Houseboat Refurbishment as seen on Discovery Home & Leisure Channel
We were engaged as interior design consultants for the final stages of this build which saw an empty metal Thames barge transformed into a luxury living space. The lower deck was built in to house two bedrooms, two bathrooms, some storage bulkheads and a large den and office area. Access to the lower deck is via a pair of spiral stairs, one at each end of the boat. The upper deck and superstructure are reserved for the main open plan living area which incorporates the kitchen, lounge, dining area and a large exterior sun-deck.
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We participated in a programme that was shot at the end of the summer 2003 when most of the structural work was complete. But it was early in 2004 before work allowed the final dressing to take place.
The main bedroom is situated at one end of the lower deck with the spacious en-suite bathroom occupying the prow. Ingenious use of stone cladding makes a real feature of the bath. Toilet and shower are "tucked away" into the corners leaving a real luxury of space in the centre of the room.
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The second bedroom and the second bathroom occupy the central section of the lower deck. The bedroom is perfect for guests and right next door the bathroom again flaunts a little luxury with its earth-tone stone tiling.
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The den is at the stern under the sun-deck. The large windows give a great view down the Thames and when the tide's in it is rather disconcerting to realise you are standing three feet below water level.
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The upper deck is the essence of the houseboat ideal. For London, this floor area of living space is rare to find outside of the most expensive penthouse apartments. It's always flooded with light and offers the added entertainment of moving around to the rhythm of the bow-waves from passing vessels. We would buy this home from our clients in a flash...but they won't let us have it, and who can blame them?
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The whole refurbishment was shown in a series of programmes on The Discovery Channel, first run during February and March 2004. The artwork seen throughout the Houseboat can be purchased from the artist.
Visit the owners' website at www.houseboat.tv for the whole story.
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