This month, Chiswick Pier Trust in conjunction with The Thames Society, will host a talk by Dr Scott Pereira
History, Heritage & Houseboats. The presentation will explore the tradition of living on boats and why vintage working craft, such as those moored at Chiswick, make popular residences.
Habitation has helped to preserve these heritage boats and enhance the diversity of properties available to buy in W4. Many older locals still remember the days when places like Chiswick, Isleworth and Brentford were busy river ports for national and international trade.
A buoyant market
Over the past four years, the number of boat dwellers in London has risen by more than 50 per cent. Around ten thousand Londoners now live at least part of the time along the Thames and the capital's extensive 100-mile canal network.
There is no shortage of celebrity fans either, with Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd, actress Imogen Stubbs, daredevil Bear Grylls, former ‘Dragon’ Simon Woodruffe and artist Damien Hirst all owning or living in a houseboat at some point in their lives.
A vibrant community of boat owners lives at Chiswick Pier, which has eight residential moorings. The boats are called Cecilia, The Cube, Libra, Radiant, Regatta, Reliance, Ventana and Victory.
Tempted to take the plunge?
Occasionally houseboats in W4 come up for sale, and currently
River Homes has two available with guide prices of £390k and £550k. Chiswick moorings benefit from being on the cusp of London while looking towards natural, almost rural riverbanks.
Are houseboats cheaper than bricks and mortar?
The
Canal and River Trust advises people not to see boats as a cheap option, warning of ‘hidden costs and maintenance jobs’. The Trust estimates that mooring varies from £2,000 plus in London and insurance is around £200. A boat licence costs up to £1,100 and a safety certificate will set you back £150. Fuel, maintenance and pumping out will add another £100-£200 a year. Read the Canal & River Trust London
Market Area Report.
Mooring sites in W4 include Chiswick Marina
If you like the idea of life along the Thames but you’re a landlubber at heart
Chiswick Quay is a community of 68 town houses surrounding a marina. Every house overlooks either the marina or the Thames. The roads on the estate, Chiswick Quay and Ibis Lane, are cul-de-sacs off Hartington Road.
Chiswick Marina is just upstream of Chiswick Bridge (A316). It is on the tidal section of the Thames with access via a lock, operational up to two hours either side of high tide.
Chiswick Pier event details
This month's talk will focus on why planners and developers should be encouraged to consider heritage boats for people who want to live afloat. Tickets are £3, or free to members of the Chiswick Pier Trust and The Thames Society. More information
here.
Tempted to take the plunge?
Occasionally houseboats in W4 come up for sale, and currently River Homes has two available with guide prices of £390k and £550k. Chiswick moorings benefit from being on the cusp of London while looking towards natural, almost rural riverbanks.
Are houseboats cheaper than bricks and mortar?
The Canal and River Trust advises people not to see boats as a cheap option, warning of ‘hidden costs and maintenance jobs’. The Trust estimates that mooring varies from £2,000 plus in London and insurance is around £200. A boat licence costs up to £1,100 and a safety certificate will set you back £150. Fuel, maintenance and pumping out will add another £100-£200 a year. Read the Canal & River Trust London Market Area Report.
Mooring sites in W4 include Chiswick Marina
If you like the idea of life along the Thames but you’re a landlubber at heart Chiswick Quay is a community of 68 town houses surrounding a marina. Every house overlooks either the marina or the Thames. The roads on the estate, Chiswick Quay and Ibis Lane, are cul-de-sacs off Hartington Road.
Chiswick Marina is just upstream of Chiswick Bridge (A316). It is on the tidal section of the Thames with access via a lock, operational up to two hours either side of high tide.
Chiswick Pier event details
This month's talk will focus on why planners and developers should be encouraged to consider heritage boats for people who want to live afloat. Tickets are £3, or free to members of the Chiswick Pier Trust and The Thames Society. More information here.
