Kent, Thames UK Historic Dutch Barge For Sale With Houseboat Design Opportunity

Turks Shipyard is offering you the unique chance to own a piece of English history. Built in 1930, Eileena served as a fuel barge on the Thames and later as a barrage balloon barge in World War II. Now, it’s ready for its next phase: your dream home.

Check out https://www.turksshipyard.co.uk/blog/create-your-dream-home-for-sale-ex-fuel-barge-eileena-with-houseboat-construction-potential for more information or please email richardturk@turks.co.uk

Eileena is over 30 metres in length and boasts 3 metres of vertical space in the hold, giving it more potential living space than most London apartments. And thanks to Turks Shipyard, she's all prepped for conversion.

Why Own A Houseboat?

For the creative and imaginative homeowner, boathouses can offer an alternative to soaring apartment and land prices in London and across the UK. According to The Financial Times, in 2022 over six hundred London apartments sold for £5,000,000 or higher. Yahoo Finance estimated properties along the Thames to cost as much as 40% more than those without waterfront views.

That's serious money.

But, according to Turks: “The cost of buying and converting a barge is often significantly lower than purchasing a house in a city. You're essentially getting the square footage at a fraction of the price. Moreover, the ongoing expenses can be less too. Mooring fees, for instance, are typically lower than property taxes, and maintenance costs can be managed effectively with the right know-how.”

Right now, you can purchase Eileena through direct sale for the low price of £150,000.

About The Barge Eileena

Built in 1930 by De Noord NV Industrieel, Maats, Alblasserdam, Holland, Eileena features a riveted hull and measures 30 metres in length and 6.5 metres in beam. Turks Shipyard has already undertaken shot blasting and the overplating of the hull to ensure structural integrity. A professional paint job has also been applied, giving Eileena a clean fresh look, and protecting the ship from the elements. The engine and fuel tanks have been removed to maximise your living space, but there is potential for a new wheelhouse.

Turks will help you customise the design elements of the living space to fit your needs. Elements can include modern amenities for eco-friendly living, including solar panels, rainwater collection, outdoor areas for a garden, and split-level spaces that utilise the height of the ship.

About Turks Shipyard

Located in the Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent, Turks Shipyard features dry-docking facilities for passenger boats, narrowboats, and Dutch barges. The shipyard also offers a range of services on large and small craft including repairs, routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and refitting. For additional information about Eileena, please direct queries to richardturk@turks.co.uk

A spokesperson for the shipyard said: "The potential for converting Eileena into a houseboat is immense. The open hold can be segmented into multiple rooms or left as one large living space. The height allows for the installation of a second floor or mezzanine, effectively doubling your living area. And because you're starting with a blank canvas, you can design the layout to suit your lifestyle perfectly."

Don't let this unique opportunity sail past. Find out more information about Eileena and Turks Shipyard https://www.turksshipyard.co.uk/blog/create-your-dream-home-for-sale-ex-fuel-barge-eileena-with-houseboat-construction-potential