Tour Houseboats From All Over the World

If you're looking for your very own dreamboat, look no further. We've rounded up some of the world's coolest houseboats that will inspire you to move your life from land to sea and drop anchor forever.

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March 05, 2021

By: Maria Conti and Holly Aguirre

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Photo By: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

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Photo By: Robert Oshatz

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Photo By: Cooper Jacobs Realty

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Photo By: Robert Nebolon Architects

Photo By: Photo by: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Soothing in Seattle

This houseboat charms floatersby with its modern cabin exterior. The wood-clad façade and tin roof are fitting for its Pacific Northwest locale and the mix of materials makes for a seamless addition to the natural surroundings. Indoors, this Seattle home is decked with designer amenities and luxurious finishes. There’s space to work and play with two inviting living rooms, two bedrooms, a cozy dining nook and a well-appointed bathroom. See the interior of this boat on the next slide.

From: Windermere Real Estate

Soothing in Seattle

Modern, black-framed windows dressed in almond linen drapes wrap the main living room with sunlight and offer enviable waterfront views. A roomy, cognac-leather sectional piled with vibrant turquoise and orange toss pillows provides ample seating for owners and guests. Walnut accent tables infuse warmth into the design while two bold lamps brighten the space with midcentury flair. Check out the kitchen on the next slide.

From: Windermere Real Estate

Soothing in Seattle

This cooking space goes way beyond the standard galley kitchen found on most houseboats. The spacious "U" shaped configuration provides plenty of prep space. The lower cabinets are full of deep drawers while the garage-door-style upper cabinets add storage as well as nautical charm. The bar-height counter above the sink gives the homeowners an extra place to dine.

From: Windermere Real Estate

Canal Community in Amsterdam

Modern lines meet the environmentally conscious design in this contemporary canal community located in Amsterdam. The eye-catching houseboats boast airy horizontal slat exteriors, expansive paneless windows, second-story sundecks and stunning greenhouse additions that drench botanicals with sunlight throughout the day.

Seattle’s Best

In the ‘90s, the movie Sleepless in Seattle brought houseboats back into the public’s consciousness and their popularity continues to grow. This 30-year-old vessel was once put out to sea but was fully restored in 2013. The owner/artisan rents the houseboat to guests when he travels for business.

Seattle's Best

French doors off the boat’s bedroom lead to a deck perfect for enjoying the sunrise or watching the hustle and bustle of the marina.

Midcentury Mooring in Amsterdam

This electric blue houseboat brings midcentury flair to this floating Amsterdam community. The energizing exterior makes a splash with chrome dots embellishments and a spirited starburst accent that expands across the side of the home. A second-story deck offers owners dreamy water views and ample outdoor entertaining space.

Charmed Living in Wisconsin

A cottage houseboat soaks in dazzling scenes of autumn on this Wisconsin lake. The inviting home exudes storybook charm with a shingle-clad gabled roof, symmetrical windows and an expansive front deck equipped with two ruby Adirondack chairs. Crisp-white columns enhance the houseboat’s exterior symmetry and glass double doors make for an impressive entry.

North Holland Modern

Need convincing to take the plunge and invest in a houseboat? You won’t after taking a peek at this modern marvel that floats near the Olympic Stadium in North Holland. The impressive houseboat embraces modern design with a rectangular silhouette, an asymmetrical façade and contrasting metal trim. Go to the next slide to peek inside.

North Holland Modern

Indoors, owners reap the benefit of their substantial windows with a bright-and-airy living space. The spacious, multi-level home is flooded with light throughout and afforded views of the canal in the coveted and affluent Oud-Zuid neighborhood of Amsterdam.

Canal Cottage Community

A community of ten pointy cottages is moored together on this dreamy canal in the Netherlands. The houseboats share a distinctive silhouette but sport unique exterior finishes in neutral or coastal-inspired hues. Each houseboat comes equipped with large windows to take in the breathtaking water views and a substantial dock for alfresco entertaining.

Finding Netherland

This modern loft-like houseboat features large sliding glass doors that lead to a deck overlooking the Amsterdam River. In the warmer weather, the large outdoor space provides room to garden and sunbathe. But, this floating home is still very livable in the winter months; heated floors, a wood-burning stove and a Jacuzzi tub keep the homeowners toasty warm. Go to the next slide to peek inside.

Finding Netherland

We love this houseboat for the 360-degree views of the Amsterdam waterfront. The modern, clean-lined furniture keeps the floors open so the space appears bigger than it is. A wood-burning stove in the corner keeps this vessel warm through the winter.

