Bluefield Houseboats Launch In Style

In September 2016, Bluefield Houseboats welcomed a host of esteemed guests to their official launch held at a beautiful lakeside location near Carryduff.  The weather was kind and the prototype houseboat looked splendid in its new surroundings. 

A presentation including an introduction to the Bluefield Team and an outline of the company,  was followed by key speakers who supported the launch of this very exciting Northern Ireland company.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee, said: “Bluefield Houseboats has identified an emerging opportunity in the alternative property market.  It offers a custom built, high quality product that can be adapted for residential, retail and public space use.  It is fantastic to have this company operating in the Council area and what better place to showcase the company and their houseboats than at MIPIM UK.  We are keen to show investors the calibre of business that we have within our Council area and the level of support that the Council is able to offer them. On behalf of the Council I would like to commend Tony and his business partners on establishing Bluefield Houseboats and wish them every success in the alternative property market.”

Chairman of Bluefield Houseboats, Tony Reid, explains: “Bluefield Houseboats is the only houseboat manufacturer to receive both Building Control and Maritime & Coastguard Agency approval.  This offers an extra level of security to our product which is manufactured from high quality materials with a minimum 50 year design life. The bespoke houseboats abide by the classifications for both a land-based building and a water-based vessel. To minimize energy usage, the homes incorporate passive design principles to take advantage of natural heating, cooling, and ventilation. A SMART home automation system gives the owner control over energy usage, from appliances to light switches, using a smartphone or tablet." 

“We are delighted to be part of the Council’s Right Combination stand at MIPIM UK, with so many property experts under the one roof.  The number of people opting for houseboats instead of traditional homes is on the rise and Bluefield Houseboats wants to play a major role in this culture shift.  The support of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has been fantastic in getting the news of our product into the marketplace.”

After the presentation, guests were invited to look around the prototype houseboat on the private lake, followed by music and refreshments in the marquee.

Guests on the day included Simon Hamilton, Economy Minister NI, who officially cut the ribbon, Lord Brookeborough, Janet Grey and Gerry O’Connor.

Charity partner, Belfast Activity Centre provided watersports activity on the lake during the launch event.