Step aboard 10 stunning houseboats around the world

Moored-up mansions around the world

Houseboats are often associated with cramped interiors, low ceilings and awkward living spaces, but these breathtaking properties prove that not all floating homes are made equal.

Featuring stylish décor, luxurious extras and jaw-dropping views, these high-end houseboats will make you want to pack your bags and live life on the water. Read on and leave your expectations on dry land, because these million-dollar residences are anything but ordinary.

Aurora houseboat, Washington, USA

Described by the listing agents as "The Queen of Lake Union", this spectacular houseboat in Seattle, Washington highlights exactly how envy-inducing a floating home can be.

Moored in the bohemian neighbourhood of Fremont, the Aurora was built in 2012 and offers drama, sophistication and space in abundance.

Aurora houseboat, Washington, USA

With a signature style rarely seen in houseboats, the property was inspired by the architecture of the Gamble House in Pasadena, an iconic American Craftsman designed by Greene & Greene.

To match the home's classical style, Aurora boasts exposed rafters, handcrafted stone and wood accents and pretty sash windows. Yet there's an undeniable nautical aesthetic, too, and the house was even crafted by local shipwrights.

Aurora houseboat, Washington, USA

The houseboat is laid out over two floors and features 4,800 square feet of interior space. It comes complete with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, as well as a gorgeous kitchen, living room, dining area, sunroom and snug.

The master suite boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling, a large ensuite and a mezzanine den, from which stunning views can be savoured.

Aurora houseboat, Washington, USA

This houseboat comes packed with surprising extras, too, and boasts its very own luxurious screening room, designed to accommodate eight people.

With uncompromising views and incredible attention to detail, this beautiful houseboat really is in a league of its own. The property most recently hit the market for £3.1 million ($3.9m). We think it's worth every single penny.

Luxury floating home, Oregon, USA

While it may look like your average upscale family home, this miraculous property is actually floating, moored on the beautiful Hayden Island just off the coast of Portland, Oregon.

With enormous windows showcasing breathtaking river views, this home is designed to maximise its scenic location and waterfront access.

Luxury floating home, Oregon, USA

With an open floor plan, the main storey offers a spacious living and dining area complete with vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace and a wall of windows which flood the room with natural light.

A particular highlight is the sociable kitchen, which comes complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a cooking island which enables chefs to entertain during meal prep.

Luxury floating home, Oregon, USA

The home boasts three bedrooms, all with high ceilings and water views. The master suite includes a walk-in closet, as well as direct access out onto a private deck, perfect for enjoying the waterfront location.

There are also two bathrooms, a laundry room with heated floors, and a bonus room which could serve as an office or home gym.

Luxury floating home, Oregon, USA

However, far and away the boat’s best feature is its location, with the ability to dock your boat right at your doorstep. The wraparound porch offers ample room for enjoying the surrounding marina, as well as for alfresco dining, lounging and entertaining.

Most recently on the market with Windermere Realty Trust for around £539,500 ($685k), we can’t imagine it will stay there for long.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

Known as Caracoli, this gorgeous houseboat in Prospect Quay, Wandsworth offers 2,605 square feet of living space, all with breathtaking river views. Complete with multiple sundecks, a feature fireplace and four bedrooms, this unique home lets you take to the high seas in style.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

Flooded with natural light from large windows on all sides, the primary living area includes a spacious lounge, a large dining table capable of seating up to 10 people, and a well-appointed kitchen complete with a fridge/freezer, a wine cooler and a central island.

White walls and ceilings and light hardwood flooring enhance the sense of airiness throughout the space.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

A set of bi-fold doors lead from the living area out onto a sun deck, from which a staircase leads up to a 55-foot sun deck on the boat’s roof.

Both decks provide room for ample seating space which, combined with the indoor/outdoor layout of the ship, makes the boat ideally suited to entertain large parties.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

The boat’s lower deck includes one single and three double bedrooms, including a master with a large walk-in closet and ample ensuite. A further two bathrooms, one another ensuite, a study and a utility room complete the ship’s layout.

The boat is moored near a riverside development in Wandsworth and benefits from access to a gym and swimming pool nearby, so you won’t have to sacrifice any of the comforts of onshore living. Fancy testing the waters? Caracoli most recently was available to rent for £10,000 a month ($12.7k).

Architect-designed boathouse, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

Perched on the banks of the Seine just to the west of Paris, this architecturally stunning floating home is situated in Neuilly-sur-Seine, which is described in the listing as one of the most "salubrious and artistic neighbourhoods in France"’ once home to the likes of Edith Piaf, Anais Nin, and Claude Monet.

