“What’s it like living on a boat?”. We have probably been asked that question a thousand times since we first took up residence on ‘Persevere’ over a decade ago. Now that we are considering downsizing with retirement, we thought that we would put some information together for those who may be interested in a life in a floating home as an option.
Many people are attracted by the idea of an alternative lifestyle and the quiet independence of life afloat, but imagine it to be a life of cold, damp and tempest-tossed hardship. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our purpose-built residential houseboat is triple-insulated, double-glazed, has four double bedrooms, gas central heating, extensive storage and is way bigger than the apartment on Brighton seafront from which we moved here. Super cosy in winter – especially with the log burner blazing – and cool in summer – with a breeze from the sea.
Located in the tidal reaches of the River Ouse at Newhaven, behind Denton Island and alongside the protected natural greenery of Riverside Park, we are near to town, midway between the metropolitan bustle of Brighton and the quieter pleasures of Eastbourne, yet very secluded on a dedicated mooring in the corner of a secure but simple marina. We even have our own vegetable garden!
