The world’s most beautiful houseboats in the UK and beyond

Moored-up marvels 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 marvellous residences are anything but ordinary...

Möwe 1 floating cottage, Brandenburg, Germany

Named the Möwe 1, this spacious floating cottage sits on a concrete plinth and is connected to dry land thanks to a wooden promenade that links to the dock.

Located close to the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve in Brandenburg, Germany, the residence might look like a houseboat from the exterior, but the interior will make you think you've stepped inside an on-land home.

Möwe 1 floating cottage, Brandenburg, Germany

The home's modern design and latest technology mean guests can experience comfort and luxury while staying in this Airbnb.

The main floor provides a dining space and a roomy kitchen with concrete-look countertops.

Möwe 1 floating cottage, Brandenburg, Germany

Upstairs, you'll find a spacious king-size bedroom with its own sitting area and ensuite.

Amazingly, the houseboat can accommodate up to six guests, thanks to an additional single bed, two sofa beds and a crib.

Möwe 1 floating cottage, Brandenburg, Germany

Guests need not feel like they're in a cramped boat, either. This generous bathroom comes equipped with a tub, while the second bathroom has a walk-in shower – both with views of the water.

Boat Haus Modern, Andalusia, Spain

If you'd rather be enjoying the glitzy shores of Spain's Andalusia region, then this stunning houseboat is sure to appeal.

Known as Boat Haus Modern, the property is situated on the waterfront of Puerto Deportivo Alcaidesa Marina, in the province of Cadiz, and comes equipped with everything you could need for a romantic week away.

Boat Haus Modern, Andalusia, Spain

Inside, the houseboat is rustic yet modern, with chic furnishings and natural wood walls. Although compact, the interior has been optimised to ensure it features everyday essentials.

There's a sitting area, dining zone and kitchen, for starters.

Boat Haus Modern, Andalusia, Spain

As for bedrooms, the floating home has one inviting double, with sliding doors that open to a swim platform – so you can wake up and immediately dive into the water.

There's also a stylish bathroom with a walk-in shower, so you can clean up after a dip.

Boat Haus Modern, Andalusia, Spain

Yet this is where most guests no doubt spend the majority of their time.

The rooftop deck is huge and comes equipped with a lovely sitting area and two deckchairs, with incredible views of nature, the marina and the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.

Gold Coast floating home, Queensland, Australia

Moored in Mariner's Cove, a renowned entertainment destination in the Australian city of Gold Coast, this spacious two-storey floating home offers luxury quarters, stunning water views and direct access to beaches, dining and more.

Gold Coast floating home, Queensland, Australia

Designed for up to six guests, the property features a spacious lounge, a gourmet kitchen, a dining room and even an office.

There are two bedrooms, too, and pets are welcome!

Gold Coast floating home, Queensland, Australia

As for décor, the house is modern and filled with natural light, thanks to an abundance of windows.

With timber floors and simple white walls, the property allows the view outside to do all the talking.

Gold Coast floating home, Queensland, Australia

The exterior deck is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening tipple, with serene water views. Plus, guests can indulge in a variety of water sports and activities, or head to the glistening sands of nearby Main Beach for a swim or sunbathing session.

Available to rent via Airbnb, this lovely home is just waiting to welcome you.

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. What's more, the house was crafted by local shipwrights.

Aurora houseboat, Washington, USA

The houseboat is laid out over two floors and features 4,850 square feet (451sqm) 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 generous ensuite and a mezzanine den, from which stunning views can be savoured.

Aurora houseboat, Washington, USA

The pad 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 is in a league of its own. The property was for sale with Jay Kipp of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty in November 2024, for £2.8 million ($3.6m). We think it's worth every single penny.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

Known as Caracoli, this gorgeous houseboat lets you take to the high seas in style. It can be found in Prospect Quay, in the Wandsworth area of London, and offers 2,605 square feet (242sqm) of living space, all with breathtaking river views.

The home comes complete with multiple sundecks, a feature fireplace and four bedrooms.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

Flooded with natural light from large windows on all sides, the primary living area includes a spacious lounge, a 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 an exterior terrace, from which a staircase leads up to a 55-foot (16.7m) 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 entertaining.

Caracoli houseboat, London, UK

The boat’s lower deck provides one single and three double bedrooms, including a master with a walk-in closet and ensuite. A further ensuite, a family bathroom, a study and a utility room complete the ship’s layout.

The boat is moored near a riverside development and benefits from access to a gym and swimming pool, so you won’t have to sacrifice any of the comforts of onshore living.

Fancy testing the waters? Caracoli is available to rent via RiverHomes for £10,000 ($12.7k) per month.

Architect-designed boathouse, Hauts-de-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 Airbnb listing as one of the most "salubrious and artistic neighbourhoods in France".

In fact, the area was 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, Hauts-de-Seine, France

An enormous open-plan living space with a 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, Hauts-de-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 space 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, ideal for catching some rays.

Architect-designed boathouse, Hauts-de-Seine, France

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

On the off chance you need to get some work done amid this haven of relaxation, there's also an office space, although we suspect these views would be distracting!

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, 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 it really shows!

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 oversized windows, which frame the surrounding ocean and mountains.

Thomas Jefferson floating home, California, USA

The home is laid out across two floors, 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 that largely shields it from the 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 a golden hour in the beautiful Santa Barbara sunset! It's no wonder this stunning home was on the market in April 2024 for just shy of £3.2 million ($4m), via Sotheby's International Realty.

The Love Cocoon, Yvelines, 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, Yvelines, 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, Yvelines, France

Another fabulous feature, the onboard 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, Yvelines, France

The houseboat, 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.

Minibora floating home, Quebec, Canada

Known as the Minibora floating home, this enchanting property spans just 450 square feet (42sqm), but it is seriously stunning and provides everything you could need for a cosy and luxurious weekend away.

Minibora floating home, Quebec, Canada

Nestled on a tranquil lake in Bury, a municipality in Quebec, Canada, the striking residence comes equipped with an open-plan living area on the main floor.

There's a sitting area, a dining space and a chic kitchen, all with gorgeous views of the water.

Minibora floating home, Quebec, Canada

The property has a rather unique feature, too – a glass garage door that can be lifted into the ceiling, to open the sitting room up to the exterior deck.

Offering an immersive experience at water level, the retractable door can be opened or closed at the touch of a button.

Minibora floating home, Quebec, Canada

Perfect for two to four people, the second floor is home to a stylish bedroom, with a queen bed and a netted hammock that allows guests to hang out over the living space below.

A skylight above the bed also allows you to take in the stars while you snooze.