We are Vic and Sami plus our two miniature schnauzers, Nero and Bianca – locally known as ‘the River Dogs’. We both work from home and need plenty of space with privacy and quiet.
‘Persevere’ has been an ideal choice for us, adding romance and charm while ticking all the practical boxes.
When the swans knock on our bedroom window in the morning to show us their newest fluffy brood of youngsters – and no doubt to teach them where to come for a handout – or when the dogs alert us to Mr Fox’s visit to the garden in the early evening, we are grateful to live in a place at peace with its surroundings. It’s a far cry from the apartment on Hove seafront from which we came with its constant noise and vibration of passing traffic…and its mortgage.
Early morning exercise is to take a walk with the dogs in Riverside Park which is where the Egret’s Way portion of the South Downs hiking and cycling trails begins. The park is some 18 hectares of reclaimed land with open access that is specially protected and encourages the growth and development of a wide variety of native species of plants and creatures. It provides a natural link with the adjacent South Downs National Park. Colonies of rabbits tease the dogs and foxes come to visit the boat seemingly curious to make contact with them.
Prolific crops of blackberries can be harvested in season, and those in the know can find know a tasty eating apple and a large pear tree. Wild marjoram, mint, mugwort and a range of other herbs can be gathered, dried and their aromas and benefits enjoyed as teas throughout the year. Purslane grows along the bank by the boat and can be washed and added to salads to give an extra tang. It’s good as a cardiac tonic and an anti-inflammatory and can be used in the treatment of osteoporosis and psoriasis.
Just the fact of living on a boat brings its own reassuring pleasures. The gentle rocking as we drift into sleep when it’s windy outside. Hearing the bubbles when the tide comes in and the hull lifts. Looking out at the rain across the water snug and warm in the midst of it and hearing the soft thunder of raindrops on the steel roof. Sitting with the front and rear doors pinned open to allow the welcome breeze to sweep through on a summer’s day.
In winter the gas central heating maintains a gentle background warmth but the log burner comes into its own. In fact, the first Christmas that we were in residence it got so hot in the sitting room that we spent the day in our underpants with the windows open! So getting a balanced heat is a matter of practice. Depending on the weather, we get through about two loads of kiln-dried fire logs across the winter season and splitting and carrying in the week’s supply of firewood is a regular task that also keeps you warm…and fit.
Another winter evening pastime is laying back in a warm bath with candles and spa salts when the boat is swaying gently in a breeze and the water swishes around you. Very relaxing!
Travelling from Medway to Newhaven