A Couple’s Unconventional London Home: A Houseboat on the Water
As a dual citizen of the U.S. and the U.K., Maisy Dewey always dreamed of living in London. Her mother is American and her father was born and raised in London. Dewey’s parents lived between London and the U.S. before eventually settling in New Jersey, where she grew up. She and her sisters would regularly fly to England’s capital during school breaks and summer vacation to visit their grandmother, who still lives there.
A New Chapter in London
In 2022, the 25-year-old and her fiancé, Harrison Kent, had been living in Philadelphia for two years. They decided to make the move to London after Kent was accepted to his dream master’s program, the Kingston University Masters of Product & Furniture Design.
Preparing for the Move
Preparations for their transatlantic move began soon after. The couple started having yard sales every weekend in the lead up to their August 2023 move and sold almost all of their belongings, bringing in an estimated $3,000 to help fund their move.
Finding the Perfect Home
But finding their perfect London home while still living in Philadelphia was harder than expected. They would send out inquiries before going to bed, and by the time they woke up, had already been informed that the spots were taken. With their move looming, Dewey and Kent decided to do a short-term rental and continue searching for a more permanent living arrangement from London.
A Stroke of Luck
After several months of looking, the couple thought they found their perfect home. But just before they went to tour it, the listing agent informed them it had been taken. The agent then said he had another space by the water to show them. When they told him a waterfront property was likely out of their budget, he clarified that it was in the water, not on it. Soon, they were on their way to tour a moored houseboat.
Living on the Water
Though they were skeptical about living on a boat, especially as the owners of a 2-year-old Dalmatian, Kipper, Dewey and Kent kept their minds open. The 65-ft long widebeam boat features a living room, two bedrooms, full bathroom, and a kitchen. The couple signed a two-year lease in November 2023 at a rate of roughly $2,200 per month.
A Sense of Community
Living on a boat comes with some unique responsibilities, including needing to refill its water tank every few days with tap water supplied by the dock. It’s a trade-off they’re happy to accept in exchange for living somewhere with as much outdoor space as indoor space. The couple has been living aboard their houseboat for over six months and don’t see themselves leaving anytime soon.
Conclusion
Maisy Dewey and her fiancé, Harrison Kent, have found an unconventional yet perfect home in London. Their houseboat on the water has given them a sense of community and camaraderie with their neighbors. They have found a unique balance between living in a small space and having plenty of outdoor space to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you find your houseboat?
A: We found our houseboat through a real estate agent who showed us a few options. We were skeptical at first, but the agent convinced us to take a look at this particular boat.
Q: What made you decide to live on a boat?
A: We were looking for a unique living experience, and the houseboat offered us that. Plus, it’s a great way to be close to the water and enjoy the outdoors.
Q: How do you like living on a boat?
A: We love it! It’s a great way to live, and we feel like we’re part of a community. We’ve made some great friends here, and it’s a really special place to live.
Q: What are some of the challenges of living on a boat?
A: One of the biggest challenges is having to refill the water tank regularly. But it’s a small price to pay for the unique experience of living on the water.
Q: Do you plan on staying on the boat long-term?
A: Yes, we do. We’ve signed a two-year lease, and we’re really happy here. We don’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon.
