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

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.”

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.

• Shades of blue, grey, mustard and burnt orange

• 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 Table & Benches: Brunel by Heals
• Dipped Terra-cotta Light: Hand and Eye Studio London
• Wax Block Installations in Perspex Boxes: Jo Chapman

• 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.)

• 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

• Floor tiles for both bathrooms: Circular encaustic cement
• Tower Ladder: Hem Design

• Front double berth sleeping compartments. Restored from original 1925 fittings.

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