When I was in the UK in November/December, I stayed on the most delightful canal boat. It was cozy and snug and I loved every minute of it. The canals in London are filling up, which is somewhat of a problem, because canal boats and moorings are much less expensive than any London flat.
I saw a listing for a canal boat in the Little Venice section of London, which is close to Maida Vale, one of the very posh areas of town. Although someone was a little too enthusiastic with the HDR setting, you can get a good idea of its location.
Lots of bright bead-board wood in the forward berth, but I’d probably slap a coat of bright white paint on it.
Cozy fitted kitchen. The boat where I stayed had a great Ikea kitchen.
This looks like the aft berth. I am sure there’s a way to pull out something to make a full-size bed.
Nice bath and shower room.
All very ship-shape, indeed. The boat where I stayed was much larger than this. It was about 18’ wide and 50’ long, bigger than my first house!
This looks like it’s a public canal path. The side of the canal where I stayed was private and accessible only to the residents and their guests. The other side was public. I would also check to see if this is moored two abreast, since that could be a problem.
This canal boat is £155,000 ($239,000) with a £5,320 ($8,200) mooring fee. If you lived in the country, it would make a nice pied a terre in town!
I love the canal boats down there, that whole area is wonderful, when I was away we stayed in an airstream for two nights, when I first walked in I though oh oh but to get my head round it, I changed it to a boat - I used to sail a lot when I was younger and once I did that I felt less cramped and squished.
ReplyDeleteBoats and Airstreams are quite amazing in what they can pack into such a small amount of space. This boat looks a bit narrow to me, but the one I stayed on was quite spacious. My first house was 9.5 feet wide and 35 feet long and two floors, so I am used to smallish spaces.
DeleteWhat a charming way to live. How are these boats heated?
ReplyDeleteThe one I stayed on had a small wood stove and then portable heaters in the cabins. It was in the 40s when I was there, and the boat was always very comfortable. I would turn on my heater for about 10 minutes to warm up the cabin, and then keep it on its lowest setting.
DeleteThe images have a Monet Impressionistic look to them. I have just discovered the Time Life series of Great Cities--the Paris volume is written by a reporter that became a well known food writer. Wish I had picked up the London volume too. Now the topic of Pied-a-terre needs a treatment ala Meg Fielding,
ReplyDeleteI will have to think about doing a pied-a-terre post!
Deletereally charming :-)
ReplyDeleteLess than $250K for a home in London?!?! That's crazytalk.
ReplyDeleteThat's why they are becoming so popular!
DeleteMeg I think this a very delightful way to spend some time on vacation!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Featuring:Turquerie
I'd totally do this as a vacation stay.
ReplyDelete