Latest news with #DavidKarat
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Grain barge becomes great home as luxury vessel moored on the Thames goes up for sale for £1.5million
A grain barge reborn as a luxury floating home on the Thames is on the market for £1.5million. Moored on a long-term residential berth at St Mary's Wandsworth Pier in southwest London, the impressive 131ft Belgian Spitz vessel has been transformed into a four-bedroom houseboat. It is complete with panoramic Thames views, bespoke interiors, and modern comforts designed for year-round living. Owners David Karat, from the US, and his partner moved into the barge in August 2021, after its initial conversion by previous owners. Since then, they've poured time, effort and 'more than they had intended' into upgrades, but Mr Karat insists it was money well spent. He said: 'The owners before us had done all the hard work of sourcing this amazing grain barge from Antwerp and creating the foundation that we built upon. 'The layout and position of the boat was perfect for updating to the most modern and advanced systems and materials. 'In all we spent more than we intended. Hundreds of thousands of pounds that would have been wasted on other things were funnelled this way instead.' Now, the couple is moving to New York, and are putting their remarkable home on the market. Mr Karat said: 'Nothing compares to life on the water. The fresh air, the sounds of the water, the wildlife and the community are special and provide a unique experience. '[It's] an oasis with really easy access by Thames Clipper from the Wharf to anywhere in Central London. Or the train from Clapham Junction is a short walk away. It is special.' Originally built to carry grain, the Spitz barge now boasts bespoke finishes, high-spec insulation, and an automated waste pump-out system, ideal for riverside living in all seasons. A decked garden at the entrance offers an inviting welcome, while inside, the open-plan kitchen and saloon provide plenty of space for day-to-day life and entertaining. Below deck, the main living room features warm wood panelling and a wood-burning stove that makes the space feel homely and rich in character. The barge includes four en-suite double bedrooms, the master suite being a highlight. Measuring 25ft 9in by 15ft 7in, it comes with its own stove, walk-in wardrobe, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a roll-top bath and separate shower. The couple spent 'more than they had intended' upgrading the vessel but they say that every penny was worth it. Pictured: One of the bedrooms Up top, the original wheelhouse has been redesigned as a stylish reception room, opening onto a generous sun deck, perfect for taking in the riverside views. A designated parking space is included, and residents benefit from a 24-hour concierge at the pier. Between Battersea and Wandsworth bridges, the home is near shops, bars and restaurants, with easy links to Fulham and Chelsea. 'I am heading back to the US to live, so [I] wish to leave it to someone else to enjoy.' With a rare combination of history, design, and location, the former grain barge now offers one lucky buyer a chance to call the Thames home.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
We transformed battered old barge into a 4-bed floating home with panoramic views – now we're selling it for HUGE sum
A COUPLE have renovated their dated barge home into a luxurious houseboat - and it's now worth a pretty penny. The barge - which was previously used to transport grain - has been transformed into a luxury water home. 9 9 9 9 The opulent vessel - which measures 131ft long and 19.6ft wide - is on the market for £1.5m. David Karat and his partner - who spent more than they had intended upgrading the flat-bottomed water boat - said it was worth every penny. Soon to be moving back to New York, they are hoping a buyer will snap it up and enjoy the perks of water-based life. Currently moored at St Mary's Wandsworth Pier, London, the Spitz has a long lease of 116 years. The 52-year-old owner told Luxury Boat News: " Nothing compares to life on the water. "The fresh air, the sounds of the water, the wildlife and the community are special and provide a unique experience. "It's an oasis with really easy access by Thames Clipper from the Wharf to anywhere in Central London. "Or the train from Clapham Junction is a short walk away. It is special." Much of the renovations had already been carried out by the previous owners, but it still proved a tough challenge for the duo. David - who acquired the barge in August 2021, said: "The owners before us had done all the hard work of sourcing this amazing grain barge from Antwerp and creating the foundation that we built upon. Hotel owner splashes £55k to build 'world's shortest' canal with locks in garden to float barge converted into a pool "The layout and position of the boat were perfect for updating to the most modern and advanced systems and materials. In all, we spent more than we intended. "Hundreds of thousands of pounds that would have been wasted on other things were funnelled this way instead." He explained: "Originally built to carry grain, the Spitz barge has been transformed into a striking and highly liveable floating residence. Meticulously refurbished, the floating property boasts bespoke finishes and high-end insulation. 