Barge holidays/Homes

[Clevercat]

My friend has contacted me recently to say she has jacked in her job, for now, taken out a loan and bought a narrow boat........ she is content in the decision to live from now on aboard her boat.

Have you had a barge holiday before?   Does it appeal?

I must admit I can see the appeal in living on a boat, but as a warm weather person it would only suit if I could hibernate in the winter,LOL

[Jayday]

Firstly they are narrow boats not barges

I've had about three narrow boat holidays and thoroughly enjoyed them. But there is a big difference between having a holiday on one, and living on one.

If you don't pay for a permanent mooring then you have to keep moving the boat to different parishes every so many days (can't remember how many).

[cuthbert-murray]

i know   a couple of people who have done just the same, the first person i knew who did it the boat was lovely but hardly a year round home and as jayday said unless  you pay for a permanent mooring you have to keep moving to avoid the tax.
the boat wasnt really geared up for winter living ie centralheating and  double glazing, and what i can remember he lasted one year before he went back to his parents, and sold the boat.
the other people i know bought a boat last year and it was mod con city in it very spacious two double bedrooms a seperate kitchen with dishwasher etc , a seperate dining room and a 40 ft lounge the boat was central heated and double glazed and pure luxury.
they have just sold their house in westbury and have just upgraded their boat which looks fantasic and something i would be more than happy to live on , they havent got a permanent mooring but travel to work each day in the boat and dock up in a different location each day.
ok if you have got the money to live in this way but personally i prefer a house

[Rowan]

My neighbours have a narrow boat that they go to every summer (they are both retired), they disappear in about June time and re-appear around August! And one of my mums work colleagues lives on one, but has recently accquired a leak, and not the vegetable either!
I personally prefer to keep my feet on dry land!

[Clevercat]

Jayday, I thought Barge and Narrow boat were one of the same, LOL

Whenever I am sat outside Dick and Janes in Bradford, I am always struck by the colourful narrow boats, full of character, and the people upon them, looking so relaxed, chilling on the canal.

Can think of worse holidays, although with the kids it would be a whole different ball game!!