Charming narrowboat for rent

Our lovingly restored narrowboat, 'The Waddling Otter' (56ft /17m) is now available to rent.

Swap bricks and mortar for a slower, more tranquil pace of life on the canals. I’ve had to list under a set postcode, but the boat comes with a ‘Continuous Cruising’ licence meaning there is no fixed mooring. The boat will have to be moved every 2 weeks so you can keep exploring the waterways of London.

Outside of the lovely lifestyle that comes with living on a boat, the running costs are a massive saving when compared with land living too!

12v power is supplied via a pair of solar panels that charge a bank of leisure batteries. The boat is also fitted with an inverter, so when the engine is running the 240v sockets can also be used. The hot water and cooking requires Calor gas bottles that are currently around £40 a bottle. Water is free with the tank being filled at water points dotted along the canal.

LAYOUT
The Waddling Otter is a ‘cruiser stern’ narrowboat which means she comes with a large back deck complete with hardwood seating.

BATHROOM
Teak parquet floor throughout, the shower cubicle is fitted with an original chrome Art Deco shower that gets nice and warm with good pressure. The toilet is a Thetford cassette toilet (so will need emptying at CRT points along the waterways) This has been boxed into a tiled section and fitted with an oak toilet seat. Vintage pine shelves and an under sink cupboard provide storage for extra bits and bobs.

MAIN LIVING AREA
Built-in wardrobe offers storage for clothes with 2 rails for hangers and a shelf below for shoes etc. A little reading nook is next to the wardrobe with a pine seat and reclaimed tile storage area below. Stripped pine floors continue through the rest of the boat. Heat comes from a vintage French top loading stove which takes logs and smokeless coal. The four large windows give lots of light to the space and are fitted with handmade linen blinds. A restored vintage machinists lamp fitted to a pine shelf gives additional light when needed and a built-in bookcase gives floor to ceiling storage.

A wall mounted drop-leaf table can be raised and lowered via a pulley system operated with a winch in the kitchen!

KITCHEN
Handmade kitchen with reclaimed school desk teak worktops fitted with a vintage butler sink and reclaimed science lab taps. Plenty of storage within the units and wall mounted shelving. Brand new 12v fridge with compact ice box. A brand new Nelson cooker has a twin gas hob, grill and main oven. A wall mounted gas fired Morco boiler provides hot water.

BEDROOM
¾ size double bed comes with a handmade mattress. The bed section is constructed from an original Arts & Craft glazed door and church pew. Built-in storage comes via a pair of large mahogany drawers and a pair of smaller drawers. Built- in doors allow access under the bed for more storage. A ‘Hobbit’ multifuel stove lights quickly to warm the bedroom with plenty of space for wood/coal etc.

Access from the bedroom leads to a small front deck with a lockable metal storage box for generators etc.

The hull was recently surveyed and blacked. The engine is a reliable diesel powered Lister SR3.

Previous boating experience is preferred, but not essential.

Available from mid September

Professionals only - references required.