The boat makes the most of its breathtaking location with double-height windows and copious deck space across both storeys.

Architect-designed boathouse, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

An enormous open-plan living space with lounge, dining area, and kitchen dominates the first floor, all with views out across the Seine.

Were it not for the obvious proximity of the river, the living space’s elegant interior design and spacious layout would make it easy to forget that the home was not on dry land at all.

Architect-designed boathouse, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

A bedroom with an ensuite, a weight room, a separate toilet, and a pantry and laundry area complete the first floor.

The kitchen and dining area also opens out directly onto a terrace, which offers the perfect place for riverside dining alfresco. A spiral staircase leads up to a second-storey terrace, perfect for catching some rays.

Architect-designed boathouse, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

The second storey also houses the second two suites, one of which includes a private terrace. Not to be outdone, the second suite offers a jacuzzi, and direct access to the second storey deck.

On the off chance you need to get some work done in the midst of this haven of relaxation, there is also an office space, though we suspect these views would be awfully distracting!

Converted Peniche barge, London, UK

A former Peniche barge, this unassuming boat has been meticulously refurbished into a spectacular floating home, with impeccably appointed interiors throughout.

With mooring on Plantation Wharf Pier in Battersea, the beautiful houseboat boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms and, wait for it, an onboard jacuzzi.

Converted Peniche barge, London, UK

The light-filled primary living area is currently configured as a living room, dining room and study combo, and is so elegantly outfitted with intricate moulding, parquet flooring and a grand piano that you feel more like you’re on a vintage Hollywood film set than inside the belly of a barge – though the large bronze-framed portholes are a bit of a giveaway!

Converted Peniche barge, London, UK

Another nautical feature, the galley-style kitchen nevertheless features Bosch, Miele and Liebherr appliances. Other high-tech amenities include integrated audio-visual entertainment systems, high-end lighting, dimmable wall switches and electrical outlets by Legrand.

Further entertaining space is available alfresco on the decked area, sheltered by a steel roof which incorporates the original rolled steel cargo hold cover.

Converted Peniche barge, London, UK

The ship’s four bedrooms are all comfortably proportioned and as lavishly outfitted as the living areas. Largely clad in rich cherry panelling, they create the ambience of a First Class cabin on board a 20th-century luxury liner.

Three of the bedrooms have accompanying ensuites, and there is an additional bathroom. Another neat feature left over from the ship’s barge days, the wheelhouse remains largely unchanged and fully operational in case you feel like taking to the high seas! The licence agreement for the mooring of this shipshape home could be yours for just over £2.2m ($2.9m).

Lofted luxury houseboat, Paris, France

This beautiful lofted floating home in the wealthy Parisian suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt offers a dreamy oasis from bustling city life.

Most recently listed for just under €1.4 million which translates to around £1.2 million ($1.5m), the houseboat boasts two bedrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, dining area and, best of all, a large terrace for hosting outdoors on balmy evenings

Lofted luxury houseboat, Paris, France

Inside, the boat’s décor is sleek and modern, with white panelled ceilings and polished hardwood floors.

The lofted second storey houses the open-plan dining and kitchen area, which comes equipped with minimalistic steel furniture and polished cherry wood cabinetry. Clearly, the nautical lifestyle won’t have to mean sacrificing style for this happy owner.

Lofted luxury houseboat, Paris, France

Down a spiral cast iron staircase, the boat’s lower level houses the cosy living area, which includes a quaint wood-burning stove perfect for curling up next to on cooler evenings.

The double-height windows from the lofted second storey carry down to this level, cleverly creating the illusion of more light and space than the room would otherwise benefit from.

Lofted luxury houseboat, Paris, France

Through a quirky cutout in the living room wall, the elegant master suite offers the height of luxury, with large circular windows reminiscent of portholes flooding the space with natural light.

Because they are on the lower level, both bedrooms benefit from breathtaking water views, and the sensation of falling asleep with gentle waves lapping all around. What could be more soothing than that?

Cheyne Walk oasis, London, UK

Moored just off the glamorous Cheyne Walk in Chelsea, this gorgeous two-bed, two-bath houseboat is so lavishly appointed that you’d never know you were on the water…until you walk out onto the gorgeous roof deck with stunning river views that is!

Cheyne Walk oasis, London, UK

With light wood flooring and white walls and ceilings, the interiors of this floating home feel bright and airy throughout.

The open-plan living area benefits from both portal-style large circular windows and several skylights for maximum natural light.

