When Jen was unable to secure a mortgage for a traditional house, she made a bold and unconventional decision—she designed and built a floating house to live on with her two children. The result is a stunning and functional home that has become an inspiring example of creativity and determination.
The houseboat features three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom, with an open space on the roof perfect for yoga or relaxing outdoors. Jen has been living on the boat for over three years, and the journey to create this unique home is as remarkable as the house itself.
Since finding a three-bedroom boat was nearly impossible, Jen decided to design her own. She carefully planned every detail, from the placement of windows to the layout of the rooms, ensuring her children had separate bedrooms for their own personal spaces.
The construction of the steel frame took just seven weeks to complete, while the interior was finished in an additional ten weeks. Altogether, the project was completed in 17 weeks. The steel frame cost $87,000, and Jen invested another $10,000 to create the warm and inviting interior.
For the kitchen, Jen installed an IKEA setup with plenty of counter space. The living room doubles as a workspace where she holds massage and therapy sessions. Without a television, her children spend their time reading and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The large, comfortable beds in the living room offer cozy spots to relax, and the windows provide breathtaking views of sunsets over the water.
Jen’s story is a testament to resilience and ingenuity. Through careful planning and hard work, she transformed a challenge into an opportunity, creating a beautiful and unconventional home that suits her family’s needs perfectly.