This 215-Square-Foot Houseboat Is So Cozy and Cute (I Want to Move In)

published Nov 12, 2024

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About this tour

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Home Type

Houseboat

Location

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Style

Eclectic

Bedrooms

Square feet

215

Sq ft

215

Manon Hoskam bought this boat after she sold the house she had owned with her ex-boyfriend. “I made a bit of money on the sale, but the housing market in Amsterdam had gone crazy and I couldn’t afford a house I actually liked, so I found this boat on the Dutch eBay and renovated it! I figured it’s better than renting an expensive apartment and it would be a great adventure!” the illustrator and calligrapher begins.

Credit: Manon Hoskam

"The Wheelhouse is a bright a lovely space that I use as a dining room," Manon writes. "The rug was bought in a little vintage shop in Amsterdam Old West, the stool is IKEA through eBay" and the "green chair was picked up from the street by a friend. The book bench was designed by my dad and made by my colleagues at Houthandel van Steen. The green chair got a makeover in black."

“The boat isn’t an official residence, so I registered at my mum and dad’s place and put the boat in a marina in Amsterdam so I would always have my own space in the city. The boat can still sail, so after the renovation I took it out on a few sunny adventures!” she explains of the boat that reflects her creative, colorful personality. Manon says the home is full of her handmade art and ceramics.

Credit: Manon Hoskam

"The upper back deck is my favorite place in summer," Manon writes. "The tiny rug was bought at the Ijhallen flea market in Amsterdam. The large outside rug was a gift from my boyfriend. The chairs we picked up at the annual Kings Day flea market; they once lived in an art shop that was closing down. At Kings Day almost the whole city turns into a flea market!"

“Life aboard is outdoorsy and fun, especially in summer, with long evenings on the deck and wonderful sunsets. It also comes with it’s challenges, though — there’s always some DIYing to do and winters can get cold, although I have a lovely cozy fireplace aboard,” Manon writes of the home she describes as “creative, colorful, and cozy.”

Credit: Manon Hoskam

"I ripped out part of the old kitchen cabinets to create more space in the kitchen. The new kitchen fronts and walnut kitchen top and shelf were made by my lovely colleagues at the woodworking shop where I work part-time. The sink and tap were bought online — I can't remember where. The green jug is from Motel a Miio,and the red and lilac jug I made myself," Manon describes of the kitchen.

Resources

Living room cushions — Made by Manon with the “help of a friend who is a seamstress.”
Living room blanket — Crocheted by Manon’s mother
Stripe-y living room pillow — H&M Home
Flower pillow in the living room — HK Living
Hamsa hand artwork — Bought in Cuba
Old ship lamp — Donated to Manon by a “friend of my parents who is also a boat person.”
Ceramic houses — “Gifts that you get on KLM flights; they have Dutch gin in them.”
Wood burner/fireplace — Was in the boat when Manon bought it
Living room round rug — H&M Home

Thanks, Manon!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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