Contained in the World’s Most Extravagant Luxurious Houseboats and Floating Houses
Discover the most extravagant luxury houseboats around the world with our guide to the best houseboats and floating homes that money can buy.
With space on land becoming more difficult to come by in densely populated cities, luxury houseboats are starting to garner greater interest on the property market. But first, what exactly is a houseboat?
What is a houseboat?
The vessel is a crossover between a private yacht and an apartment, often decked out like a luxury apartment but offering unparalleled waterfront views and access to the water and surrounding marina facilities.
There is a distinct difference between a houseboat and a floating house however, and it’s important not to get the two confused; houseboats are more similar to yachts in that they can be moved to another location and are not anchored down and connected to the mainland via utility lines. Floating homes generally do not have an engine and though they offer a waterfront view, they cannot easily be cruised to a different location.
To inspire your search for the perfect luxury houseboat or floating home, take a look at some of the most expensive houseboat homes ever made, and the ones that are listed for sale right now.
10 of the world’s most incredible luxury houseboats and floating homes
1. Arkup 75 Liveable yacht Houseboat
Price: USD 4 million – 6 million
The Arkup 75 is a futuristic houseboat that offers owners the chance to dock in a metropolitan marina one day or anchor in a tranquil bay the next — while still offering a total living space of 4,350 square ft. The 75ft vessel comprises four ensuite bedrooms, a terrace and a swimming platform. Powered by an electric engines that provide a top cruising speed of 5 knots, the Arkup 75 houseboats also enable owners to live “off the grid” thanks to built-in rain water collection facilities and solar panels.
Created as a series project by French engineers Arnaud Luguet and Nicolas Derouin, the cost of a new-build Arkup 75 ranges from USD 4 million to USD 6 million depending on the levels of customisation required. According to Derouin, the first Arkup 75 has already been built and is being enjoyed by its owner in Miami. Another two Arkup 75 models are in production and the slightly smaller Arkup 40 will see five units delivered at the end of spring 2024.
arkup.com/arkup75
2. Cheyne Walk two-bedroom houseboat
Price: GBP 6,998 per month, for rent with Knight Frank real estate agency
Anchored in London’s upscale Chelsea neighbourhood, this beautifully outfitted houseboat offers 1,883 square ft of luxury living space just a stone’s throw from the landmarks of King’s Road, Chelsea Harbour and Battersea Park. Two generous ensuite bedrooms are accompanied by a light-filled open-plan kitchen and cosy living area, as well as a top deck terrace that’s perfect for taking in views of the iconic London skyline. Included in the monthly rent of GBP 6,998 are services including mail collection, 24-hour security and on-site support from the mooring maintenance team.
knightfrank.co.uk/cheyne-walk-chelsea-london-sw10
3. Cheyne Walk three-bedroom houseboat
Price: GBP 7,800 per month, for rent with Knight Frank real estate agency
For larger families looking for a luxury houseboat in the heart of London, Cheyne Walk also has some bigger vessels on offer – such as this three-bed boat which is easily recognisable thanks to the cheerful blue exterior.
The interior of this houseboat is spread over two floors, offering 1,830 square ft of living space along London’s iconic River Thames. At a cost of around GBP 93,600 per annum, tenants and their guests can fall asleep to the sound of lapping water in the three cosy bedrooms, with the master bedroom equipped with its own ensuite bathroom. The elegant open plan kitchen features stone worktops and is filled with light thanks to the glass sliding doors which lead out to the upper decks. The highlight of the property is the upper deck terrace, backdropped by a view of Chelsea and perfect for entertaining on a glorious summer’s day.
knightfrank.co.uk/cheyne-walk-chelsea-london-sw10
4. The Hollows houseboat complex
Price: GBP 900,000 with Savills real estate agency
Moored up next to Kew Bridge in West London, The Hollows occupies a prime location overlooking the city’s famous botanical gardens. The main floating residence comes complete with three generous bedrooms, a top deck terrace and a glass-fronted open plan living area. But The Hollows is not just a single houseboat. For a sales price of close to GBP 1 million, this unusual property comes as a package deal together with a secondary one-bedroom houseboat, a third mooring, a riverside garden and a dedicated parking space along the river bank. Savills suggests that the second houseboat and third mooring can accommodate additional family members or can be rented out, providing an extra revenue stream of around GBP 3,000 per month.