Let’s Go Dutch

The owner of this Amsterdam houseboat is an architect who opens the upstairs studio to guests from all over the world; he also designed it. The dark-chocolate exterior is enhanced by horizontal slats and pops of fiery-orange in the doors and window trim. Some guests enjoy watching paddlers go by on the private deck while some dive right into the clean water below. Take a peek at the upper deck in the next slide.

Let's Go Dutch

Located in IJburg — an island neighborhood in Amsterdam — just minutes from the city’s center, the large deck doubles the living space and provides guests plenty of fresh air. There’s also ample seating for visitors to relax and sip on a cocktail (or four) after splashing around in the water below.

Cruising in Kerala, India

Tourists are offered a one-of-a-kind experience aboard this traditional houseboat in Kerala, India. The handsome vessel cruises the backwaters of Kerala in style with red-framed windows, an impressive, covered observation deck and comfortable bed quarters indoors.

Decidedly Dutch

Located in the lively neighborhood of Zeeburg, this Dutch vessel invites visitors to climb aboard and dive right in. Guests not only enjoy swimming in the harbor but also panoramic views from sunrise to sunset. See the interior of this boat on the next slide.

Decidedly Dutch

We love the houseboat’s sleek eat-in kitchen with its copper pendant lighting, mid-mod dining set as well as the gorgeous combination of hardwood flooring and stone tile.

Panache in Portland

Portland’s Fennell House is hands down the most jaw-dropping floating home in this roundup. Designed by famed architect Robert Oshatz, the house is the jewel of the Willamette River. Go to the next slide to see more of this vessel.

Panache in Portland

Oshatz took his inspiration from the gentle waves of the Willamette River when he designed the Fennell House. The curved overhangs provide shade while the clerestory windows let the light in. Go to the next slide to look at the interior.

Panache in Portland

The curved ceiling of the Fennell House is made of Douglas fir and the floors are Brazilian cherry. The floating home’s windows face west affording the open living space sunset views over the Willamette River. Go to the next slide to see more of this floating home.

Panache in Portland

The floating home’s owner said that he always wanted to sit in the tub and enjoy a view of the Willamette River. Dreams do come true.

Panache in Portland

The spacious bathroom is set back on the upper level so it has views of the river but passersby can't see that far into the home.

London Calling

The poet Robert Browning dubbed the London neighborhood where the Jessie is docked “Little Venice.” This narrow vessel gives visitors a slice of a sailor's life. Go to the next slide to see the interior.

London Calling

The boat’s cozy living space has plenty of hidden storage and flexibility. Drawers underneath the sofa bed provide a place to stash your stuff while the folding table below the TV opens up to seat six for tea.

Tugging Along the Seine

There are very few places in Paris where one’s accommodations boast 360-degree views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. This romantic houseboat features classical nautical details that embrace Parisians' timeless style. Go to the next slide to see more of this tugboat home.

Tugging Along the Seine

If you ever wished you could take a bath while steering a tugboat, then this floating home is for you. On the lower deck, the fireplace-turned-desk creates a wonderful work-from-home setting. Go to the next slide to see the opposite side of the room.

Tugging Along the Seine

A plush slipper chair, a traditional style rug, rich woodwork and pretty purple hues combine to create a delightful Parisian atmosphere.

Striking Design + Swimming Swans in Holland

These permanent houseboats share their locale with Holland’s favorite waterfowl. The high-end homes have unique silhouettes but share many sought-after features including floor-to-ceiling windows, vertical-slat exteriors with contrasting dark trim. Rooftop decks allow the owners to enjoy the sunrise over the water and keep tabs on the neighborhood swans.

Aqua Houseboat

This adorable, turquoise-hued two-bedroom houseboat is located in the Eastlake section of Seattle's waterfront. The south-west-facing deck enjoys plenty of sunshine and epic sunsets. Go to the next slide to peek at the interior.

Aqua Houseboat

Built in 1930, this houseboat is spacious yet warm and cozy. Dual living spaces provide plenty of room to relax while the workspace alcove makes it easy to work from home. And a wood-burning stove in the corner keeps the floating home warm during those chilly Northwest winters.

Prismatic Houseboats in Halong Bay

Imagine spending your days here? This vibrant floating fishing village is nestled in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The prismatic houseboats are anchored together for stability and belong to local fisherman and their families. Each home enjoys unmatched views of the surrounding aqua waters and the soaring rock backdrop.

