I mentioned recently in a Tiny House in a Landscape feature that I would be covering narrow boats in an upcoming post. I will show off a boat here that is for rent on the Avon Canal near Bath in the United Kingdom. Narrow boats are very popular as use for a vacation unit or in the term I got accustomed to while in the UK “on holiday.”
These boats featured here are a little wider than many of the narrow boats out there. These are traditional style widebeam canal boats. They feature accommodations for a whole family. Here is what Moonraker Canalboats says about their narrow boat holidays.
If you desire peace and quiet you can moor up in the countryside, miles from anywhere, with just the wildlife and the sky for company. If you prefer, at one of the many canal side pubs you can have a hearty meal, a pint and some conversation with your bed just feet away. Maybe a fine restaurant in one of the towns or cities along the canal? The choice is yours.
From the moment you cast off, you’re in a different world. You can go where you want, when you want, at your own pace. The most glorious countryside England has to offer unfolds before you, all the bewildering variety of wildlife is at your fingertips and yet all the comforts of home are right there with you.
There is so much to see and do on a canal holiday and narrow boating is simple. Push the lever forwards to go forwards and backwards to stop or reverse. The tiller controls the left and right bit and that’s it!
So they are great for holidays, how about living in one full time? Many people in Great Britain do make their homes full time in narrow boats and enjoy the mobile lifestyle of living on the water. Narrow boats are known to be very expensive and they are if you buy them brand new. Most new ones that I found on the internet ranged more than 100,000 pounds. However, I did some research on the used market and found that they ranged from around 20,0000 pounds to 80,000 pounds. So like any type of home there is quite a range in price.
While we were in Bath, my son and I walked the Avon and we discovered several narrow boats in need of some work. I imagine if approached the owners would be willing to bargain on a reasonable price. Narrow boats are not available in the U.S. but one person I talked to mentioned that they could be brought in, you would purchase one in Great Britain and have it shipped to you in the U.S. So if this style of living fits your new home dream, I would suggest that you go try one out for a “holiday” week or two and then you can decide if this is the life for you.