Fancy living on a narrowboat? Here's your chance

South Wales Argus

12-07-2025

Well, a Newport-based auction firm may have just the thing.
More used to selling property firmly set on dry land a Paul Fosh Auctions is entering uncharted territory with its first sale of a waterborne lot - a narrowboat.
Moored at a tranquil rural location just across the River Severn in Gloucestershire on a private mooring on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, the 72-foot traditional working narrowboat offers the chance for a complete lifestyle reboot.
Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: 'This gorgeous narrowboat, rurally moored near the historic village of Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, is surely one of the most unusual and exciting properties I've had for sale over the many years I've been handling lots at auction.
'The traditional narrowboat, appears to have everything you'd need for a life afloat, offers new owners a cosy peaceful home on a tranquil canal setting.
"And there's also the enticing opportunity to spread your wings, as it were, and set forth on a journey or adventure and explore the UK's myriad inland waterways.'
Riverwitch, at Tanhouse Farm Mooring, Frampton on Severn, is listed with a guide price of £67,000.
Angie said: 'This narrowboat, which was refurbished by the current owners, is moored in an idyllic, peaceful and private mooring on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal - part of which is a 16-mile stretch of canal from the mooring with no locks to contend with for those beginning their narrowboat adventure.
'The Canal & River Trust (CRT) licences cover you to travel on most inland waterways but for certain rivers additional licences might be required."
The canal has manned bridges and no locks and you don't pay for this when you use them.
The boat benefits from a good deal of privacy as it is moored on the opposite side of the usual towpath and with access via a short stroll from the car parking area, woodland and footbridge.
Angie said: 'The current accommodation includes an open plan lounge/dining/study with wood burner, kitchen with appliances including washing machine, fridge/freezer, dryer and cooker; two cabins (bedrooms) with storage/dressing area, and shower room.
'The embankment/garden area is secluded by woodland behind. The gas boiler provides hot water and central heating. There is also an electric hook up.
"The permanent mooring is for 12 months per annum and mooring costs are £350 plus £20 electricity pcm."
Riverwitch has gas which is LPG.
The Canal and River Trust licence is £430 per quarter which pays for water, rubbish collection, sewage emptying and use of the locks.
'Riverwitch is being sold with all the necessary batteries, inverter, Eberspatcher heater, and a well-maintained Lister engine. The boat had a full out of water survey in February and also has an up-to-date boat safe certificate.
'There are marine finance and mortgages are available to buy boats.'
Frampton on Severn is a picturesque village about 10 miles (16 km) south of Gloucester on the east bank of the River Severn, and on the west bank of the River Frome. The village is linked by footpath to the Sharpness Canal.
Angie said: 'Viewings of the narrowboat are strictly by appointment only. Please contact the office to book a viewing and for the correct postcode - 01633 254044.'
The narrowboat is one of some 74 varied lots for sale online at Paul Fosh Auctions which starts from 12 noon on Tuesday, July 29 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 31.