Keyword search of the week: Houseboats
August 19th, 2009 by Sian MeadesForget their reputation as a cheap alternative to a London flat or a route in for cash-strapped first-time buyers. Forget the perceived misery of a freezing winter’s night on a leaky, creaky boat. That’s not the sort of houseboat I mean. I’m talking about the luxury sort of houseboat – the ones that come with four or five bedrooms, sunken swimming pools or 1,000 sq ft terraces.
If you can pass the hurdles of expensive, hard to get moorings and non-existent mortgages for houseboats (apparently around 90 per cent of sales are by cash buyers), and you do buy your very own luxury houseboat, you’ll be in very eclectic yet esteemed company. Damien Hirst, Nick Cave and Bear Grylls have all been proud houseboat owners.
Still not convinced that life on the Thames can be glamorous? Let’s see if these dreamboats can change your mind.
Riverside Quarter, Wandsworth
£1,300,000
This four-bedroom, two-level floating home has an open-plan living space and a 1,000 sq ft roof terrace. It’s moored at the popular Riverside Quarter, with 24-hour security and concierge, on-site restaurants, gym, and an underground parking space.
Cheyne Walk, Chelsea
£1,100,000
Another four-bedroom offering, this houseboat is moored on Cheyne Walk, one of the most exclusive river locations in London, with impressive views up and down the Thames. It is offered with the opportunity to purchase a 10-year license with option to renew.
Cadogan Pier, Chelsea
£1,000,000
In a licensed mooring just minutes from the King’s Road in Chelsea, this three-bedroom houseboat has open-plan living, spacious front and rear decks and a sunken swimming pool.
Lightermans Walk, Wandsworth
£825 per week
For those who would rather rent than buy, this three-bedroom houseboat has a 70ft roof terrace, two reception rooms – one with a double-height ceiling and a wood burning stove – and two bathrooms. It comes with an underground parking space and use of the gym and swimming pool at Prospect Quay.
