Kirsten Svaren one of the Tiny House Blog’s readers discovered a link to Dominique Browns blog and her small home built from a reconditioned ’70s narrow boat.
Dominique is a freelance 3D and Spacial Designer who wanted to create the ultimate floating home. Her aim is to tell the world that the canals of the UK can be a happy, fun loving and even designer chic alternative living space. The idea is to have a peaceful setting even inside the hustle and bustle of a big city.
Dominique’s current home is located in Bath on the Kennet and Avon Canal. I was there personally last summer and it could not be a more perfect location to live.
The living space is 30 feet long and 6 foot 2 in width. The narrow boat was first constructed in the 1970’s but has been completely restored from scratch.
The layout is as open as possible with large windows, storage is in the form of built-in units. Each area is designed for multiple uses and can be adjusted simply by a hinge or slide of slats.
There are only two doors within the interior and they are both sliding. Within the sliding doors is a walk-in wardrobe.
Dominique says: By maintaining a light, simple look throughout, the overall feel of the space is much larger than it truly is. With the ability to move where we please and whenever we feel, this economical yet designer way of living sets the scene for many young couples looking for a relaxed and serene alternative to city commuting.
http://dominiquebrowndesign.blogspot.com/
http://www.dominiquebrown.co.uk/
Photo Credits Dominique Brown
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Love the makeover! Would love to try living on the water for a summer just to see what it is like!
I agree. A couple of months on a little boat like this in a nice, cool area would be a great summer vacation. I think the “cool” part would be imperative. It might not be too comfortable on the water in a real warm, humid area in the summertime. This little boat transformation is awesome though!
Sick!
Wow! What a beautiful space! Is is possible to see the sleeping and bathroom space? Also, any info about the wood stove?
I have not found any pictures of the bathroom space and I think the area in the living space converts to a bed. I am in the process of getting in contact with Dominique to answer some of the questions coming up. -Kent
I think it would be way cool to live on a canal boat. It would be nice to see where they slept and to see they relive themselves. 🙂
Well done!
Good stuff K! I love the open, and light feel of this boat- she really did a great job!
-Deek
Hello all
Thank you so much for all your lovely lovely comments! I didn’t even know our little home was featured here- so thank you very much to Tiny House Blog for writing about us!
In answer to a few of your questions, firstly just thought i’d clear up that even though our boat is pretty teeny, it’s actually 40 feet long, not 30 (not a massive difference however!) and we’re now living in London rather than Bath as we fancied a change of scenery!
The sleeping space is actually shown…. but cleverly disguised! Its the L-shaped seating area- this pulls out to form the bed. We designed it so that it takes no longer than a minute to change from one to the next… for ease really!
The bathroom is featured on the ‘Britain’s Empty Homes’ TV show, along with the rest of the boat- however this has now been taken off Iplayer as it only runs for a short period. So, I’ll place the version we have up onto my blog for everyone to see if you like.
My boyfriend and I have been living on it for 2 and a half years now and even though it’s small its very comfortable and the ease of being able to move around so freely in London is just fantastic.
And to be honest, my favourite time of year is winter on it because it’s extremely cosy and warm as the wood burner kicks out a massive amount of heat!
We’re incidentally looking to sell our boat in the near future as we’ll be creating another project from scratch, so if any of you are interested then keep an eye on my blog as I update it on a regular basis.
thanks again!
Dominique & Will
Yes, please place your version onto your blog!
I really can’t get enough of the boat, unfortunately I don’t have the money to buy it.
All the best for you – Rana
It’s a great job, but I would appreciate seeing how the bath room details were handeled. As a matter of fact, too many of the articles submitted lack details of how the bath and shower designs fit into the overall design. Is there a phobia called fear of photographing toilets?
Bath details, particularly the tiny ones are important to the DIY builder who needs creative ideas.
Love the makeover, great job!
While station in Scotland My wife and I and two teenage children. Spent three weeks renting and living on a canal boat, in the Norfolk Broads,in England. Four people one small boat everyone wished it could go on forever. Bath design was that of motor home.
Love it! A lot of thought and hard work has gone in there!
I am so jealous! Love it.
I am enviouse. You are living my dream.
Last time I checked it was very taxing to be on the canals. Is it still?
Beautiful! I wish I could buy it and ship it to my landlocked home. 🙂
Fantastic…beautiful. You are living my dream.
I LOVE the use of space inside this wonderful conversion! I converted a 4 ton Ford Transit van into a liveable palace on wheels, and I really share the enthusiasm for others who want to design their own (tiny) homes, and who want the freedom to move around if they choose too.
I featured Dominique’s fantastic narrow boat conversion on my blog, in a post about my 5 favourite tiny dwellings. You can have a peek here, if you like:
http://jesuisunemonstre.blogspot.fr/2012/05/five-fabulous-fings-on-friday-tiny.html
Thank you for sharing this story on The Tiny House Blog, it has truly made me smile!
Katie. x
I adore narrow boats and small houses and am always interested how ppl manage space and functionality
Dominique will you Marry Me?
This would be a dream come true. What a fantastic job you did!