Luxury Boat Staycations
By Amira Hashish
There is something so soothing about being close to the water. So how about spending the night afloat? From a ‘boatel’ close to Edinburgh’s historic centre to a lakeside hideaway in Wales and a central London luxury barge, here are some characterful staycations that you can enjoy on your very own houseboat…
Mistery 2, Falmouth
This characterful barge is beautiful inside and out. She sits alongside her own quay, dating back to 1720, which was connected to the famous Perran Foundry to export castings around the world and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The creative owners have incorporated the history and nature into an escape that feels very special. The two bedrooms are set at each end of the ship and sunshine streams in through the port windows throughout the day. The master has an en-suite shower room and separate toilet. The second cabin has a V-shaped double bed, which can also be turned into two singles so this spot could work well for families or a getaway with friends. Recycled materials are used throughout. Our favourite design nod is in the kitchen surfaces which have been carefully hand-crafted from recycled Falmouth dock pilings.
Book: From £115 per night, uniquehideaways.com
Woodfarm Barges, Suffolk
These Dutch Sailing Barges go way back to the late 1800s and ooze character. Onderneming is moored at Snape Maltings on the River Alde and sleeps up to eight, whilst Twee Gebroeders is at the Tidemill in Woodbridge on the River Deben and can accommodate up to four. Both are dog friendly and all the owners pride themselves on the little details to make you feel at home including a welcome breakfast basket filled with local produce. Snape Maltings has a fabulous farmers market too.
Book: from around £140 per night, woodfarmbarges.com
The Boathouse, Central London
Fancy a night on the water in London? The Boathouse Paddington-West is a one-bedroom bolthole that can accommodate up to four guests by converting the lounge into a second bedroom. The wide beam barge has a cosy, Scandinavian style and the private roof deck is a dreamy spot to watch the sunset. It is very handily located next to Paddington Basin’s buzzy boat restaurants including London Shell Co. and Darcie & May Green. Little Venice and Maida Vale are around the corner. You can book add-ons such as spa treatments or Champagne on arrival if you are in the mood to splash out.
Book: From £360 per night, boathouselondon.co.uk
The Four Sisters, Edinburgh
The Four Sisters family are bringing boatels to Edinburgh and the latest member is The Camillia. Built by the craftsmen at Collingwood Boat Builders in Liverpool, sustainability is at the forefront. Sleeping up to eight adults, from three private two-bed cabins and a double sofa bed in the lounge area, it is ideal for a family getaway. Pets are welcome too. Permanently moored in Lochrin Basin, just a 10-minute walk from the historic city centre, this is a fun place to unwind after a day exploring the sights.
Book: From £220 per night, thefoursisters.co.uk
The Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade
Luxury rural estate The Lakes by Yoo has a collection of waterside cabins and apartments that are super sumptuous. They have been thoughtfully designed by YOO Studio, founded by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, alongside celebrated designer Philippe Starck. The nine two-bedroom cabins and 18 three-bedroom apartments are available for short bookings, with guests able to opt for two-night stays. With sustainable touches throughout, including natural and local materials such as Cotswold stone and locally woven willow, the aesthetic of these new spaces blends seamlessly with its rural surroundings. Highlights include a split-level deck overlooking Marley Lake and a four-poster bed with views over the lake.
Set amongst 850-acres of nature, The Lakes is a wilderness oasis with facilities and activities that range from fishing and boating to tennis and zip-wiring. A dedicated concierge service is able to arrange bespoke experiences and events.
Book: From around £400 per night, thelakesbyyoo.com
Lodge on a Lake, Cardiff
Just a 20-minute drive from Cardiff City Centre lies a secret lakeside escape nestled in 35 acres of lush Welsh countryside. On a family farm in Michaelstone-y-fedw, Bridgefarm has been in the same family for more than 100 years but it was during the early 90s that Cefn Mably Lakes was constructed. A successful fishing business blossomed and this was voted number one spot in the UK for carp fishing. The lodges are the latest venture and part of a vision for turning the farm into the Welsh capital’s most coveted retreat.
This is a couples only resort and prides itself on its seclusion. Cabins come with private hot tubs and are perched over the lake so you can soak up the bubbles from the comfort of your deck.
Book: £280 per night, lodgeonalake.com
222 Kensal Rd,
London,
W10 5BN
T: +44207 138 3556
