in a beautiful, self-sufficient floating home.
From Idea to Design
Inspired by houseboats along canals, Jen envisioned a life on the water. Because three-bedroom boats are scarce, she designed her own floor plan, ensuring each child had a private room and comfortable family living space.
From Steel Shell to Cozy Home
The boat’s steel shell was built in seven weeks by a Liverpool builder, then launched into the water. Jen completed the interior herself over ten weeks, finishing walls, wiring, kitchen, and more, with a total build of 17 weeks.
Cost and Savings
Purchasing steelwork pre-pandemic kept costs low at £87,000 (€101,000) including engine and installation, plus £10,000 for interior finishing. Jen notes the same project would be costlier today.
Adishakti: A Spiritual Name
Named “Adishakti,” referring to divine feminine energy, the 65-foot boat fits canal locks with careful maneuvering, reflecting a meaningful connection to her home.
Living Without a Permanent Mooring
Jen must move her boat every two weeks per regulations, covering at least 32 kilometers annually. In winter, she may stay put if the canal freezes. An inspector tracks her location and permit status.
Life on a Boat: Monthly Costs
Monthly fees are about £111, covering water, garbage, towpath maintenance, and mooring. Solar panels provide free summer electricity powering fridge and LED lights, while winter electricity costs £50 monthly for engine use.
Smart Energy Use
Jen avoids noisy generators, uses gas cylinders for cooking, and heats with a wood stove and coal range. Fuel and coal are delivered by a canal coal boat. Hot water heating relies partly on gas.
Thoughtful Interior Design
Custom IKEA kitchen, balanced room layout for stability, and 240-volt fridge and freezer create a functional space. The main area doubles as a living room, dining space, workspace, and therapy room for her massage and yoga practice.
Comfortable Living with Kids
Each child’s bedroom includes beds, desks, and bookshelves. Without TV, the children enjoy reading and creative play. The main bedroom faces the deck and includes a workspace, wardrobes, and cozy winter solutions.
Practical and Eco-Friendly Bathroom
The bathroom features a composting toilet with a 12V ventilation system and sawdust odor control, saving water and improving sustainability. A large rain shower replaces a bathtub.
A Conscious, Sustainable Lifestyle
Jen’s life on the water blends freedom, minimalism, and nature, with low expenses yet comfort. Her story shows that creativity and determination can achieve alternative housing dreams beyond mortgages.
More people are embracing alternative housing options, with Jen’s houseboat illustrating a sustainable and independent way of life.
Source: trendyvandaag.nl