Description

From the owner: "The Dutch Barge dates from1898 and still has many original features, such as the wheelhouse with a large wooden wheel and the original crane. Dutch Barge Jan was a working barge for many years, in Holland, Belgium and the Rhine, transporting grain and other products. Originally it was a sailing ship. The captain and his wife had a cabin at one end and two ship's boys would have lived at the other end, using a rope on the boom to haul goods on and off. Sometime in the 1920’s an engine was installed. It still works but has not been used recently. The hooter does work but don’t use it too often as the fish get alarmed!
When it was converted for residential use, it was considered too big and around 50 feet was cut out of the middle. You can still see the line across the deck.
It is still beautifully spacious at 110 feet long and 20 feet wide, unlike a narrow canal boat, and provides excellent accommodation for a couple or a family.
It could be sailed or towed anywhere in the world and used for many purposes, apart from accommodation, such as a restaurant, Airbnb, art gallery, space for yoga studio or other classes.
A techie, amateur engineer or boat enthusiast would find it fascinating going into the bowels of the boat and seeing all the old engines and original equipment. It could of course be cleared out and provide even more space
Amateurs can enjoy the present-day comforts, the luxurious space, the modern facilities, the little garden, birds above and the fish below, the parade of passing boats, and all the incredible views from the wheelhouse, admiring and wondering at the Barge’s beauty and its fascinating history
We have loved it, one of the happiest and most exciting, romantic, adventurous periods of my whole life, but at 90 I cannot quite manage the steps, alas.” Hunter Davies

Accommodation

From the moment you step aboard you realise that this is something special. Tastefully decorated and flooded with light from its 20 windows this barge provides spacious accommodation for those wishing to live the dream.
The barge is affixed to the pontoon so there are no worries with adjusting ropes as weather conditions change.
A gangway with steps takes you to the outside lobby which has pretty planters and a part-glazed entrance door to the reception lobby which is light and bright with double glazed windows plus doors either side together with ample built-in storage.
Aft of the reception lobby is the galley-kitchen/diner which has contemporary grey fitted units, high-level oven, hob with four gas rings and extractor, twin stainless steel sink and fridge/freezer. There is room for the dining table and chairs and the dresser unit and again this area is flooded with light from double glazed windows either side.
The wall mounted gas boiler is located in the adjoining utility room together with a washing machine.
Aft of this is a bathroom comprising bath with shower over, pedestal basin and toilet.
Moving forward from the reception lobby steps take you down to a useful cloakroom and into the spacious and versatile open-plan living area. This can be arranged with a dining or study area and large family lounge area, it has oak flooring throughout, radiators, TV point and a stunning ambiance from its seven windows with views across the harbour.
Beyond the living area is an inner hallway that can be utilised as a study or hobby area.
Leading off the inner hallway is the second bedroom with built-in storage, a shower room with wash basin and toilet and the master bedroom with double bed, oak flooring and radiator with a higher level window for privacy.
On the upper deck is a fabulous 47 foot long entertaining and relaxing area with safety rails and privacy screens all round. This outside living area is perfect for dining, sunbathing, partying and thoroughly enjoying harbour life. The current owner entertained 80 guests at a summer party last year with a live shanty band playing.
The upper deck also houses the original davit used for lifting grain aboard during her working life.
The wheelhouse accessed from this level is not only fully functioning if taken to sea but can provide a useful third bedroom for guests or relaxing snug for watching the world go by and there is always something to watch in a marina setting.

Additional Information

Additional Information
The barge can be moved under her own power but is currently secured to the pontoon on retractable spud legs.
If retained on her current berth in Bembridge Harbour annual mooring fees are payable which include utilities with the exception of the metered electricity which is provided by 32amp shore power.
LPG bottled gas supplies the kitchen hob and the central heating system runs from red diesel which is stored in a 2,000 litre tank in the engine room.
In addition, the vessel also has its own generator, fuel and water storage.
The barge has a holding tank for wastewater which is pumped to a biodigester that then releases it as clean water.
There is currently no Council Tax payable on houseboat living.
The marina has a bar and café on site overlooking the harbour.
There is a water taxi (free for berth holders) to take you across the harbour where you can walk up to the town of Bembridge with its many restaurants, pubs and a great range of shops. Also in walking distance is the village of St Helens with a shop, pub and restaurants.
There are many beautiful walks from the marina and just across the adjoining National Trust owned Duver is a lovely beach with beachside restaurant.