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Throughout history, the call of open water has inspired many to live the life aquatic—and for good reason. There’s nothing like the sense of freedom, simplicity, and self-sufficiency that comes from charting a course and casting anchor in a sea, lake, or river. Floating homes are also resilient by nature, and they can help address some of the most pressing issues of our time, like flooding and rising sea levels. Read on to explore 20 charming dwellings that make a strong case for nautical living.

A Pint-Sized Houseboat Provides a Peaceful Refuge for a Budapest Couple

A Floating House on Lake Huron

The Floatwing by Friday

This prefabricated floating house was designed by a team from the University of Coimbra in Portugal. It can be built to order and shipped to almost anywhere in the world, and it’s designed to be entirely self-sustainable for up to a week at a time, enabling its occupants to take up residence in some of the world’s most remote lakes and rivers." layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Jose Campos" photoUserId=""/>

Mjölk Architekti’s Houseboat in Prague

This two-story residence by Mjölk Architekti floats in the heart of downtown Prague. The ground floor contains the kitchen, living areas, and bathroom, while the top floor houses a cozy bedroom nook with a skylight. The project was reconstructed from an old houseboat, and is anchored at the sailing club in Smichov." layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Mjölk architekti" photoUserId=""/>

A Scandinavian-Inspired Sauna That Floats Off the Maine Coast

The Adelante Houseboat

Known as the Andante, this 1984 houseboat was treated to a complete renovation, and it now features two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a large top deck. While the Andante has a nautical-inspired exterior, the interiors are finished in warm oak with Corian kitchen counters and stainless-steel appliances. " layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Special Agents Realty" photoUserId=""/>

A Timeless Home Fitted With Reclaimed Furniture

Built in 2013, the Chinampa Houseboat has a large, timber-framed skylight that bathes the space in light, while creating the perfect place to grow plants. With four 130-watt solar panels, the home can also operate 100 percent off the grid. Thoughtfully designed by its current owners, the Chinampa Houseboat's interiors include a curated collection of antiques and reclaimed furniture." layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Aucoot" photoUserId=""/>

The Eco Sea Cottage

Built in 2010, the Eco Sea Cottage is a darling houseboat in Seattle. Floating off Westlake Avenue, the 728-square-foot property includes a beautifully designed kitchen (with a dishwasher), a quaint master bedroom, a sleeping loft, and a spacious living area with a fireplace. " layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Special Agents Realty " photoUserId=""/>

This Breezy Floating Home Makes the Most of a Tranquil Setting Along Seattle’s Portage Bay

A Floating Prefab Rethinks the Houseboat

Port X is a buoyant dwelling designed for modular, modern living. Prague’s Atelier SAD developed the 1,076-square-foot houseboat with flexibility in mind—layouts can range from single-person dwellings to family-friendly homes. " layout="" credit="Courtesy of Tomáš Souček" photoUserId=""/>

A Family of Four Sets Sail Aboard Their Beloved Tugboat Named Lucy

The cofounders of The Brooklyn Home Company took their skills to sea and gave this 1983 Lord Nelson Victory tugboat a bow-to-stern revamp. The remodel took the couple nearly a year, and it involved rewiring electrical systems, restoring moldy and corroded parts, refinishing the teak and holly wood floors, and painting the interior in Farrow & Ball’s crisp Schoolhouse White. " layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Matthew Williams " photoUserId=""/>

Life in This Renovated Houseboat Would Be But a Dream

Each Day at This Floating Home Begins With a Swim, Just Two Feet From Bed

An Adorable Houseboat Named Olive in London

This 59-foot houseboat was designed in 2019 by its architect owners on Regents Canal in London, England. Despite its tiny footprint, the dwelling is fully equipped for modern-day living with bright and airy interiors." layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Aucoot " photoUserId=""/>

A Scandinavian-Inspired Converted Barge in London

In London’s Poplar Dock Marina sits a 1924 barge that has been transformed into a contemporary floating home with simple, sophisticated interiors. The historic Humber Keel cargo boat now contains two bedrooms, two baths, open living space, and terrace views. The open plan at the center provides spacious living and dining quarters with a galley kitchen. " layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of The Modern House " photoUserId=""/>

A Tiny, Solar-Powered Houseboat

A Modern Danish Houseboat

The Barge Yacht

A High-Tech Floating Home in Sausalito, California

A Floating Dwelling in Seattle’s Lake Union

Architect Eric Cobb was hired to design this 1,800-square-foot floating home for a Seattle couple. The house was prefabricated at a shipyard in Port Townsend, Washington, and it traveled by tugboat to its final destination in Lake Union." layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Steve Keating" photoUserId=""/>

Top photo courtesy of Tamás Bene.

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This Couple Merrily Floats Along in Seattle