Creative Couple Designs Floating Home to Outsmart London's Housing Crisis
For many aspiring homeowners, designing a custom residence from the ground up represents the pinnacle of creative achievement. However, Rosanna Irwin, founder of the off-grid cabin company Samsú, and her husband Killian, a film producer, took this ambition to new depths—literally. They crafted a bespoke houseboat, navigating London's extensive waterways while keeping expenses remarkably low. "It felt like we'd found a way to game the system," Irwin reveals, reflecting on their innovative approach to urban living.
Escaping the Rental Trap and Soaring Property Prices
Previously, the couple rented a flat in East London, paying £1,200 per month plus additional bills. With property prices in the area starting at around £550,000 for a new-build two-bedroom apartment, homeownership seemed an impossible dream. This financial barrier spurred them to seek an alternative lifestyle within the city. After renovating another houseboat in Northeast London, they embarked on a more ambitious project: designing their own floating abode.
Building Pomeroy: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Housing
In 2022, the couple sold their previous boat via a single TikTok post for £160,000, funding their new venture. They commissioned a 70 square metre wide-beam canal boat, constructed in Liverpool over five months before being relocated to Southall in West London. Irwin notes that the average two-bedroom flat in West London measures between 45 and 60 square metres, often costing from £400,000 with higher monthly outgoings. In contrast, they designed, built, and decorated their boat, named Pomeroy, for under £200,000, inclusive of materials and manual labour.
"It's roughly the size of a two-bed flat," Irwin explains, "but has a small second bedroom to make space for a bigger bathroom." Their living costs now amount to just £250 per month, covering boat insurance, wood for the stove, diesel, and gas. Remarkably, thanks to the sale of their first boat and careful savings, Irwin is mortgage-free at the age of 30.
Navigating London's Waterways with a Continuous Cruising Licence
Irwin holds a continuous cruising licence, costing £1,200 annually, which exempts her from mooring fees and council tax. The licence requires moving every two weeks and covering approximately 15-20 miles per year. "It allows access to all of the infrastructure—water points, pump-out stations, maintenance, and bins," she says. "But it stops people just whizzing back and forth to Little Venice." This arrangement enables her to experience diverse London neighbourhoods, from Richmond to Limehouse, at a fraction of the cost of permanent residences in these areas.
Thoughtful Design and Sustainable Furnishings
Inside, Pomeroy is insulated and flooded with natural light from seven windows, a porthole, and two large skylights. The open-plan layout includes a kitchen made from stained birch ply with Etsy handles, a living room with a wood-burning stove, and a concealed snug that doubles as an office or second bedroom. Reclaimed wooden floors run throughout, and the boat features double glazing, a spacious shower, a king-size bed, and an electricity inverter powered by solar roof panels. Reliable WiFi ensures modern connectivity.
"I wanted it to look and feel like a house on the water," Irwin emphasises. "That was my north star for any design decisions." Furniture is predominantly preloved: a sofa sourced from Facebook Marketplace for £90 and reupholstered in linen, a wood-burning stove from Ebay for £300, and a pine dining set from Facebook Marketplace for £350. "Good design has nothing to do with sky-high prices. It's about considered choices," she asserts.
Challenges and Realities of Boat Life
Despite its allure, Irwin acknowledges that life afloat isn't for everyone. Practical challenges include managing the toilet system—she uses a separating toilet that divides solids and liquids—as well as frequent fuel top-ups and limited water supplies that discourage long showers. A permanent mooring in prime areas like Canary Wharf can cost between £1,000 and £1,300 monthly, though it includes amenities such as electricity, shower blocks, laundry, and waste disposal.
Future Plans and Lasting Freedom
After four years on London's waterways, Irwin is relocating to her native Ireland and selling Pomeroy at auction this month with a base price of £195,000. Yet, she remains devoted to the boating lifestyle. "I'd never go back to a London house again," she declares. "Boat life is the ultimate freedom. And you get to see wildlife from the kitchen window." Her journey exemplifies how innovative thinking can provide a viable, affordable alternative in one of the world's most expensive cities.
