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The canal boat dwellers
With renting costs rising and homeownership a pipe dream for many, people are turning to canal boats as an alternative home. Tim Jobling meets the aquaphiles
Andrew, 29, and Asha, 32, from Clapton, boaters for two years
“The canal provides a little bit of escape from fast-paced living – we wanted to stay in London yet feel separated from how busy it can sometimes feel. Coming from a background in interior design, we were keen for somewhere to put our mark on and call our own. Boat life allows us to have this while also saving, so we can work towards buying something on dry land (or something larger on water).”
Matt, 28, and Beth, 30, from Slough, boaters for five months
“We’ve always loved boats and being on the water. We lived in east London for four years or so and realised that there was so much of London we hadn’t seen. Living a nomadic lifestyle on the water means we get to see and live in different parts of the capital. We bought it as a long-term project. It’s not for everyone but we love the adventure.”
Natalie, 28, from Ladbroke Grove, boater for 11 months
“My husband and I moved onto our boat around a year ago. Before that, we rented in London for about three years, then moved back in with his parents to save some money for a place of our own. We have a number of friends who are live-aboard boaters and after paying them a visit we decided to move onto the water ourselves. It’s a fantastic way of life and the best decision we’ve ever made. The pace is wonderful, and it allows us the freedom to explore and live in the city we love. It does come with its challenges, but it’s certainly worth it. We’re about to have our first baby and we can’t wait to raise them on the water. We think it will be a pretty special place to grow up.”
Pete, 48, Carol, 49, and Amber, seven, from Regent’s Park, boaters for 15 years
“We’d lived on our narrowboat for many years but the arrival of our daughter made us realise that our existing living space would no longer be sufficient. Having considered our land-based options, we decided that we would like to stay on the water at Cumberland Basin next to Regent’s Park. And so we set about designing a boat specific to our needs. We’ve had to make some radical changes to accommodate the three of us and to make it a genuinely comfortable and practical space to live in.”
