At Bluefield Houseboats we have created a range of unique and modern houseboats that truly redefine life on water. Whether it is a permanent residence or a holiday getaway in a marina or on a lake, our innovative designs cater for all your needs.  Additionally, because of their versatility, some of our designs are also suitable for commercial applications such as floating offices, floating restaurants, floating cafes, floating gyms or floating retail spaces. We are redefining the very concept of a houseboat, with all the same comforts you would expect from an on land home, offering a new, exciting and alternative way of living on water. Our commitment extends beyond the present, as we design and manufacture houseboats with a firm focus on the future.

What is a houseboat?

Houseboats, as the name suggests, are boats which are used as houses and in many countries across the world have been a mainstay for decades and even centuries. Presently, due to the shortage of and subsequent expense of available sites, the number of people opting to live on houseboats is gaining popularity. With environmental issues, including flooding, becoming a global concern, the need for alternative and sustainable housing solutions is increasing.

So what does the term houseboat mean to others and where does Bluefield Houseboats fit within this market?

A narrowboat is a houseboat of a distinctive design, made to fit the narrow canals of the United Kingdom and they must be under 7 feet (approx. 2m) wide and 72 feet long (approx. 21m) to navigate most of the British canal network. They can be used for holidays, touring, or as permanent or part-time residences.

Apart from the narrowboat, probably the most stereotypical houseboat is the converted or adapted boat. These houseboats are normally individually converted ships / vessels / barges, with or without engines, which have been adapted for use as a permanent residence. The most common are built on a steel hull with a timber framed construction above the waterline. The build and finish quality of these types of houseboat vary considerably and tend to be at the lower end of the market. The majority of these houseboats on the market seem to be sold with a mooring, therefore the location is more a factor in the price as opposed to the intrinsic value of the houseboat itself. 

There are also numerous examples across Europe of private clients commissioning bespoke houseboats. These one-off, architect designed floating homes vary considerably in design, size, layout and materials used. They are predominantly constructed on concrete pontoons, secured with piles and connected to the bank with gangways and marina type floating walkways. 

There are a small number of companies in Europe who manufacture houseboats commercially and they are generally constructed using a type of concrete hull and plastic pontoons, with a timber framed structure above the waterline. These are available in both single and two storeys and probably bear the closest resemblance to what we are bringing to the market. 

Bluefield Houseboats is offering a mainstream solution which provides clients with the design quality of the one-off, architect designed floating home, but our vision is to create high quality, usable space on the water which is accessible to all and offers a viable option for living on the water without compromise.  Our design team can deliver a turnkey solution with prices to suit all budgets, depending on the clients requirements, making our products more accessible and a more commercially viable alternative to living on land.  We offer standard houseboat designs as well as bespoke houseboats with a full in-house service from design and manufacture to delivery and installation.

If you have any queries or require any additional information, please get in touch with the Bluefield Team at [email protected] or Tel 028 9099 7140.