House boats are becoming a popular, more affordable way to live in cities — 26 photos show what they're like inside

Caroline FoxJun 13, 2020, 00:57 IST

A houseboat docked in London.Photo courtesy of Aucoot

In major cities around the world, houseboats and floating homes are becoming increasingly popular, offering people a chance to live near cities while avoiding high real estate prices.
Their mobility also allows homeowners great flexibility.
Hannah Widders, the owner of a houseboat docked in the UK, told Insider she's still getting used to the small space but loves living among nature while having access to the city.

In recent years, demand for houseboats and docking space in major cities has risen. Houseboats offer a rare chance to live in close proximity to a city but oftentimes at a relatively cheaper price than conventional real estate.

One houseboat owner, Hannah Widders, is still getting used to the small space after more than five years. But she told Insider she loves the flexible lifestyle and the chance to live among nature while also staying near a city.

Here are 26 photos of houseboats that may inspire you to live on the water.

Houseboats, which used to be a more nomadic, alternative living choice, are now a trendy way to live near popular cities.

Hannah Widders' houseboat docked in Gloucestershire. Photo courtesy of Hannah Widders

Widders has always loved being in nature, and a boat provided the tranquility that comes with being on the water.

The interior of Widders' houseboat. Photo courtesy of Hannah Widders

Widders eventually purchased her boat for around $24,000.

Sunlight streaming through into Widders' kitchen. Photo courtesy of Hannah Widders

The houseboat allows her the freedom to easily move around for different job opportunities.

Afternoon light floods Widders' entire houseboat. Photo courtesy of Hannah Widders

The mobility is also perfect for taking the boat on weekend trips.

Widders' bedroom features a nautical window. Photo courtesy of Hannah Widders

The London real estate market offers other upscale houseboats, like this one, as a trendy way to live in the heart of the city.

A houseboat docked in London. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

Plenty of houseboat interiors are painted white to help the space feel larger.

A view of the kitchen and living room area. Photo Courtesy of Aucoot

Buying a houseboat that is completely remodeled, like this one in Regents Canal in London, can be an advantage.

Most of the furniture on this boat has been custom built to fit inside. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

The bedroom has a double bed, as well as a fitted wardrobe.

The bedroom can fit a double bed. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

But you might need to get creative with storage space on a houseboat.

The kitchen table facing bright windows. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

It's not uncommon for houseboat owners to cut down on their belongings to make way for the essentials.

This boat is minimalist with touches of personality. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

Not every houseboat is small: This 1,250-square-foot houseboat has three bedrooms.

A 1,250-square-foot houseboat. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

It even has two floors. Its top deck features an open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen.

The boat is docked on the south coast of the United Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

It has three bedrooms, including this one with under-bed storage.

The bed has extra storage built in. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

While bathrooms can be small, this modern bathroom features a finished tub and plenty of natural light.

The bathroom is full of natural light. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

The wooden flooring in the houseboat was taken from a Victorian school that dated back to 1865, according to the listing.

The living room area. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

While storms may force houseboat owners to come inside, an open yet cozy space still awaits them.

A view of the open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

Houseboats come in all shapes and sizes. This wide beam canal boat is also docked in London.

Houseboat. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

With windows on both sides, there is always natural light and never a bad view from inside the boat.

Everything inside the boat is handmade. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

More modernized houseboats feature additions to enhance the owner's comfort, such as this houseboat, which has underfloor heating.

The stovetop overlooks the water. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

The steps and seating on this boat are all designed to open up for extra storage, and a television is concealed on the wall.

The sofa can be larger than usual because of added storage beneath it. Photo courtesy of Aucoot

Found in St. Petersburg, Russia, this floating home has four bedrooms.

A residential floating home in St. Petersburg, Russia. Alexander Demianchuk\TASS via Getty Images

The floating home has two stories, four bedrooms, and a fireplace.

The Afonin family sitting down at their dining room table. Alexander Demianchuk\TASS via Getty Images

The floating home has separate rooms, offering family members privacy and helping the space feel larger.

The separate bedrooms allow for privacy. Alexander Demianchuk\TASS via Getty Images

Instead of keeping a garden on the dock, the family has enough space for a trampoline.

One of the daughters jumps on the trampoline outside. Alexander Demianchuk\TASS via Getty Images

Floating homes and houseboats offer a unique living situation — and a sense of community.

The home and workshop of French architect Jacques Rougerie, docked in Paris. Catherine Panchout/Sygma via Getty Images

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