Cheyne Walk oasis, London, UK

A small flight of steps leads up from the living room into the kitchen and dining area, which features smooth white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of space for guests.

The dining area also leads out onto the terrace via a set of sliding glass doors, making dinner alfresco a no-brainer on summer evenings.

Cheyne Walk oasis, London, UK

With views out across the Thames to the city beyond, the roof terrace makes the perfect place to relax at the end of a long day. Back inside, two spacious bedrooms, both with an adjoining ensuite, complete the boat’s layout.

The chic floating boat is available to rent for £6,999 ($8.8k) a month, and with so many dreamy amenities and a prime location in the heart of London, it’s not hard to understand why.

Black Swan houseboat, Oostknollendam, Netherlands

Known affectionately as the Black Swan, this floating behemoth is vaguely reminiscent of an elegant black shipping container, perched austerely on a river bank in Oostknollendam in the Netherlands.

The two-storey home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with numerous spaces for lounging and dining both indoors and out.

Black Swan houseboat, Oostknollendam, Netherlands

Inside, the home features dark wood panelling on the floor and ceilings which complement its overarching ‘Black Swan’ aesthetic.

However, double-height windows across both storeys prevent the rooms from feeling dark or forbidding, and offer spectacular views of the river beyond. Comfy furnishings and plants further soften the interiors, making them cosy and inviting.

Black Swan houseboat, Oostknollendam, Netherlands

The large kitchen and dining space offer plenty of seating, and also open out onto a unique feature: a three-quarter enclosed terrace which is a perfect sun trap with lots of comfortable places to lounge.

With completely unobstructed views, both spaces make the perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set over the river below.

Black Swan houseboat, Oostknollendam, Netherlands

Of course, the luxurious bedrooms also offer river views, lavish ensuites, and private glassed-in promenade decks for enjoying the outlook even when the weather turns chilly.

Available to rent on Airbnb, we can’t think of a cosier place to escape the world and embrace the peace of waterfront living.

Thomas Jefferson floating home, California, USA

Situated on the idyllic Santa Barbara Harbour in California, this gorgeous floating home was a combined labour of love for a father and son duo, the former an engineer, the latter a carpenter.

Over four years, the pair completed the Thomas Jefferson to the highest architectural standard, and the unique structure is now on the market with Sotheby’s for just under £3.2 million ($4m).

Thomas Jefferson floating home, California, USA

Beautiful artisanal carpentry is present throughout the home, with quartered and rift white oak floors and staircase, burlwood accents and mahogany cabinetry. The home’s interior design places particular emphasis on other natural materials as well, featuring brass fixtures, marble countertops, and wool soft furnishings.

The connection to nature is further emphasised by the large windows, which frame the surrounding ocean and mountains.

Thomas Jefferson floating home, California, USA

The home is laid out across two storeys, the first of which offers an open-plan living area complete with a spacious and stylish kitchen and dining space.

Around the corner, the space flows into the main bedroom, though privacy is provided by a wall which largely shields it from the primary living area. Adjoining the bedroom is the full bath, with his and hers vanities and a walk-in shower.

Thomas Jefferson floating home, California, USA

Downstairs, a spacious bonus room could be used as an office, extra bedroom, home gym or recreation room. This level is flooded with light from a set of sliding glass doors, which in turn open out into a sun porch overlooking the marina.

What a dreamy spot to while away golden hour in the beautiful Santa Barbara sunset.

The Love Cocoon, Guernes, France

All aboard the Love Cocoon! While this charming houseboat might be more compact than some of the others we’ve toured, equipped with a sauna, home theatre and full kitchen, it’s not short on luxurious amenities.

The Love Cocoon, Guernes, France

The boat includes a cosy living room, bedroom, and dining area, all fitted around the wheelhouse which ensures that the boat remains ready to set sail at any moment, should the inspiration strike.

However, if it’s a more settled activity you’re after, simply roll down the projection screen and curl up with a classic film as you float gently with the tide.

The Love Cocoon, Guernes, France

Another fabulous feature, the on-board sauna offers the ideal spot to unwind. Steam out your worldly woes, then cool off on the deck with a nice river breeze. What could be more relaxing than that?

The Love Cocoon, Guernes, France

The boat, which is available to rent on Airbnb, is located on a peaceful lake in Guernes, France and makes the ideal location for a romantic retreat.

Expertly engineered for easy indoor/outdoor living, the boat’s interior flows seamlessly out onto its deck area, enabling you to let the nautical breezes blow straight through the home.