Floating a solution to high price of homes
Apr 1 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
FLOATING homes may be all the rage on canals in Amsterdam or Mediterranean marinas.
But will they catch on in Byker?
The answer is a resounding yes, according to boat-builder John Flynn and marina boss Brian Hunt, who have just sold their first houseboat – a craft called Molly – for £94,000.
It is moored in St Peter’s Basin, Byker, Newcastle.
They reckon houseboats like Molly will add a touch of the exotic to the marina, on the north bank of the Tyne.
Mr Flynn, who runs LeSkerne boat-builders at Trimdon Grange, Durham, said his workforce took 14 weeks to complete the first houseboat on St Peter’s Basin, but more were expected to follow.
“They can be used for holiday homes or permanent homes. With house prices so high, you would be hard-pressed to buy a run-down terraced property for that price,” he added.
Molly was bought by a businessman from Northumberland who spends his weeks in London and weekends in the North East.
With two berths, it means there is room for his three teenage daughters to stay in one berth on the 43ft-long craft, while he sleeps in the other.
Molly comes with en-suite toilets and showers, solid wood floors and panelling, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, double sink, oven, hob, microwave washer/dryer, widescreen TV, stove and central heating.
Mr Hunt, a director of St Peter’s Marina, said: “We are hoping to sell and moor between six and 10 houseboats here. These type are unique to Britain.
“Other people may own boats which they have converted to live in, but these houseboats are specifically built to live in.
“They are not equipped to sail the high seas but the owner can transport them by road, which allows flexibility.
“For example, my daughter is a doctor in Norwich but is moving to Aberdeen.
“If she owned one of these, she could simply take her home with her when she changes jobs.”
St Peter’s is also offering single berth houseboats for sale at £80,000.
Mr Hunt added: “They would be ideal for single people working in Newcastle city centre, and much cheaper than a city-centre apartment.
“Or they could be bought by people looking for a floating weekend retreat.
“What we are offering are cost-effective alternatives to traditional land-based properties.”