search.savills.com
5. The Floating Seahorse villa houseboat, Dubai
Price: AED 17.5 million
One of the many new residential developments built in the ever-changing city of Dubai, the Floating Seahorse is a project that encompasses 131 extravagant luxury houseboats. These high-tech floating homes offer just over 4,000 square ft of living space finished in a modern, minimalist design style. Key highlights include underwater rooms, overwater sunbathing decks, hammocks and dining areas as well as hot tub on the top floor. Able to connect to land via floating piers, residents are also to on-call, 24/7 room service.
thoe.com/the-floating-seahorse
6. Fennell Residence floating home
Price upon request.
This floating home was designed by architect Robert Oshatz and completed in 2005. It’s currently in Portland, Oregon, but can be towed to different locations should the owners wish to change up their view. Constructed largely out of Douglas Fir and Red Cedar wood, the home’s curved edges are designed to emulate the shape of waves. The interior spaces of the residence are spread over a total of 22,200 square ft of living areas finished in cherry woods. Features include two bedrooms, a cosy living room with a functioning fireplace, an office and a wine cellar, as well as outdoor terrace spaces for enjoying the views of the Willamette River.
oshatz.com/fennell
7. Floating home at 18, 10 E Roanoke Street
Price: USD 2.6 million with Sotheby’s Houseboats of Seattle
Waterfront city Seattle is unique for being a town with a long history of houseboat homes moored along Lake Union. Since they were first occupied by fishermen and boatbuilders in the 1920s, the houseboat market has developed into one offering ultra-luxurious homes with unparalleled views of the water. Currently on the market for over USD 2.5 million, this houseboat first built in 1982 offers nearly 2,000 square feet of living space and three bedrooms. Fireplaces in the bedrooms and living room keep the home cosy during colder months, while a top floor sundeck is the perfect spot to enjoy long summer evenings. Other highlights include a home-working office/study an additional 55 foot boat slip and on shore parking for two petrol or electric-powered cars as well as additional storage room.
for-sale.houseboatsofseattle.com
8. Floating home at Unit #5, 2369 Fairview Ave E
Price: USD 6.25 million
One of the most expensive properties ever sold by Houseboats of Seattle, this Belle Epoque-style floating mansion is one of the largest on Lake Union, costing the owners well over USD 6 million. Spanning three levels and nearly 3,000 square ft of living space, the home encompasses three generous bedrooms and a top deck terrace. The elaborate design features marble and bronze elements across the façade and mahogany wood finishes inside. Additional amenities include a gas fireplace, on-shore parking and an additional mooring with a 30 foot boat slip and lift.
houseboatsofseattle.com/timeless-elegance-on-lake-union/
9. Clove Hitch Quay houseboat
Price: GBP 2.25 million with River Homes
This multi-million property is a transformed Péniche barge that measures 39 metres in length. The home features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, a generous open-plan living space, a study and a Jacuzzi on the upper deck. Moored up between Battersea and Wandsworth on the South Bank of the River Thames’ owners are in an ideal location of Southwest London and with easy direct links to the city’s centre. Included in the purchase is a 24-hour concierge service and a parking space on shore.
riverhomes.co.uk/plantation-wharf-pier-battersea-sw11-2
10. Houseboat #40 Westlake Avenue N
Price: USD 430,000
One of the priciest Seattle houseboats sold by Sotheby’s last year, this property in the Downtown district offers stunning views of Lake Union and the city skyline. Sold for over USD 400,000, the property spans just over 600 square ft and features four bedrooms, an open-plan living and dining area complete with a cosy fireplace, a spacious top-deck terrace and a hot tub. A small tender boat was even included in the sale.
portal.onehome.com/en-US/properties
(Main image: Arkup; Featured image: Savills)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which country is famous for houseboats?
Houseboats can be found in various countries around the world, including the US, UK and Dubai.
Can a yacht be a houseboat?
Yes, a yacht can function as a houseboat, since the latter is essentially a cross between a yacht and an apartment and can be moved around.
Source: Prestige Online
