Saturday 6 December 2014

Living on a Shoestring

There is a lot to be said for this boating lark...

When it comes to home-making, sometimes bricks and mortar isn't the only way to go. After deciding to buy their first home, Olivia and Rob quickly realised they couldn't even afford a deposit. Following a long day house-hunting in vain, they went for dinner by a marina and got the bright idea of living on a boat. Two weeks later, they had a £10,000 loan and a narrow boat called appropriately enough Shoestring. Their parents thought they were mad, but the couple renovated the boat and made it their home.

Olivia and Rob on Shoestring. Video Link

Although Olivia says its Barton Marina - the video is set at Mercia Marina with scenes taken outside of the marina on the Trent and Mersey canal at Willington.

 

Or maybe canal boats are not an option for affordable city-centre living?

Here is another perspective. 


Emily on Awol Again Video Link
 
Emily Morus-Jones, one of the growing number of people choosing to live on the canals in London. The 28-year-old, who is looking to make her way in the entertainment business, says the community of the canal has been a lifesaver. Currently sorting the consequences of a bilge-pump failure that flooded much of her boat, Awol Again, in Camden, she admits the lifestyle is not for everyone. 'Especially if you are working nine to five, you might find one day of your weekend is taken up doing all the boaty things' she says.  'If you are the kind of person who likes creature comforts, it is definitely not for you. If you like earthy people, you will enjoy it a lot.'

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