Maisy Dewey, a dual citizen of the U.S. and U.K., had always dreamed of living in London. Her parents moved between London and the U.S. before settling in New Jersey, where she grew up. In 2022, after her fiancé, Harrison Kent, was accepted to a master’s program in London, the couple decided to make the move. They began preparations for their transatlantic move by selling most of their belongings and having yard sales. However, finding the perfect home in London proved to be a challenge, with many spots being taken before they could even inquire.
After months of searching, Dewey and Kent stumbled upon a unique living arrangement – a renovated houseboat in London. Despite initial skepticism, the couple was pleasantly surprised by the boat’s modern interiors. They signed a two-year lease for roughly $2,200 per month, finding the space to be more spacious and safe than any other place they had lived. Living on a boat has come with unique responsibilities, such as refilling the water tank every few days, but they appreciate the trade-off for the outdoor space and community spirit amongst the neighboring boats.
Dewey and Kent have been living on the houseboat for over six months and have no plans of leaving anytime soon. Dewey describes the experience as feeling like living in a children’s picture book, adding a fun element to their lives. The couple enjoys spending time on top of the boat, socializing with their friendly neighbors and feeling at home with their dog, Kipper. Dewey uses the second bedroom as an at-home office and finds the sense of community and camaraderie amongst the residents of the dock to be a highlight of their new living situation.
Despite having lived in a house in Philadelphia before moving to London, Dewey feels that the houseboat offers more space and safety than any other place she has lived. Both Dewey and Kent are content with their decision to live on the boat and are planning to stay for as long as possible. The unique experience of living on a houseboat has added a new dimension to their lives, providing a sense of adventure and community that they cherish. They feel fortunate to have taken the opportunity to live in London and are grateful for the privilege of having multiple passports that allowed them to make this dream a reality.
