Dutch Barge (Reverse) for sale in London United Kingdom

Truly exceptional Dutch Barge, Tjalk, at Poplar Marina, Canary Wharf, with a fully transferable, residential mooring.

Built in Holland in 1915, Elsie May was originally used to transport potatoes along Dutch waterways and then converted into a houseboat. She was bought in December 2012 by her present owner,  who then commissioned a complete refit and redesign costing almost £350,000.

Her existing interior was completely removed so that her hull’s interior could be fully spray lined with closed-cell foam insulation to ensure the boat stays cool in the summer and is economical to heat in the winter. An award-winning marine carpenter and designer oversaw the entire refit and interior design, which took over a year to complete and included raising the roof to create a larger cabin and extending the wheelhouse to create a beautiful entrance/office space. 

Her electrical, heating and service systems were all renewed and upgraded at the same time, along with the installation of new fresh-water and waste tanks, a Kabola hot-water system and a Victron inverter and leisure battery bank. The quality of materials used and the finish achieved, particularly her fittings, cabinetry and décor, are to the very highest standard. Bespoke, hand-crafted, double glazed wooden window frames were also installed throughout and thoughtful, extremely well considered, design details feature throughout.

Elsie May’s current owner has continued to maintain her correctly and her last out-of-water survey was in July 2022, when her hull was re-epoxied with new anodes fitted. Welding repairs were also completed and her red and white topside paintwork repainted. An independent, professional surveyor was commissioned to value her for insurance purposes and has stated her value as £300,000.

WHEELHOUSE: A beautiful small office space, with view over the marina and Canary Wharf. Sapele floor, original wheel, and controls for piloting Elsie May. Custom upholstered bench with matching cushions. 

 KITCHEN: Electric hob and oven, double sink, large frost-free fridge-freezer with in-door water dispenser, corner pull-out cupboards with 360 carousels, plenty of storage, quartz crystal black countertop. 

 LIVING-ROOM: Spacious design easily able to host a dozen friends. Can sleep four comfortably thanks to a large L-shaped sofa (with integrated storage) which pulls open for TV viewing or converts to become a double bed with integrated storage. The versatile daybed, with three large storage drawers,  is a sofa by day and pulls out easily at night into an extremely comfortable double bed.  

BATHROOM: Full-size bath, large basin, plenty of cupboard and drawer storage for towels and products. Macerating toilet. “Invisaline” shower curtain — completely hidden when not in use. 

CABIN: King-size bed with hydraulic lift-up mechanism for under-bed storage. Additional storage in bedhead. Bespoke fitted cabinetry, sapele wood. Slide-out bedside table shelves. Two traditional brass portholes, which allow for a flow of cooling air down the length of the boat even on the hottest day. 

CUPBOARD IN PROW: Two wastewater tanks, anchor chain, lots of storage room for suitcases etc.  Whisper-quiet washer-dryer.

ROOF TERRACE: Plenty of room for al fresco dining. Seating for six or more.

Mooring fee

To keep this boat on her Poplar mooring, a one-off Transfer of Mooring is payable of 7.5% + VAT of the price paid for the boat. The transferable, fully residential 12 month annual Mooring Fee is then £17,550.61 (single payment). There are options to spread this cost over quarterly and monthly payments.

Serious enquiries only please for this genuinely exceptional vessel to our London broker.

BSC expires:
- May 2027

Last blacking:
- June 2022

Hull & superstructure:
- Steel plate

Stern type:
- Barge

Engine:
- DAF

Electrics:
- Shore power, Victron inverter

Cabin heating:
- Kubola

Toilet:
- Pump out (connects to pump out without moving boat)

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.