Boutique Barge, a houseboat rental in Little Venice, London

Canal Living in London's Little Venice

Conceived as an antidote to conventional city stays, this houseboat represents a meticulous renovation of a classic wide-beam vessel. Every fixture, from the exposed copper pipework to the vintage-inspired cabinetry, reflects a commitment to high-design utility.

A stainless-steel kitchen serves as the social heart, equipped with a Smeg gas oven and hob for the culinary-minded traveler. Reclaimed textures meet modern infrastructure, including a dedicated office nook with high-speed WiFi. The atmosphere is grounded by a solid-fuel stove, providing a primal, tactile warmth during cooler London evenings.

The experience extends to the vessel's exterior, where a private deck offers front-row seats to the rhythmic life of the Regents Canal. Surrounded by the white stucco villas of Maida Vale, the outdoor area serves as a transitional space between the city’s bustle and the boat’s internal quietude, perfect for observing the resident waterfowl and passing narrowboats.

What we love

We love how this boat puts you right in the heart of Little Venice, where the weeping willows and Italianate villas make London feel like a quiet historic village. The design is so clever that it feels like a permanent apartment, giving you a front-row seat to the ducks and passing narrowboats from your own private deck. Honestly, taking a quick stroll down the towpath for dinner at The Waterway feels like you've discovered the city's best-kept local secret.

Layout

This floating residence comfortably sleeps up to five guests. The master cabin features a raised double bed with integrated storage, while the lounge offers a sofa that converts into a double bed. An additional single mattress is available upon request. The bathroom is a modern wet room with exposed plumbing. Outside, a private bow deck provides a space for morning coffee.

Experiences

Guests can book private canal tours to explore the waterway’s history or arrange for a welcome hamper of local artisan goods.

Good to know

The boat is on main power and has hot water on tap. Heating is via a solid-fuel stove and supplementary Webasto radiators. A compost toilet is utilized to maintain the canal’s delicate ecosystem.

Amenities

Smeg gas oven, hob, fridge-freezer, stainless steel kitchen, solid fuel stove, Webasto heating, wifi, office desk, walk-in wet room, compost toilet, oil heaters, welcome pack, bed linen, towels

Around

Little Venice is a tranquil intersection of the Grand Union and Regents Canals, defined by its Italianate architecture and weeping willows. The property is a five-minute walk from Paddington Station, providing rapid access to the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line. Nearby, the Puppet Theatre Barge and the Canal Café Theatre offer independent cultural programming, while the Summerhouse and The Waterway provide excellent canalside dining. A 15-minute stroll along the towpath leads to Regents Park or the vibrant shops of Marylebone. The area is a historic magnet for creatives, offering a "village" feel within Central London.