Houseboats are often associated with cramped interiors, low ceilings and awkward living spaces, but these breathtaking properties prove that not all floating homes are made equal. Featuring stylish décor, luxurious extras and jaw-dropping views, these high-end houseboats will make you want to pack your bags and live life on the water. Click or scroll on and leave your expectations on dry land, because these million-dollar residences are anything but ordinary.

What better way to make the most of California's wonderful climate than with a dreamy houseboat set on the waters of iconic Richardson Bay? The city of Sausalito is known for its houseboat enclaves, so this gem of a property – the cream, two-storey boat in the middle – is one seriously sought-after piece of real estate. 

The houseboat was built in 1995 but recently underwent an interior renovation. Now, it's fresh, light-filled and full of surprises. Spanning 1,400 square feet, the property features chic living spaces with white oak floors, contemporary furnishings and expansive glass doors that open onto the boat’s three external decks. The kitchen also has a hidden door, which leads down into a secret room. Currently set up as an office, this space could easily be transformed into an additional bedroom.

As well as a sophisticated lounge, there’s also a dining zone, a modern kitchen, two large bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master suite is certainly fit for a VIP. From the huge skylight that lets in plenty of sunlight, to the enviable private balcony overlooking the water, we can't think of a nicer spot to wake up every morning.

The home has three outdoor terraces, including a gorgeous sky deck with panoramic bay views, so you can soak up the waterfront scenery while you sip your morning coffee. What could be better than that? In 2022, it was listed with Engel & Völkers for $1.3 million (£1m), and we can't say we're surprised. 

Moored on the River Thames in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this luxurious floating home is just minutes away from the designer boutiques of Sloane Square, the leafy walkways of Battersea Park and the idyllic running routes of the Thames Path.

Last listed with RiverHomes in 2022 for just under £1.8 million ($2.2m), the lavish residence doesn't come cheap. But for your money, you'll gain 1,848 square feet of living space in one of London's most affluent areas. Designed for entertaining, the interior offers a sophisticated, open-plan layout, with a living room, galley kitchen and dining zone, all of which are surrounded by scenic water views.

The houseboat offers two ensuite bedrooms – the master bedroom comes with its own dressing room too. There’s also a separate study and utility room, making remote working nice and simple. Finished to the highest standards, the property boasts air conditioning, underfloor heating and a zoned alarm system, as well as mains electricity and water. What’s more, all residents of this charming mooring also benefit from a night watchman, 24-hour CCTV and an on-site maintenance team. 

The master bathroom might just be one of the most luxurious we've ever seen. As if plucked from the floorplan of a palatial mansion, the room comes complete with a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, dual vanity units and enough floor space for your morning yoga session. Plus, with an entire rooftop deck at your disposal, you'll have plenty of space to find your zen. 

Described by the listing agents as "The Queen of Lake Union", this spectacular houseboat in Seattle, Washington, highlights exactly how envy-inducing a floating home can be. Moored in the bohemian neighbourhood of Fremont, the Aurora was built in 2012 and offers drama, sophistication and space in abundance.

With a signature style rarely seen in houseboats, the property was inspired by the architecture of the Gamble House in Pasadena, an iconic American Craftsman designed by Greene and Greene. To match the home's classical style, Aurora boasts exposed rafters, hand-crafted stone and wood accents and pretty sash windows. Yet there's an undeniable nautical aesthetic, too, and the house was even crafted by local shipwrights.

The houseboat is laid out over two floors and features 4,850 square feet of interior space. It comes complete with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, as well as a gorgeous kitchen, living room, dining area, sunroom and snug. The master suite boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling, a large ensuite and a mezzanine den, from which stunning views can be savoured.

This houseboat comes packed with surprising extras, too, and boasts its very own luxurious screening room, designed to accommodate eight people. With uncompromising views and incredible attention to detail, this beautiful houseboat really is in a league of its own. The property hit the market in February 2022 for $3.6 million (£2.9m) and sold two months later. We're sure it was worth every single penny.

Known for its high-end restaurants, pricey boutiques and rainbow-coloured townhouses, Chelsea is one of London's most affluent neighbourhoods. So, unsurprisingly, real estate here is seriously exorbitant. As it turns out, even off-land homes in this royal borough will set you back millions. In 2017, this Dutch shipping barge hit the market for a cool £2.5 million ($3.1m).

Spanning just 108 feet, the boat came with a 50-year mooring licence at the privately-owned Cadogan Pier, which can be found right next to the famous Albert Bridge. So, of course, the houseboat's windows allow for spectacular views of the River Thames and Chelsea's iconic landmarks. Yet such a sought-after position doesn't come cheap, and mooring here costs £27,000 ($34k) a year, Mansion Global reported. Inside, the once-industrial barge has been completely transformed into a spectacular home.

