The popularity of houseboats is gaining strength as time goes by in Western Europe and North America. They have become a primary option for families and friends who would want to take a break from their daily routines and try something new. Some people would take the idea of living in a houseboat on a whole different level and turning it into a way of life.
This kind of way of life was not common in Poland till now. Since last summer the first houseboat has arrived to Warsaw. The young couple, architect and fashion designer, decided to move M-2 flat to... houseboat. They have left house in Konstancin on moved to the houseboat located on the 512km of Wisla River, near Swietokrzyski Bridge.
Their houseboat is boat which have been modified and have been designed to be able to accommodate. It has motors and can be used to travel on the afloat waters. The living part consist of bathroom, bedroom, and living room linked with kitchen. On the deck there is a big viewing terrace.
They thought that will be the best solution for living in big city like Warsaw. Docked in the city center, there is no problem with traffic jams. The view of the city, reflected in the water is amazing.
But then the problems have started emerging. Because houseboats are something unusual in Poland there are regulations for them in Polish law. Couple coudln't fill the fuel on their boat, because houseboat is now regular boat. Filling water also became a problem. Then the docking space. Because of the fact, that Wisla River hasn't got regulated race it's hard to dock a houseboat without running it aground.
Despite this obstacles they don't want to move back to regular house. Now they're thinking about moving to Paris, where whole river is prepared for houseboat living.
Interesing idea tho limited water supply and electricity cost are the biggest drawbacks, atleast in Poland. It would be a cool thing to travel from one city to another in this way
ReplyDeleteLimited electricity is big issue but now you can easily make electricity from water, wind and sun. It should be enough for one houseboat.
ReplyDeleteIf you are living on clean waters you can make your own aquaculture garden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture).
I don't think i get it..they want to dock somewhere on Wisla in Paris?
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea for lifestyle. Without a doubt, houseboating is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrzej,
ReplyDeleteHouseboats allows only for short distance moving, like docking place in city. For further moves you need to transport your houseboat on lorry.
In this way couple from the article have transported their boat from producer to Warsaw.
Probably you don't know but I'm from Boat city and for the first time I see a houseboat. How much expensive is such boat?
ReplyDeleteThey have paid for their 40m2 houseboat 350 000 zl.
ReplyDeleteIt looks a little weird. I love my city jungle made of steel and concrete. I can't imagine living at the middile of lake.
ReplyDeleteWhat about rly bad wheather?
So it's about 230 zl/m cheaper than the average price in Warsaw :D
ReplyDeleteMaciej:
I don't think that such boat is designed to live at the middle of lake.
Krzysztof: But we have a lake in Warsow... or maybe it's zalew but what's the diference?
ReplyDeleteAndrzej: I thought that you in Warsaw have a river.
ReplyDeleteKrzysztof: river too
ReplyDeleteAndrzej: I don't think that you have zalew in the city.
ReplyDeleteIn the city, outside city really what's the difference?
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ReplyDeleteWrong post ;p
ReplyDeleteEX : Mountains are outside Warsaw ;p
It’s a good idea when someone is bored with his/her current lifestyle, but in countries such as Poland living on a houseboat can be very difficult. As you wrote, Polish law is totally unprepared for houseboating so it makes it even more difficult. Moreover, the climate is quite unfriendly. I can’t image living on a boat in winter. According to the expensive pricing of houseboats I would rather choose traditional and less extreme way of living, but I wish them good luck and I’m curious how long they will last living on a boat.
ReplyDeleteMaybe for some crazy people who what always changes it is good but I can't find any advantages in my perspective for house boating
ReplyDeleteLiving in the Maldives or French Polynesia I had nothing against the flat on the boat but the climatic conditions prevailing in poland would have to be on this very consideration.
ReplyDeleteThat's outstanding idea, I hope soon it will spread and we will have more house boats. I admit, that heating, electricity and fresh water could be a problem.. If there would be a solution to those problems, I would consider moving to a houseboat.
ReplyDelete