Living on Lake Union

All along the neighborhood waterways of Seattle’s eclectic Lake Union is a varied mix of architecture — everything from ultra-modern to traditional Cape Cod. This two-story houseboat stands out from its neighbors with its barn-red exterior, white-trimmed windows and a wraparound deck complete with a breezy hammock.

Pop of Color in North Vancouver

This whimsical houseboat community brings color and charm to the misty waters of North Vancouver, British Columbia. The houseboats feature delightful, curved roofs, bright-white trim and vibrant orange accents. Porthole windows offer owners a waterfront view while indoors and provide a nod to the nautical nature of the homes.

Playing Houseboat in Portage Bay

This 500-square-foot houseboat is small in scale but big in style. Cedar shingles wrap the floating home with texture and warmth, while the white doors and windows add a little Cape Cod style. A wrap-around deck offers the homeowners plenty of space to sit and enjoy their morning coffee while watching the local waterfowl swim by. The next slide shows the interior view.

Playing Houseboat in Portage Bay

Inside, the petite pad is outfitted with warm, wood-paneled walls and nautical-inspired accessories. The double doors open to the deck, celebrating the idyllic bay views and inviting a cool, summer breeze into the home.

San Francisco Dreamboat

The homeowners rode this 128-ton houseboat underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz before docking it at San Francisco’s Mission Creek. Go to the next slide to see the interior.

San Francisco Dreamboat

The interior's nature-friendly design was inspired by the homeowners' trip to Bali. Natural woods paired with a white and blue color palette lend to the relaxing nautical vibe. Check out the outdoor deck in the next slide.

San Francisco Dreamboat

Large sliding doors with transom windows above help seamlessly connect the inside with the outdoor sundeck. Parquet-style decking matches the interior flooring in color, but the contrasting pattern adds just the right amount of panache.

Washington Waterfront Views

This sleek, contemporary houseboat by architect Jim Olsen offers only 1,000 square feet of living space. But with wraparound windows, epic skyline views, luxury amenities and a roof-top deck the home feels spacious and airy. Got to the next slide to see the inside.

From: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Washington Waterfront Views

Unique wraparound windows provide an amazing view to wake up to. Double pane/storm windows give you peace of mind should a squall blow up. Check out the living room in the next slide.

From: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Washington Waterfront Views

The lower level of the houseboat boasts an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows. The mirrored wall behind the sofa makes sure the stellar view is visible from no matter where you sit.

From: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Long Beach Retro

Old-school silhouettes and a throwback color palette of red-orange and turquoise earn this Long Beach houseboat major design points. The floating California home features a roomy top deck complete with spirited lounge chairs for sunbathing, plus a matching dining set and a large outdoor grill for alfresco dining. Check out the indoor cooking facilities in the next slide.

Long Beach Retro

Plenty of natural light brightens this midcentury modern kitchen featuring white cabinets and orange countertops. Dark brown wicker bar stools provide a seat with a view to the adjoining living room and upper deck.

Long Beach Retro

At the front of the interior sits the lounge area, complete with a custom banquette that allows owners to interact with guests as they prepare food. The L-shaped seating modifications accommodate up to five people (and one special pup).

Tour Houseboats From All Over the World

Related To:

Shop This Look

Soothing in Seattle

Soothing in Seattle

Soothing in Seattle

Canal Community in Amsterdam

Seattle’s Best

Seattle's Best

Midcentury Mooring in Amsterdam

Charmed Living in Wisconsin

North Holland Modern

North Holland Modern

Canal Cottage Community

Finding Netherland

Finding Netherland

Let’s Go Dutch

Let's Go Dutch

Cruising in Kerala, India

Decidedly Dutch

Decidedly Dutch

Panache in Portland

Panache in Portland

Panache in Portland

Panache in Portland

Panache in Portland

London Calling

London Calling

Tugging Along the Seine

Tugging Along the Seine

Tugging Along the Seine

Striking Design + Swimming Swans in Holland

Aqua Houseboat

Aqua Houseboat

Prismatic Houseboats in Halong Bay

Living on Lake Union

Pop of Color in North Vancouver

Playing Houseboat in Portage Bay

Playing Houseboat in Portage Bay

San Francisco Dreamboat

San Francisco Dreamboat

San Francisco Dreamboat

Washington Waterfront Views

Washington Waterfront Views

Washington Waterfront Views

Long Beach Retro

Long Beach Retro

Long Beach Retro

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