Faced with the challenge of securing a mortgage and unable to afford a traditional home, Jen decided to take a different approach—designing and building her own floating house. For over three years, she and her two children have been living aboard their houseboat, a fully functional and stylish home that perfectly suits their needs.

Jen’s vision began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create a boat with three bedrooms, a comfortable kitchen, and a cozy living space. Since houseboats with that specific layout were hard to find, she took matters into her own hands. She carefully sketched out a floor plan, selecting the placement of windows and optimizing the space to accommodate her family.

Once her plans were finalized, she hired professional boat builders to handle the steelwork. The entire structure, including the engine installation, was completed within seven weeks. The boat was then transported from Liverpool and launched into the water with the help of a crane. While the external structure was finished, there was still much work to be done before the houseboat felt like home.

The interior took another ten weeks to complete, bringing the total project time to 17 weeks. The steelwork and engine cost £87,000 ($112,000), with an additional £10,000 ($13,000) spent on furnishing and decorating the interior. Though the investment was significant, it was still a more affordable option compared to buying a house with a mortgage.

One of the main challenges of houseboat living is managing essential utilities, particularly water supply. Jen fills up the boat’s 1,000-liter tank using a hose or bottles while anchored. This supply lasts about two weeks before needing a refill. The boat also follows a continuous cruising requirement, meaning it must move every two weeks. Over the course of a year, it travels approximately 32 kilometers in one direction, offering Jen and her children an ever-changing view of their surroundings.

Inside, the houseboat is both functional and stylish. Jen installed a modern IKEA kitchen with ample counter space, making meal preparation easy and efficient. The open-plan layout allows for a seamless flow between the kitchen and the living area, which doubles as a workspace. Here, Jen conducts massage and holistic therapy sessions, taking full advantage of the tranquil setting her home provides.

Unlike many traditional homes, Jen’s houseboat does not have a television. Instead, her children have developed a love for reading and other creative activities. Each of their bedrooms is equipped with bunk beds that include extra storage, making the most of the compact space.

The bathroom is surprisingly spacious for a floating home. It features a luxurious double shower with a rainfall showerhead, offering a relaxing spa-like experience. To make the home more eco-friendly, Jen installed a composting toilet, which is a practical solution for life on the water.

Jen’s own bedroom is a peaceful retreat, featuring a full double bed, a cozy nook for morning tea, and a front deck where she enjoys watching the sunset. The deck provides a serene outdoor space that adds to the charm and tranquility of life on the water.

One of the most unique aspects of Jen’s floating home is the rooftop space. She and her children use it as a garden where they practice yoga, have meals, and relax while taking in the beautiful scenery. This extra outdoor area serves as an extension of their living space, offering fresh air and a peaceful retreat above the water.

Jen’s journey is an inspiring example of thinking outside the box when it comes to homeownership. While traditional paths to buying a home may be out of reach for many, her story demonstrates that alternative housing solutions can offer freedom, affordability, and a unique lifestyle. By designing and building her own houseboat, she created a home tailored to her family’s needs while embracing the simplicity and beauty of life on the water.

For anyone feeling discouraged by the challenges of homeownership, Jen’s story is a reminder that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Whether it’s a houseboat, a tiny home, or another unconventional living arrangement, exploring creative solutions can turn housing dreams into reality. Her experience proves that financial obstacles don’t have to stand in the way of building the perfect home—it just takes vision, determination, and the courage to do things differently.