For many people, London is a city of constant noise and movement. But just beyond the city’s edge, near Hampton Court, Mark has created a calm, inspiring escape on the water — his very own modern minimalist houseboat design, which reflects simplicity, purpose, and peace.
His floating home is more than just a place to live. It’s a self-designed, custom-built vessel that represents a decade-long transformation toward minimalist living and an independent lifestyle.
A childhood dream that never faded
Mark’s journey toward life on a houseboat began long before adulthood.
“That probably began 40 odd years ago as a child. My parents took me on a few canal boat holidays with my siblings and my cousins, and that stuck in my mind,” Mark explained.
Those cherished memories never left him. Years later, during a significant life change—his divorce—he decided to start over.
That fresh start came in the form of a tiny home on the water, where he could design his surroundings and live at his own pace.
What began as a search for peace eventually turned into a way of life.
Over the years, he refined his skills, built his second vessel, and fully embraced the freedom that comes with minimalist living on a houseboat.
Building the dream: The specs of a modern minimalist houseboat design
Mark’s second boat, named Credence—after his first, inspired by a favorite band—became the realization of his long-held vision.
With decades of experience in building, decorating, and carpentry, he used his professional skills to bring his dream to life.
He handled the entire interior design himself, after providing the builder with the boat’s measurements and window placements.
The result was a sleek and functional modern minimalist houseboat design that combined comfort, practicality, and style.
The vessel measures 45 feet in length and 10 feet in width—a size intentionally smaller than most large boats but wider than traditional canal vessels. Mark chose this dimension carefully.
“It’s cheaper on the license. It’s easier to get mored. It’s easier to maintain. So that’s what I wanted. I didn’t want a great big lump of a boat. So this is quite manageable.”
Although permanently moored at a marina for stability and access to utilities, Mark often takes short trips to nearby towns like Kingston.
This setup allows him to enjoy both stability and mobility—an ideal balance for his independent lifestyle.
Inside the beauty of a modern minimalist houseboat design
Stepping inside Mark’s floating home, it’s clear that every detail was designed with purpose.
The boat sits about two feet below the waterline, creating an incredible window view where “all you see is water.”
Drawing on lessons from his first boat, Mark prioritized three must-haves for his new tiny home: space for dining, more wardrobe storage, and a washing machine—a small but meaningful luxury in his life of minimalist living.
The clever interior layout includes:
A dining table that slides toward the window, giving everyone a beautiful river view.
A bright kitchen with generous storage and counter space—more than many land-based homes.
A cozy lounge with a skylight for added light and space, warmed by a log burner and supported by a central heating system.
A raised bed with plenty of storage underneath, a happy accident from a measuring error that turned into a brilliant solution.
Mark’s houseboat is also impressively self-sufficient. It features a 750-liter water tank that lasts approximately two weeks and solar panels that power the essential appliances.
Shore power at the marina covers the rest, keeping his independent lifestyle both sustainable and affordable.
The cost of modern minimalist houseboat design
Building the modern minimalist houseboat design wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every penny.
The boat’s shell cost about £50,000, and Mark spent another £20,000 to £25,000 on the interior. But it wasn’t the money that defined the project—it was his hands-on effort.
He worked long hours for three months straight to complete it, taking pride in shaping every detail. It was satisfying to build something that reflected only his own vision and needs.
Living on the water, however, comes with ongoing responsibilities.
Mark learned that a floating home requires constant care, from maintaining the hull to managing insulation, wood, and fuel.
To prevent condensation, he used foam spray insulation, one of the most effective ways to protect the metal surface from moisture.
These challenges, though demanding, are part of the charm of an independent lifestyle that values self-reliance and creativity over convenience.
A calmer, happier life through modern minimalist houseboat design
Today, Mark says life on the water has completely changed him. Surrounded by nature and far from the rush of city living, he has found peace.
“I’m a more chilled person than I was 10 years ago for sure. So I think I’ve absorbed the calmness of the water,” he shared.
His modern minimalist houseboat design has given him not only a home but also a new sense of self. It represents balance—between function and tranquility, work and relaxation, land and water.
Looking ahead: A rural minimalist dream
After a decade of minimalist living, Mark is ready for the next adventure.
He plans to sell his current houseboat and design another, possibly a smaller narrowboat for longer canal journeys.
Ultimately, he dreams of purchasing a small plot of land beside a canal, where he can moor his boat, construct a rustic retreat, and continue his peaceful life surrounded by nature.
He envisions a garden, a few sheds, and space to keep his next floating home close by.
From land-based builder to self-taught designer, Mark’s journey is proof that a meaningful, independent lifestyle doesn’t have to follow the conventional path.
His modern minimalist houseboat design stands as a beautiful reminder that happiness can be built—piece by piece, by hand, and by heart.
Take a virtual tour of Mark’s stunning modern minimalist houseboat design featured on Living Big In A Tiny House:
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