From wave-shaped beauties to converted private jets, these wacky
creations show how houseboats come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are designed to bob along, allowing occupants to explore, while
others remain permanently docked.
One such property is a two-storey floating house on the Canadian side of
Lake Huron, which acts as a summer residence for one couple who return
to the same spot year after year.
While some of the abodes are crafted to house more than a dozen guests,
others are a little more dinky, cosily accommodating a couple with
little room to spare.
If you're looking to get a taste of riverbank life, some of the boat
homes are available to hire, with one London water-based abode coming in
at £500 per night.
But to dip your toe into the water, scroll down to see a fleet of some
of the craziest floating homes in the world...
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Fennell Residence
The wave-shaped Fennell Residence located in Portland, Oregon, was built
in 2005 by the Robert Oshatz architecture firm. Curved glue laminated
beams were used to 'capture the timeless sense of flowing water and time
passing'.The wooden houseboat is roomy inside, with giant
floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing light to flood in. A staircase leads
to an upper level, where the bedrooms are located. |
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Hobbit houseboat
The Hobbit Houseboat, which blends traditional and modern design, is
available to rent in the Indian state of Kerala. It was built using
traditional methods and not one nail was used in the construction.There
are two double or twin cabins ensuite with a lower day cabin and an
upperdeck for views across the backwaters. The vessel is also decked out
with solar panels to get energy for heating hot water. |
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Designer canal boat
This designer London houseboat is available to rent via Airbnb for £500
per night. The 61ft-long narrow boat has an ultra-modern feel with
contemporary furnishings and large windows letting lots of light
in.Inside, the boat is finished to a high standard with a wood burner to
keep it warm during the winter months. Its unique design has been
featured in a number of architecture magazines.The boat boasts a
multitude of appliances including a fridge, freezer, microwave, oven and
water purifier. Outside there is a hot tub, wood-fired pizza oven, and a
two-seater swing located in an adjacent garden for private use . |
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Yellow submarine
Fans looking for the full Beatles experience can book accommodation in
this unusual hotel, which is painted to look like the vessel on the
cover of their record Yellow Submarine, and floats on a mooring in
Albert Dock.Once a narrowboat, the 'submarine' now features a
psychedelic lounge - complete with an original scooter from the film
Quadrophenia - and three bedrooms. |
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Floating summer house
This large two-storey building, named Floating House, is on the Canadian
side of Lake Huron. It has plenty of deck space for water-based
activities and sunbathing.The house boat is used as a summer residence
by a Cincinnati-based couple. Completed in 2008, the Floating House was
one of the first projects from New York-based MOS Architects.Architects
went about building something that would blend in with the rocky
landscape and wild vegetation. The building is clad in cedar planks, a
material commonly used in the area.
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Cosmic Muffin plane boat
The Cosmic Muffin was the first watercraft to ever be constructed from a
land-based airplane, Howard Hughes’ prized Boeing B-307 no less, and was
converted into a houseboat in 1969 by private pilot Ken London. He
purchased the body for just $62.It took four years to convert the jet
into an exotic houseboat. Many of the original features - including the
cockpit - were left in place. The unique vessel was last docked in
Florida, where it was a popular tourist attraction.The aircraft seats
were removed to create more space in the main cabin area and smart
wooden flooring was added. However, the small plane windows remained in
place offering views across the marina.
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Former ferry
This former ferry is now a quaint houseboat ready for its next adventure
on the water. The boat has had a varied past that has seen it move
around the UK from Kent to Scotland, Cornwall to the Thames in London
and the Isle of Wight.The old ferry is now a comfortable home on the
water for anyone who wants to try out their sea legs. It boasts numerous
rooms including a dining area (left) and cosy snug (right).The bathroom
in the converted ferry features a large wooden tub, with some purple
mood lighting.
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