There’s something alluring and romantic about the idea of living on the water, so it’s not surprising that floating homes are so popular. We associate being on the water with a simpler life that’s lived at a slower pace, and many of us have fantasised about living on a boat, barge or houseboat at some point in our lives.

Luxury floating homes give you a gentler pace of life that allows you to leave the frenetic world behind and enjoy living in a natural environment, without giving up your home comforts! 

Natural spaces are good for well being

There is a wealth of research showing that connecting to nature is tremendously beneficial for our health and well being. People who feel connected to nature tend to be happier because natural surroundings help reduce stress, improve sleep and generate positive emotions, creativity and better mental health. During lockdown, 73% of the UK population found that access to nature helped them manage their mental health. And the more active you are at connecting with nature, the greater the benefits. 

Water is an important part of the equation, and studies looking at the positive effects of blue spaces are also hugely beneficial. The Blue Mind Movement collects scientific evidence which shows “how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success”. This explains why we’re so drawn to lakes, rivers and the sea.

In a 2019 study, researchers from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter Medical School concluded that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is beneficial for health and wellbeing. If just two hours a week exposure to green and blue spaces helps so much, imagine the benefits of having a waterside lifestyle, where you're permanently nestled alongside the UK's flora and fauna.

Nature doesn’t have to be uncomfortable 

Initially, you may not associate living in a floating home with luxury and comfort, but it doesn’t have to be cramped, uncomfortable or inconvenient in the slightest. Living in a luxury floating home, there’s no difference in convenience than living in a landlocked bricks and mortar home. You’re connected to the electricity, have full heating, and your bathroom is fully plumbed in. You'll have a fully equipped kitchen and you'll probably also have enough space to add a dining area if you enjoy entertaining or eating with your family. When it comes to child development, there are many behavioural and nutritional benefits to be gained by having regular family dinners. 

Whether you want to live in your floating home permanently or use it as a holiday home, bespoke floating homes can be as large as you need them to be, so there’s no feeling of being in a cramped space and no need to watch out for low ceilings. Many are spacious with enough space for double bedrooms with en suite, as well as a family bathroom.

By adding an office or office area, working from home takes on a whole new meaning. With a peaceful location on the water overlooking the stunning views, you're bound to notice an increase in creativity and productivity.

The main difference from living in an ordinary home is that you can be connected to nature 24/7. Flora, fauna and water are literally just outside your window so you can sit back and take it all in whenever you want to, not just when the weather’s good enough and you’ve got time to take a trip into the countryside. And in the summer, it's glorious to be able to sit on your deck and enjoy watching the dragonflies dart across the water and listening to the birds singing.

What you might see that others miss

If you've chosen a tranquil waterside setting for your floating home, you will always be surrounded by wildlife. Everyone is used to seeing ducks, geese and swans, but they're just a small proportion of what you can see if you wait long enough.

When you’re a permanent resident on the water, the local wildlife will start recognising you as friendly neighbours and will become less timid of your presence. When there are a lot of people around doing recreational activities, many birds and mammals will stay away, preferring to wait until it’s quieter to go about their business. As you’ll still be there when everyone else has gone, you’re more likely to spot the shyer creatures like kingfishers, water voles, and otters.

At dusk you’re likely to see bats hunting for midges and other insects. The good news is that the tiny Common Pipistrelle - the type of bat you’re most likely to see - can eat up to 3,000 flies, midges and mosquitoes in one night.

A truly unique home

We specialise in building bespoke floating homes, hand built by artisan carpenters using sustainable timber. All our floating homes are designed to have a low carbon footprint and are fully insulated to keep your energy use as low as possible. Our interior designer will work with you to create and install a stunning and original look for your new home that has been designed to compliment your new waterside location.

Click here to find out more about our past projects, then contact us to discuss your vision for your own river-based lifestyle.