1 Bed House Boat, Cheyne Walk, SW10

Bobbing along

Sunlight glinting upon the water, the call of geese and the chug of a passing barge….there is no better way to experience the very soul of London than to live on the Thames itself.  And here, at Chelsea Embankment, you’ll find a community of houseboats on Cheyne Walk moored and waiting.  Afloat it may be, but no luxury has been sacrificed -stripped wood floors, a wood-burning stove and a freestanding bath will leave you feeling deeply cosseted.  And the view.  When you’re ready, the shops and restaurants of Chelsea are waiting… but with a home as enchanting as this, you may find yourself reluctant to step ashore.

Make a splash

Access to the moorings is through a gate from Cheyne Walk onto the pontoons and up your own gang plank to the boat which has a stable door so you can be as social or private as you wish.  You’ll come first to the sitting room, with its pale woods and gentle fabrics.  The hand made bespoke coloured glass windows are Rothko-esque and lit at night from below.  When the sunshine falters there’s an antique French wood burner.  Step onto the deck for one of the best views in town  and stay awhile to chat to your neighbours or eat breakfast al fresco.

Downstairs, there’s a country-style eat in kitchen, a loo and a natural stone tiled shower room with a second loo.  And then, to the master bedroom, with its kingsized bed and, best of all, a designer bathtub… those for whom water really is the essence of life can lie back amidst the bubbles gazing dreamily at the river, just beyond the glass.   The view of pink and white Albert Bridge at night is spectacular.

The study area between kitchen and bathroom could be partitioned off to sleep a child or guest; the landlords are open to discussion about it.

The boat is heated by gas underfloor heating, has full mains services for water, gas and electricity and super fast broadband and cable TV from BT.

On dry land

The King’s Road is one of London’s most glamorous destinations, where world-leading boutiques sit alongside chic cafes and snazzy bars. Spend an afternoon at the Curzon cinema, eat in Gordon Ramsay’s flagship, triple Michelin-starred restaurant, or walk over to Kensington and the museums. The tube from Sloane Square to Oxford Circus takes around ten minutes.

This home is a house boat so you will feel some slight movement as the tide comes in and out, and hear some creaks and noises. It is all part of the charm.

Reality checks; the internal living space is about 750sq ft so about the size of an average one bed flat.  Ceiling height upstairs (top deck) in the sitting room is about 7ft, downstairs a little higher.