This summer, step aboard the most distinctive addition to London’s boutique hotel scene. The Boathouse London – an industrial style barge turned contemporary bolthole – launched in August to offer a memorable alternative to conventional accommodation.
In partnership with home design brand MADE.COM, The Boathouse London provides ultra-chic accommodation on the scenic waters of West London. Lovingly crafted by Britain’s premier boat builders and interiors designed by the talented Katie Hanton, the 60-foot widebeam barge offers a contemporary, fashionable alternative to the traditional design of a canal boat, while boasting all the amenities of a luxury hotel. Furnished in a state-of-the-art Scandinavian style, the sleek interior features reclaimed wood panelling, a versatile open-plan layout, and Egyptian cotton bed linens. A generous deck provides a relaxed space in which to enjoy outdoor dining.
Explore the surrounding area on the MADE.COM bikes provided by The Boathouse London, or stick to the water in its rowing boat. Guests can choose from a number of tailor-made experiences, from hiring your own boat driver to navigate the canals to enlisting the talents of a chef for an unforgettable dinner aboard.
In addition to its services as a boutique hotel on the water, The Boathouse London will play host to a wide range of events that include private film screenings, yoga brunches, and supper clubs. Permanently moored at Merchant Square in London’s first floating park near Little Venice, it promises to add flair to an already fashionable neighbourhood.
The business has secured investment from a number of high profile names including founders of lastminute.com and Prettylittlething.com. The aim over the next several years is to launch boats at different locations across Central London and the UK. And they’re also planning to develop the project further afield in leading cities across Europe such as Berlin, Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
As CEO & founder Cara Louise Furby explains: “We’re hugely excited to be working with Made.com and we couldn’t ask for a better fit – our aim is to create a range of beautifully designed, stylish, modern spaces on the water, each with their own individual twist – and breaking away from the traditional idea of a canal boat. We’re incredibly excited to see how far we can take the project.”
Jo Jackson, Chief Creative Officer at MADE.COM, “at MADE, we’re always looking to do things differently, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to partner with The Boathouse to create the super stylish design of the first floating showroom. We look forward to hosting a series of exciting events on board from supperclubs and yoga brunches to parties and sleepovers.”
Prices start from £220 a night. Follow The Boathouse London’s journey at: www.boathouselondon.co.uk.
The Boathouse Gallery
