Living on the river thames

Prev

• 
• 

Next

View gallery

If you fancy a Robinson Crusoe existence – within 20 minutes of Waterloo – living on one of several habitable islands along the River Thames might just float your boat.

And contrary to popular misconception, living the island life does not have to break the bank. While some land properties might not give you much change from a million pounds, house boats are a cheaper alternative.

The islands lie in the west London stretch between Twickenham and Windsor. Most are accessible only by footbridge, some by chain link ferry and only a couple have a road bridge.

Most have houses, but some are occupied solely by houseboats. Each island has its own unique character and many people, once they have moved off the mainland, stay for life.

“It’s very rare we have to sell the idea of living on an island,” says Paul Daniell, of Waterview estate agents.

“We passionately believe people come to us because they want this peaceful existence. They’ve made up their minds before they come. It’s a lifestyle choice, and a dream for many.”

Property manager Linda Turner lives on Taggs Island near Hampton Court where there are no houses and residents buy a plot of land to keep as a garden and for parking.

“Driving along Hampton Court Road, I used to see them every day,” she says.

“Originally we bought the houseboat as a second home, but the more time I spent here, the less I liked bricks and mortar.”

Turner’s home was designed to her own specification, costing £400,000.

It stands three storeys high, measures 230 square metres and has three bedrooms. And, of course, every room has a river view.

There are some considerations before diving in to the river market though. Insurance for houseboats is classified as marine and for a high-end home can cost as much as £1,800 per year.

There is still little difference between insuring water front homes on the mainland or on an island and getting a mortgage can prove problematic.

The upside is that prices are usually cheaper than the mainland, and even the recent flooding need not be a problem when your house floats.

www.riverhomes.co.uk

www.waterview.co.uk