For 25 years the barge was used to transport dry cargo across Europe. In 1988, the boat was converted into a restaurant, before being turned into a luxury houseboat. Named "Flagship", the property has a 3,400-square-foot interior, which includes three bedrooms, four bathrooms, an open-plan lounge, a dining area and a beautiful modern kitchen that curves effortlessly around the barge's frame. 

Flagship has been finished to the highest possible standard, with luxurious furnishings and natural parquet floors. It even comes equipped with everything from underfloor heating to climate control and ceiling-fitted speakers. The master suite is a dreamy space that opens up to one of the boat's many exterior decks, where evening cocktails can be sipped amid the iconic lights of Albert Bridge. There's also a sky lounge and a study, just in case!

This high-end houseboat wasn't always so. Built in 1962 as a steel cargo ship, it was sensitively transformed into a stylish home in 2015. Part of the Waterwonen Amsterdam project, the former commercial ship occupies one of 34 water plots reserved for residential houseboats in the Dutch capital. 

During the renovation, much of the boat's industrial character was retained, resulting in a one-of-a-kind home with an eye-catching interior aesthetic. The original cargo hold has been transformed into a minimalist living space of just under 1,200 square feet, with a dramatic double-height ceiling that creates a wow-factor first impression.

The innovative floorplan puts every inch of space to use, with a clever split-level design accommodating chic living areas, a study, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. In 2019, the property sold with Sotheby's International Realty for around €1.5 million (£1.3m / $1.6m), proving just how sought-after floating homes have become in the "Venice of the North".

Despite its dark colour scheme, every living space is flooded with natural light, thanks to cleverly positioned skylights and original clerestory windows. The kitchen and pantry embrace a strong industrial aesthetic, with rusted units and dark appliances, while steel and concrete floors pay homage to the boat's history.

Sustainable, stylish and bursting with home comforts, this characterful houseboat will make you want to pack your boat shoes and move on in. Located on the waters of Portage Bay, Seattle, the attractive property was built in 1904 but was entirely renovated in 2006, using sustainable materials. 

The chic pile landed on the property market in 2020 and sold within three months for a little under $1.2 million (£959k). Inside, you'll find 1,420 square feet of space, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as light-filled living areas that flow effortlessly into one another.

There's a large lounge, a dining area, a chic kitchen, a utility zone and an office nook, providing space for entertaining, working and relaxing. Modern and stripped back, the interior is awash with natural wood, steel accents and plenty of glass.

Of course, there are several outdoor spaces, too, which fully make the most of the home's enviable locality. While the lounge opens up to a large waterfront deck, the master sleeping loft features its own terrace. There's even a co-op garden that all local houseboat owners can make use of.

The ultimate in waterside living, this luxurious houseboat can be found in the Riverside Quarter of southwest London. From the outside, the former Dutch barge appears almost untouched, but step inside and you'll find stunning living spaces that are about as far from nautical as you can get...

The former commercial boat, known as Penelope, was redesigned in 2008 by a naval architect and boasts an airy, open-plan layout with plenty of characterful design details. The 95-foot long home is kitted out with subtle curved ceilings, sleek wooden flooring and clean, white-washed walls, while colourful artworks, traditional tapestries and lush houseplants add pops of colour to every space.

The boat benefits from a beautiful lounge, a high-end kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master suite comes kitted out with a four-poster bed, while the living room benefits from floor-to-ceiling glass for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

There are several outdoor decks too, including a lawned terrace and a secluded dining patio, from which you can soak up river views. Plus, thanks to its location inside the Riverside Quarter housing development, Penelope’s owner gets to enjoy an array of communal facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. So, it's no wonder that the house was last listed in 2019 for £1.7 million ($2.1m). The price included a valid mooring licence up until the year 2063.

As unique as it is impressive, this edgy houseboat redefines the genre entirely. Located in the city of Sausalito, California, on the exclusive Issaquah Dock, the luxury home was built in 1979. Yet step through the front door and you'll find a jaw-dropping interior that is far from old-fashioned.

From the outside, the houseboat might appear small, but it actually offers an impressive 3,792 square feet of space. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as dramatic living areas with generous ceilings, expanses of glass and plenty of architectural features. From the exposed rafters of the open-plan lounge, to the elegant hardwood floors that can be found throughout, this floating house is bursting with sophisticated design details.

Spread over three well-proportioned floors, the ultra-luxe home was designed with the view in mind. Almost every single room benefits from floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open up to exterior decks, allowing for flawless views of Richardson Bay, Angel Island State Park and even the skyline of San Francisco – which is just down the road. Imagine waking up in this striking master bedroom every morning, before enjoying coffee on your own private waterfront terrace.

Other highlights include the home's gourmet kitchen, which benefits from retro counters and a breakfast nook. Modern and meticulously presented, there's also a strong Japanese aesthetic throughout, thanks to chic Shoji screens and tatami mats. The lower level also comes with two private bedrooms and a sauna. In January 2021, the unique property sold in just 65 days for just under $2.9 million (£2.3m). 

