Maisy Dewey, a dual citizen of the U.S. and the U.K., always dreamed of living in London. Her parents lived between London and the U.S. before eventually settling in New Jersey, where she grew up. In 2022, Maisy and her fiancé, Harrison, decided to move to London after Harrison was accepted to his dream master’s program in furniture design. The couple began preparing for their transatlantic move, selling most of their belongings to fund the relocation. Finding the perfect home in London proved to be challenging, with many inquiries falling through before they found a unique solution: a houseboat.
After months of searching, Maisy and Harrison came across a houseboat that had been recently renovated, offering a sense of adventure and charm. Despite initial skepticism, the couple decided to move in and signed a two-year lease for roughly $2,200 per month. Living on a houseboat came with unique responsibilities, such as refilling the water tank every few days, but Maisy says the experience has added a fun element to their lives. They enjoy the sense of community amongst other boat residents and appreciate the open outdoor space.
The couple has been living on the houseboat for over six months and has found a sense of home and security that they hadn’t experienced in previous living arrangements. Maisy uses the second bedroom as an at-home office, and they both enjoy spending time on the boat’s deck for relaxation. Despite having lived in a house before, Maisy feels that the houseboat provides a more spacious and safe environment. The couple has no plans of leaving their unique living situation anytime soon, feeling grateful for the stroke of luck that led them to their current home.
Maisy highlights the friendly and helpful community among the other residents on the dock, making their living experience even more enjoyable. She appreciates the camaraderie and connection they share with their neighbors, creating a sense of belonging and support. Living on a houseboat has brought unexpected joys and unique challenges, but Maisy and Harrison are embracing the experience and plan to stay as long as possible. They cherish the moments spent on top of the boat, enjoying the view and the peaceful surroundings.
