Make Yourself at Home in One of These Small Spaces on Boats That You Can Rent
Moored along rivers, lakes, and canals, these homes on the water offer easy access to land during the day—and gentle waves that will rock you to sleep at night. We scoured some of the world’s most interesting waterways to find 10 floating abodes that are surprisingly modern.
The Great Escape in Copenhagen
"If you're on the run, you can hide at our place. It's close to the sea and close to the sky, but it's far from everything else," reports Claus, the owner of The Great Escape, a two-bedroom houseboat in Copenhagen with a hip, industrial feel.
The London boutique barge hotel brand, Bert's Barges, offers the ultimate floating suites with simple and sophisticated Scandinavian interiors, wood-burning stoves, underfloor heating, bathrooms with walk-in showers, and a private roof terrace.
Located in Zaandam in North Holland—just a 15-minute car or train ride from Amsterdam—this 1930s freight barge has been transformed into The Jolie, a cool, contemporary floating abode that has loft-like interiors, a rain shower, and sauna.
Moored in the stylish area of Holesovice in Prague, the sleek and contemporary Port X houseboat has floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces, a fully-equipped kitchenette, Italian sofa bed from Vlbieffe, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Located in a peaceful marina in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, this compact and cozy houseboat was gutted and refurbished with reclaimed materials and can house three people comfortably.
Moored in Lake Rummelsburg in Berlin, this 60-square-meter houseboat has full-height windows that open to views of the water and the city horizon. It has a large living area, open kitchen, and a fireplace—and can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children.
The Harbour Houseboat, which offers stunning views across Bembridge Harbour in Isle of Wight, has a commodious open-plan living space and kitchen—and warmly furnished rooms that boast plush Loaf beds.
Moored on the Java Island just a short distance from Amsterdam’s old city and Central Station, Somoya’s Saloon is a studio abode on the upper deck of a classic steering ship with its own private bathroom, kitchenette, double bed, and lounge area.
Spend the night on this steampunk-meets-cottage canal boat, and rise to the sounds of birdsong on London's River Thames.
This large Parisien péniche with modern furnishings has a spacious sunny terrace with an outdoor kitchen and more than 20 river-facing windows.
Published
Last Updated
Get the Dwell Newsletter
Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.