Gary’s Recently Restored 1925 Houseboat in London
Name: Gary Marshall
Location: Poplar Dock Marina, London
Size: 92 square meters (or just under 1000 square feet)
Years lived in: 3 Months
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Have you ever dreamed of living on a boat? I know I have. But while it sounds romantic, I’ve always been worried about having to live in a too-cramped space or a home filled with too many “nautical” themes. Gary’s houseboat blows any preconceived notions about a houseboat right out of the water! (Pun very intended.)
From Gary:
“I have just completed a total refit of a 1925 Humber Keel boat, named Beecliffe. It is now a contemporary living environment in the heart of Canary Wharf, but on the water.
The boat is 19 metres [about 20 yards] in length and a width of 5 metres [about 5.5 yards] with a working engine. Beecliffe now has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sitting area and kitchen. A wheel room and of course a sun deck. Stylistically it has a light and airy Scandinavian feel, but still retains many original features that have been bought back to life and marry perfectly with the modern.”
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: A mixture of traditional nautical mixed with Scandi chic.
Inspiration: The elements.
Favorite Element: The restored original sailors sleeping berths.
Biggest Challenge: Updating a 1925 working boat into a modern living space fit for 2016.
What Friends Say: WOW!
Biggest Embarrassment: When the subject of how the toilet facilities work comes up. The boat actually has been fitted with a full working pump out system.
Proudest DIY: The crash pod off the main bedroom.
Biggest Indulgence: The entire re-plumbing.
Best Advice: To make sure on a boat there is adequate heating. Winter can be tough if you skimp on this.
Resources
PAINT & COLORS
- Shades of blue, grey, mustard and burnt orange
LIVING ROOM
- Wood burning Stove: Original Goodin
- Wax Block Installation in Perspex Boxes: Jo Chapman
- Sofa: Gplan Vintage
- Armchair” Restored 1960s Greaves and Thomas Egg Chair in Bute Fabric
- Kelim Rug: Ferm Living
- Cushions: Hem Design
- Side Table: Pols Potten
- Task Floor Light: Jielde Task
- Bulb Floor Lamp: Harry Koskinan
- White Modular Shelving: The Goodingham Brothers
DINING ROOM
- Dining Table & Benches: Brunel by Heals
- Dipped Terra-cotta Light: Hand and Eye Studio London
- Wax Block Installations in Perspex Boxes: Jo Chapman
KITCHEN
- Kitchen Cabinets and Appliance Cabinets: The Goodingham Brothers using Sapele Wood (which is similar to mahogany and is used by Cadillac on their interior trims.)
BEDROOM
- Paneled bed, desk and wardrobes are all Sapele wood
- Rug: Linne Design
- Desk Chair: Restored Benn Chair in Abraham Moon Fabric
- Cement Wall Clock: Wild and Wood
BATHROOM
- Floor tiles for both bathrooms: Circular encaustic cement
- Tower Ladder: Hem Design
OTHER
- Front double berth sleeping compartments. Restored from original 1925 fittings.
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