Life on the water

Watching the sun come up as the river ebbs and flows, your only company a family of passing ducks or the rhythmic splash of an early-morning kayaker – could there be a more peaceful place in the heart of London to begin the day? 

Until you’ve stepped onto a houseboat it can be hard to conjure the sense of escapism that being out on the water offers, especially when you’re moored 10 minutes’ walk from Chelsea’s Kings Road. In fact at Cheyne Walk Moorings on the Thames between Albert and Chelsea Bridges, the tranquillity and privacy come as something of a surprise when there are another 50 boats nearby. 

But it’s this sense of seclusion that makes the mooring highly desirable, particularly to those who embrace a style of living that’s never been more popular, since the pandemic made space and nature higher priorities. With the River Bus service at Cadogan Pier just up the street, there can be few more civilised commutes into the City than a 30-minute boat ride along the Thames.

One of these repurposed boats has been designed to provide as much space as a luxury apartment but with some key advantages. In fact, at 1,649 square feet, it’s double the size of an average two- bedroom property with light-filled, open-plan living and a large terrace perfect for yoga, sitting with a laptop or entertaining with sundowners while admiring the views downriver. 

But it’s also been created with practicality and comfort in mind, says Charlotte Moffat, the interior designer who’s fully furnished the property. “We wanted it to look beautiful and be ideally suited for entertaining but also to offer the day-to-day conveniences that people often request: plenty of storage, air conditioning in the bedrooms and a separate utility room.”

High-speed internet throughout, bike racks on the pontoon, and management services that can handle deliveries, grocery drop-offs, maintenance issues – as well as security patrols – make this type of riverside living even more easy. There’s much to enjoy within a short walk, including Sloane Square, Battersea Park, sailing clubs and the newly opening bars and restaurants of Battersea Power Station and Chelsea Creek.

This home, now available to let, is ideally equipped to be either a pied-à-terre or a full-time base. The fitted kitchen comes with the full range of appliances; the principal bedroom has its own dressing room (and both bedrooms have their own bathrooms), and the climate controlled underfloor heating ensures the houseboat is as comfortable during the colder months as it is on balmy summer nights. One thing we can say for sure: the view from your windows will never be the same. 

Cheyne Walk is available to let for £7,973 per month. To make an enquiry contact ed.pawson@knightfrank.com. Explore more properties for sale in Chelsea, or contact one of our agents to request a market appraisal.