2 bed houseboat for sale

Blagdon Water, Cookbury EX22

Incredibly rare and exciting opportunity to acquire this unique wide beam barge “house boat”, moored at the picturesque Blagdon Water with it’s 3 acre stocked lake and approx. 1.75 acres of unspoilt land within the Devon countryside!

Built by the highly renowned “Morvoren Sea Craft” in Penryn, Cornwall in 2006 and has only ever been moored at Blagdon Water.
The boat comprises 2 bedrooms, both with en-suite shower rooms and living/dining/kitchen with wood burner.

Swallowtail is situated within this wildlife haven with unspoilt natural habitat. The whole of Blagdon Water extends to some 35 acres making this property the most perfect and unique bolthole.

The property has fantastic holiday let potential and possible development/change of use opportunities subject to necessary planning consents.

The Boat “Swallowtail”
Swallowtail is a wide beam barge of some 10ft with 6’6 head height, making this barge far more useable than the more familiar narrow boat. With a 10mm steel hull, the boat was built in 2006 by the renowned Morvoren Sea Craft of Penryn, Cornwall and has only ever been moored at Blagdon Waters.

The boat comprises 2 bedrooms, both with en-suite marine style shower and WC. The toilet waste is pumped to a septic tank on adjacent land. There is mains electricity, along with 12V lighting, bottled gas for the cooker, mains water supply and waste water pump.

Moored on the south side of the lake, with natural scenery and unspoilt countryside. A small jetty provides access to the boat, and useful boat house, perfect for entertaining!

The “Lake”
The majority of the lake is maintained by the local land owner, with a section of bankside maintained by the boat owner. The lake is a nature sanctuary and is not used for water sports. There is good stock of Rainbow Trout and the boat owner has fishing rights on the lake.

The “Boat House”
Adjacent to the boat mooring, is a wooden summerhouse with power supply and 12V battery system housed to supply power to the lights on Swallowtail. The boiler and gas bottles for the boat are located to the rear of the building. Providing perfect storage and entertainment space for family and friends.

The “vw Camper”
Included in the sale in an unregistered Brazilian import vw T2 campervan. The van has no engine and is a rolling shell. The intent for the van was to create a double bedroom to provide additional accommodation for the site if required.

Open plan kitchen/Dining/Living Room 4.80m x 2.36m
Fitted kitchen with matching cream shaker base units and oak effect roll edge laminate work surface over. Ceramic sink unit with mixer tap, gas oven with 4 ring gas hob, under counter fridge. Dining/seating area, roof light and window overlooking the lake.

Bedroom One 2.43m x 1.98m
Triple aspect double room, with windows to either side, overlooking the lake and land and French doors opening onto the rear deck.

En-Suite Shower Room 1.57m x 1.14m
Shower cubicle, wall hung basin and WC. Frosted window.

Bedroom Two 2.43m x 1.98m
A triple aspect twin room, with windows to either side, overlooking the lake and land. French doors opening onto the front deck.

En-Suite Shower Room 1.57m x 1.14m
Shower cubicle, wall hung basin and WC. Frosted window.

Outside
Swallowtail is accessed via a very well maintained, private lane, shared with the main house and 3 other holiday retreats. A single track then leads off the lane to the property which provides parking for several vehicles. The land which is a natural, protected habitat extends to some 1.75 acres and consists of tree’s, wildflower, newly planted mini orchard, BBQ area and large grassed area.

Services
Mains water, electricity and bottled gas. Shared private drainage on neighbouring land.

Tenure
Freehold including mooring.

Agents Note
The barge has a holiday let restriction but can be used 365 days a year. Permanent residence would require the necessary planning permission with Torridge District Council.
The hull was blacked in 2017 when last taken out the water, and then tilted and painted in situ below the water line and topside in 2020. Below water, cleaning, inspection and painting is due in 2025/2026. Swallowtail was painted above the water line in the summer of 2024 using long life, two pack paint. The boat could be lifted in situ as there is plenty of adjacent space to place the boat ashore if required.
The landowner carries out year round maintenance works to the shared access road and the cost is split between all owners at around £1,000 per annum. 50% contribution to maintenance and emptying of shared septic tank when required, approx. Every 3-4 years at around £150+VAT.