Clearly Sausalito, California, is the place to go for high-end houseboats because this modern floating home, positioned on the city's Main Dock, landed on the market in 2020 and sold in just 84 days. The lucky new owner paid a cool $1.9 million (£1.5m) for their new digs, but once you see inside you might understand why...

Spanning 3,300 square feet, the contemporary crib was built in 1968 and offers three floors of living space. There's a stunning open-plan lounge, complete with a sitting area, dining zone and pool table. Characterful nautical touches can be found throughout, too. While the kitchen has been designed to resemble a Captain's bridge, the main living room is decorated with glass bottles, vintage light fixtures and anchor chains.

Yet this is no ordinary houseboat. The impressive property comes complete with its own onboard fitness centre, workshop, artist's studio and office. There are two large storage rooms, as well as three bathrooms and four bedrooms – one with its own alfresco hot tub!

Step outside and you'll find numerous decks, totalling 1,200 square feet, from which views of Richardson Bay and Mount Tamalpais can be enjoyed. We can think of worse places to while away the hours...

While many luxury houseboats are permanently positioned on sought-after moorings, this modern floating home in London, UK, comes with a working engine and navigation equipment, so the lucky owner can up sticks and relocate whenever they fancy. 

The luxurious two-storey home hit the real estate market in 2018, with a £1.3 million ($1.6m) price tag, following an extensive and impressive renovation. Positioned a stone's throw from Battersea Power Station, at the sought-after Plantation Wharf, the deluxe houseboat offers chic interior design and walls of windows, allowing for enviable views across the River Thames.

Named Janine, the property features three large bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open-plan living room with a dining zone and contemporary kitchen. There's also a separate deck saloon, which opens up to a huge sun terrace – the perfect spot for entertaining. Natural light floods into every room, thanks to newly installed glazing, including porthole windows and modern rooflights. 

Keeping the aesthetic nice and simple, the home benefits from crisp white walls and natural wood accents. Finished to the highest possible standards, the 1,370-square-foot property was renovated over an 18-month period and no expense was spared. Equipped with underfloor heating and high-quality materials, it also boasts a unique glass bathtub, which reportedly cost £6,000 ($7.5k). Talk about billionaire bling!

In a league of its own, this custom-designed beauty highlights just how fabulous living on the water can be. The one-of-a-kind floating home was built back in 2016 and boasts all the hallmarks of a modern mansion. Moored on Seattle's most sought-after dock, Roanoke Reef, the property allows for scenic Lake Union views from every single window. If you're not convinced about boat life, this eye-catching property may be enough to change your mind...

Custom-designed by Vandeventer + Carlander Architects, the contemporary floating home is aptly named "Jewel Box" and was even named the winner of AIA’s “Home of Distinction” award – and it's really no surprise. Dramatic and unique, the house boasts an enticing modernistic aesthetic, thanks to sleek timber accents, natural stone elements and breath-taking walls of glass. 

In order to make the most of the home's jaw-dropping views, the property was designed with a reserved floorplan. Step through the front door and you'll find yourself in one of the home's two bedrooms. Then, work your way through to the living areas, located at the back of the house, overlooking the water. The interior spaces open up to a trio of outdoor decks, totalling 632 square feet, allowing for unobstructed views.

The two-storey retreat comes complete with a lounge, dining room, contemporary kitchen and two bathrooms, as well as a utility space and office. Generous ceilings, an abundance of internal glazing and a crisp colour palette means every inside space feels light and inviting. Yet such luxury doesn't come cheap. In April 2021, Jewel Box sold for $3.4 million (£2.7m). 

Positioned on a privately owned moorage on Lake Union, Seattle, this dramatic floating home is unlike any you might have seen before. Blending modern style with retro design details, jaw-dropping scenery and stunning architecture, this magnificent houseboat is one of a kind. 

The property dates back to 1978, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about it. With light-filled rooms, mid-century design features and high-end materials throughout, there’s something lovely to see everywhere you look. Inside, you’ll find 1,425 square feet of living space, decked out with exposed ceiling beams, hardwood floors, stained-glass windows, decorative fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling glass.

Across the home’s two floors you’ll find an open-plan lounge, dining room, kitchen and home office. There might be just one bedroom and one bathroom, but they’re both the epitome of luxury. The master suite is sprawling and stylish, with a sitting area, walk-in closet and private deck overlooking the water.

Meanwhile, the luxurious bathroom comes complete with dual vanities, a walk-in shower and a large tub positioned underneath a huge skylight, so you can stargaze while you soak. Unsurprisingly, it was last listed in 2022 with Sotheby's International Realty for a significant $3 million (£2.4m). This luxurious floating home proves that you don't need bricks, mortar and dry land to live a lavish lifestyle. If this is houseboat living, then we're ready to go below deck!

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