Dutch Barge Katwijker Forward

Magnificent Dutch Barge. “Forward”, or “Voorwarts” in her native language , is a fabulous houseboat with spectacular living spaces located at Blackwall Basin, Canary Wharf.

Offering simply epic levels of interior space, her interior design and fit out were created and overseen by a British architect then living in Holland. Her current owner has been Forward's custodian for the past 17 years and has retained all the original fitout and features of this hugely impressive boat. Built in Holland in 1915 as a working barge (transporting amongst other things nuts and chewing gum!), Forward was successfully surveyed in 2020 when her hull was professionally re blacked with two pack epoxy so she is not due out of the water again until 2030. Whilst her next owner may wish to update certain areas over time, she is ready to move onboard immediately.

It should be noted that her mooring at Blackwall Basin is not automatically transferable to her next owner but our London broker would be pleased to investigate and support an application for her new owner to remain in Blackwall Basin, a fabulous location on the eastern side of Canary Wharf with the DLR, Elizabeth and Jubilee lines all within a 10-15 minute walk. The current residential mooring fees are c.£20,000 p.a.

On board, her wheelhouse is remarkable. A built in sofa, in beautifully engineered timber, easily seats 10 adults and large windows offer 360 degree views of the marina and Canary Wharf 's iconic skyline. Her impressive steering wheel sits below a suspended compass to remind all guests they are onboard a fully operational and navigable boat.

Leading from the wheelhouse, down a flight of stairs with brass hand rail, is the luxurious Owners Cabin, or master bedroom., with it's own bathroom and walk in wardrobe plus exceptional drawer and cupboard storage. The bed head itself was also custom designed and installed.

Moving back up through the wheelhouse, a further flight of stairs, delightfully curved to mimic the hulls curvature, leads down into the main saloon, a simply breath taking living space. An enormous sofa curves at each end to surround on three sides the boat's heating source, an extremely powerful wood burning stove. Heating in the extremities of the boat is supported by plug in, oil filled, radiators. Like everywhere else onboard, headroom is exceptional and this same space easily accommodates a large and extendable dining table and chairs. Twin wooden doors off the saloon lead directly to the engine room where her DAF 575 6 cylinder diesel engine is located.

Further forward aboard “Forward”, is her galley/kitchen complete with range, fridge and, as everywhere else onboard, limitless storage. A full size washing machine is also present onboard.

Large windows and skylights allow natural daylight to pour into all areas of Forward adding further to the sense of space. Her main bathroom features a super-size custom made bath whilst in the bow of the boat is a further living/sleeping area, itself possibly larger than many of the studio apartments surrounding the marina. Currently arranged to incorporate a double bed, dining table/breakfast bar, a desk and a super cool, climb-in, additional double bed, this is an extremely versatile space that could be reformatted for use as an office, third saloon, gym, etc, whilst still offering additional sleeping quarters.

Please contact our London broker for further details of this magnificent houseboat and to schedule your viewing onboard.

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