A wooden patio wraps around three-fourths of the house boat. The living room cushions can be removed and used on the deck. A ladder dips into the water for swimming in the summer. Photo 5 of 6 in 6 Modern Homes on the Water

6 Modern Homes on the Water

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In Berlin, Germany, brothers Chris and Oliver Laugsch bought a one-of-a-kind house boat for their vacation rental company, Welcome Beyond. Initially built as a home by a Dutch designer, the Modern House Boat is a three-room, 645-square-foot floating hotel. Instead of crisp sheets and room service, they offer a stellar city view and blissful peace and quiet.