I boarded a floating tiny home which is only 250 square feet but is fully equipped for people to live onboard.
The houseboat has enough space for a living area, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and outside space.
Some buyers use them as holiday homes, others as a permanent residence, the manufacturer told Insider.
This floating tiny home is only 250 square feet but is spacious enough to live on comfortably. I hopped on the houseboat to take a look while it was docked at St. Katherine’s Dock in London.
The name of the floating home model, M250, is derived from its size.
Though it was compact, the floating home felt spacious. It has enough room for a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area, and balcony.
The houseboat is built in the UK by On Water Developments. John Wood, cofounder of the company, said the homes are perfect for a few nights away, but some people purchase them as a permanent residence.
Buyer interest in the floating homes is varied and often reflects trends in local housing markets, Wood told Insider.
In UK seaside towns and resorts they are often bought for use as holiday homes. But they have also attracted interest from young professionals in urban centres, like London, who want to use them as permanent residences, Wood added.
The floating homes are sold as part of a package. Buyers purchase both the home and the right to keep it at a marina of their choice, but still have to pay an annual mooring fee on top, Wood told Insider.
Buyers often choose to keep their floating homes in sheltered waters, such as marinas and lakes.
The M250 I boarded is the first of the smaller units to be showcased, but Bates Wharf have also sold a number of houseboats which are around three times larger and have the proportions of a modern home, complete with open plan lounge and integrated kitchen, according to Wood.
The floating home that I boarded had a small outdoor balcony, spacious enough to fit outdoor furniture. The home floats on a concrete pontoon according to Bates Wharf Marine who market the homes.
The tiny home’s compact kitchen is kitted out with a hob, sink, microwave, and fridge.
For colder weather, the living space has a small gas fire and is also fitted with electric panel heaters, according to Bates Wharf Marine’s website.