1-bedroom House Boat for rent at Islington, London, N18

Liveaboard in London, a unique floating living space inspired by a reimagined lifeboat

This isn’t just an ex-lifeboat, it’s a thoughtfully designed, compact living space inspired by the idea of transforming something practical into something genuinely enjoyable to live in. The aim is to create a characterful, efficient and slightly different way of living on the water, something that feels intentional rather than makeshift.

This project was partly inspired by creative conversions like the Orla Lifeboat conversion (see video below - no affiliation), which gives a sense of the thinking behind it.

What living here looks like

You’ll be living on a continuously cruising boat, moving around London every two weeks. In reality, this becomes part of the appeal rather than a burden. Moves are short, manageable, and we guide you through the process, especially at the start, so you’re never left figuring it out alone.

Where you’ll be

The cruising pattern keeps you largely within Zones 1–3, with regular time spent around places like Little Venice, Islington, King’s Cross, Broadway Market and Victoria Park. You do need to navigate the boat further afield in order to meet licensing requirements, but most of your time is spent in well-connected, lively parts of London.

Mooring and setup

You’ll be using towpath moorings, which are part of the licence, so there’s no need to book or pay for individual spots. We help guide where to moor and how to approach each move, so it becomes a natural rhythm rather than something stressful.

Costs and what’s included

The monthly fee is designed to be simple and predictable. It includes diesel, gas, licence, insurance, coal in winter, and access to essential services such as water points, rubbish disposal and toilets. There aren’t hidden running costs day to day.

The bigger picture

This is best suited to someone who likes the idea of doing things slightly differently, who values experience over convention, and who wants a London base that feels a bit more interesting than a standard flat.

If this sounds like it could suit you, happy to talk it through and give you a clearer picture of how it works in practice.

Terms

• Minimum 6-month contract, with option to extend

• References and credit check required

• Managed and contracted through Escape the Rat Race

This is the legitimate way to live on a fully insured and licensed continuously cruising boat on Canal & River Trust waters.

FAQs

Is this for the whole boat?
Yes.

Do you offer shared options?
Yes, please see our other adverts or message us.

Interested in a narrowboat instead?
Message us and let us know, we can help.

Can you offer less than 6 months?
No. There is significant time involved in onboarding, training, safety and support. The average stay is around 9 months.

Do you offer short stays (1 to 10 days)?
No. You would need a hotel boat for this.

Are the boats safe?
Yes. Safety is our highest priority. All boats are regularly checked, fully certified, and fitted with appropriate alarms. We carry out routine inspections and maintenance, typically at least once per month.

What’s included

• Unlimited diesel

• Unlimited gas

• 0.5 tonne of coal per winter

• Licence

• Insurance

• Access to boat services, including rubbish disposal, towpath moorings, elsan and water points

Is renting through EtRR legitimate?

Yes. We have been operating for nearly 20 years and work closely with the Canal & River Trust to ensure our model remains compliant and aligned with their evolving requirements. This was most recently reviewed in June 2025.

Note

You may see similar adverts in multiple locations. In partnership with the platform we advertise on we  reflects the boat’s cruising pattern across London, not different boats.