From Van to 58ft Narrowboat NamedLaika

Couple Tiny House Living, Downsizing, Floating Homes, House Boats, Interviews, Nomadic Life, Tiny House Living, Tiny Houses

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Jess, Harry, and their cat Saffi have been living in a narrowboat for about a year after moving out of an apartment and doing vanlife for a while. They wanted a bit more space, so a 58 ft narrowboat seemed like a perfect way to keep a nomadic life but have some breathing room.

The boat needed some renovations, but thankfully Harry is a carpenter and had the skills to do a wonderful job. Jess works remotely in recruitment, so living on-the-move isn’t an issue. Enjoy our interview with the couple after the photo tour of their space!

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Recruiter & Carpenter Sailing the Rivers of England

Cozy tiny house interior with a gray cat sitting on a sofa.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

They have a great little kitchen with a double oven.

Compact tiny house interior with efficient kitchen and cozy living space.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

Cute little blue tiles and open shelving.

Compact tiny house kitchen with hanging pots, shelves, and fresh plants.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

There’s a cushy couch and a woodstove in the corner.

From Van to Narrowboat 10
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

Saffi the cat loves boat life.

Cozy cat relaxing in a tiny house with large windows and lush greenery outside.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

Gorgeous views out the window.

Tiny house interior with large window overlooking a river and nature.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

Their comfy bed in the back.

From Van to Narrowboat 09
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

Time to set sail!

Narrowboat Laika docked, showcasing small space living and freedom on the water.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

They move around every two weeks.

Beautiful narrowboat Laika cruising through lush green surroundings.
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

The happy couple!

From Van to Narrowboat 87
Images via @laika_narrowboat/Instagram

Interview:

What got you into tiny living?

I have previously lived on a boat and loved how compact life was and being able to move with all my possessions. We then did a campervan conversion during lockdown and realised we wanted to live a moveable life permanently, but the van didn’t give us enough space. We arrived at a boat being the best option.

Did you build your home or buy it? How long did the process take?

We bought our narrowboat, it was in a bit of a bad way when we first got it, so we renovated the entire thing, it took us 3 months (during the mega heatwave of last year).

How do you make money on the road?

I work remotely in recruitment so work from the boat which is ideal. My husband is a carpenter specialising in small space living and does work for other boaters and people who need innovative solutions to those awkward small spaces!

How has tiny living changed your life (for better or worse)?

It has made our life so much better, we lived in a 2-bed flat with no garden previously so had no outdoor space and what felt like no freedom. We now have a rooftop garden and dining space, we have incredible views and new locations to visit and explore every 2 weeks.

What’s the hardest part of tiny living?

No washing machine on board and navigating finding a laundrette!!

What’s the most rewarding part?

Learning new skills, meeting some incredible people, amazing views and locations and always being on an adventure. It also allows us to be a lot more eco-conscious which is something I am hugely passionate about, and it goes hand in hand.

Any advice for people looking to go tiny?

Do it! You will not regret the amazing experience, the amazing network of people and if not now, then when???

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Our big thanks to Jess for sharing! ?

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

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