We featured a boat mooring on a previous Property spotlight feature and thought it would be a good idea to give houseboats their own post.

The really high-end houseboats, such as the one at the bottom of this post don’t even look like boats; they’re spacious, they have huge, luxurious living spaces with high ceilings and some even have room for a full-size sauna!

You don’t need an awful lot of money to afford a home on the water; however, you may need to be a dab hand at DIY and boat maintenance. In addition, you’ll need to be aware of marine-specific fees and licences that may be due.

£49,995 – Prospero, Station Road, Cuxton, Kent ME2 1AB

Prospero, a fully operational Aquafibre Ruby 33 which has been completely refitted by a professional shipwright over several years, and is now available for sale as a cruising liveaboard.

• Constructed: 1982
• Refitted: 2021
• Berths: 2
• Cabins: 1
• Heads: 1
• No. of engines: 1
• Engine model: Bmc 1.5
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Length overall: 33′
• Beam: 12′ 3″
• Maximum draft: 3′
• Hull material: Glass fibre

£350,000 – The Boathouse, Taggs Island, Hampton TW12 2HA

This stunning floating home is situated within a quiet lagoon on a desirable private island located in the middle of the beautiful River Thames. Arguably the largest house boat within the lagoon, The Boathouse enjoys spacious living accommodation, three bedrooms and a large roof terrace with magnificent views. There is a private garden (which has been beautifully landscaped to create a wonderful place to appreciate island life and allocated parking.

• Floating home
• Private River Thames island
• Vehicular bridge access
• 3 bedrooms
• Beautifully presented throughout
• 20-year renewable licence (currently costs £8,900 a year and is paid quarterly)

£2,500,000 – Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

Matrix Island was originally a 1920s, steel construction, coal barge on the River Seine. One of the River Thames’ most luxurious house boats it has in excess of 5,000 sq ft. Occupying the largest mooring at St Katherine Docks and its own private access ramp. To the stern is a recently constructed office with views of Tower Bridge and to the front is a 50′ fore deck with a retractable glass enclosure.
Finished to a very high standard this modern vessel has a Art Deco twist the private pontoon mooring is rented with any agreement via parallel negotiation with the marina. All residents have access to the marina’s facilities.

• Offers in excess of £2,500,000
• 5 double bedrooms
• 4 bathrooms
• 50ft foredeck
• Winter garden Enclosure
• Rented pontoon mooring