Colecraft Narrowboat 36ft Widebeam

Another totally unique boat with a huge ‘wow’ factor . . .

Built by Colecraft in 2009 and designed with SCDLP Architects, this wide-beam live-aboard, built to an outstanding spec, truly redefines what is possible in terms of light and space in a boat. Designed as a live/work space, she is also equipped for continuous cruising.

The interior is flexible and open plan, with a domestic spec kitchen at one end, which includes a full-sized Baumatic gas oven, Smeg hob and Shoreline 12v fridge. The main space is ringed by discreet cupboards/storage and has a built in desk as well as an integral sofa that converts into bunk beds. The floor is solid oak and the joinery is oiled oak veneer. The space is incredibly bright, with light streaming in from the wall sized laminated plate-glass windows and two very large skylights. A Morso Squirrel Convector multi-fuel stove provides additional heating.

To the back of the space is a separate sleeping area that can either open up into the main living area or be closed off behind shutters. Here, too, is a wall sized plate glass window, which allows great views from bed.

Also to the back of the space is the toilet (a pump out Sanimarine S) and wet-room, which has an overhead shower in the skylight and a hard-wood shower tray. As with the sleeping area, the toilet/wet-room can either be closed off as a separate area, or, with doors like a Chinese box, can open up to double its size.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the interior are the hand-pressed glass blocks which ring the entire interior and let in even more light. From the outside, the glass blocks are completely opaque, virtually unnoticeable (except at night, when, if you have your lights on inside, they will 'glow' in a band of light), but on the inside, they catch the reflection of light from the water, always subtly different, depending on the quality of the light outside. So, even with the metal shutters closed on the windows, the interior still feels light. This feature was designed by glass artist Matt Duran.

On the outside, there is hardwood decking, both fore and aft, and - best of all - this also covers the entire roof, making a large outside area with great entertaining potential.

Designed to provide an ideal work environment for its current owner, a writer, the boat combines modern clean lines crafted to the highest traditional standards and an extraordinary sense of calm and space, a revolutionary re-imagining of what is possible in a houseboat.

She was finished and put in the water in August 2009, and she handles exceptionally well for such a wide boat. Good on the Thames, she'll fit through all standard locks and wide-navigation canals, and even the Blisworth Tunnel. She's had very little use since then, as the owner needed to move abroad. This is an 'almost new' boat.

If you're a canal boat traditionalist, this is probably not for you, but if you're looking for something special, built to the highest standard, which may be a design classic, she’s definitely worth a look.

These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.