In a remarkable display of ingenuity and determination, a father-of-one from Bewdley, Worcestershire, is fighting to preserve his unconventional off-grid lifestyle aboard a self-renovated pirate ship. Sam Griffiss, aged 35, has invested his entire life savings into transforming a vessel purchased on eBay into a unique home, but now faces an uncertain future as he awaits a crucial planning decision from Wyre District Council.
A Vision Built from Salvage and Sweat
Sam Griffiss acquired the boat, named Daisy May, for a mere £500 in November 2024 through an online auction. With the help of a friend, he transported the waterlogged hull from London to a picturesque spot near the River Severn in Bewdley. Drawing on his extensive experience in the building trade, which began when he was just 17, Sam embarked on an ambitious renovation project.
"She was full of water and needed serious work, but she had character," Sam explained. "I just built an extension on top of the hull and fixed her up. It took us a few days with a digger and dumper to clear the land and move some dirt about. I have friends in construction who were kind enough to lend me some machinery."
Overcoming Challenges with Creativity
The curved shape of the pirate ship presented significant construction hurdles, but Sam's resourcefulness shone through. As a self-described hoarder, he utilised materials he had accumulated over the years to complete the build, ensuring the vessel retained its distinctive charm. The project was finalised at the beginning of January, marking the culmination of months of hard work.
Living off-grid comes with its own set of practicalities. Sam has addressed winter warmth concerns with a combination of log burners and a diesel heater, benefiting from the proximity of the Wyre Forest for a steady supply of logs. However, one quirky aspect of his setup is the location of the compost toilet, which resides in a separate wood cabin. "I have to walk across the bridge into the cabin when nature calls," he noted with a hint of humour.
Dreams of a Wellbeing Centre Hang in the Balance
Sam's aspirations extend beyond mere residence; he envisions transforming the site into a thriving wellbeing centre. His plans include offering sauna sessions, cold dips, archery, axe throwing, fishing, and canoe hire on the River Severn, leveraging the beautiful forest walks directly behind his log cabin.
"I need an address for that, though, and for that, I need planning permission to be on board with what I'm doing," Sam emphasised. "Until planning agrees to me living here, I can't earn any money, and my daughter can't stay with me overnight. I have six canoes that I would like to hire out to people on the river, but I'm at the council's mercy. Their decision could make or break me - I've spent my entire life savings on this."
Council Investigation Underway
The future of Daisy May remains precarious as Wyre District Council conducts an active investigation into the property. A council spokesperson confirmed that they do not comment on ongoing cases, leaving Sam in a state of limbo. If planning permission is denied, he may be forced to demolish the structure, undoing all his efforts and financial investment.
This story highlights the tensions between individual lifestyle choices and regulatory frameworks, raising questions about sustainability, community, and the right to alternative living. As Sam awaits the council's verdict, his pirate ship stands as a testament to creativity and resilience in the face of bureaucratic uncertainty.