9 9 9 "It even has an automated waste pump-out system - ideal for year-round, comfortable living. The entrance welcomes those on board with a decked garden complete with panoramic views across the Thames. "Inside, the layout provides a spacious open-plan kitchen and saloon, perfect for both entertaining and day-to-day living. The home has four en-suite double bedrooms, with the master suite being a standout feature." David concluded: "I am heading back to the US to live, so I wish to leave it to someone else to enjoy." The vessel has its own wood-burning stove, a walk-in wardrobe, a luxurious white-themed en-suite bathroom boasting a roll-top bath and a separate shower. Below deck is the main living room with rich wood panelling and a cosy wood-burning stove. There's also a top-deck reception room and sun deck and a designated parking space. The pier - located on the south bank of the Thames between Battersea and Wandsworth bridges - offers a 24-hour concierge service. Plus it's close to local shops, restaurants and bars, and has easy access to Fulham and Chelsea. 9 9
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
We transformed battered old barge into a 4-bed floating home with panoramic views – now we're selling it for HUGE sum
A COUPLE have renovated their dated barge home into a luxurious houseboat - and it's now worth a pretty penny. The barge - which was previously used to transport grain - has been transformed into a luxury water home. 9 The houseboat has been transformed into a £1.5m luxury vessel Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The lounge area includes a wood-burning stove perfect for cosy nights in Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The impressive barge boasts glorious views of The Thames Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 Owner David is selling the renovated barge and heading off to the US Credit: Jam Press/River Homes The opulent vessel - which measures 131ft long and 19.6ft wide - is on the market for £1.5m. David Karat and his partner - who spent more than they had intended upgrading the flat-bottomed water boat - said it was worth every penny. Soon to be moving back to New York, they are hoping a buyer will snap it up and enjoy the perks of water-based life. Read more Currently moored at St Mary's Wandsworth Pier, London, the Spitz has a long lease of 116 years. The 52-year-old owner told Luxury Boat News: " "The fresh air, the sounds of the water, the wildlife and the community are special and provide a unique experience. "It's an oasis with really easy access by Thames Clipper from the Wharf to anywhere in Central London . Most read in Fabulous "Or the train from Clapham Junction is a short walk away. It is special." Much of the renovations had already been carried out by the previous owners, but it still proved a tough challenge for the duo. David - who acquired the barge in August 2021, said: "The owners before us had done all the hard work of sourcing this amazing grain barge from Antwerp and creating the foundation that we built upon. Hotel owner splashes £55k to build 'world's shortest' canal with locks in garden to float barge converted into a pool "The layout and position of the boat were perfect for updating to the most modern and advanced systems and materials. In all, we spent more than we intended. "Hundreds of thousands of pounds that would have been wasted on other things were funnelled this way instead." He explained: "Originally built to carry grain, the Spitz barge has been transformed into a striking and highly liveable floating residence. Meticulously refurbished, the floating property boasts bespoke finishes and high-end insulation. 9 There are four beautifully decorated en-suite double bedrooms Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The large outer area includes a top-deck reception room and sun trap Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The bathroom has a free-standing bath and modern white features Credit: Jam Press/River Homes "It even has an automated waste pump-out system - ideal for year-round, comfortable living. The entrance welcomes those on board with a decked garden complete with panoramic views across the Thames. "Inside, the layout provides a spacious open-plan kitchen and saloon, perfect for both entertaining and day-to-day living. The home has four en-suite double bedrooms, with the master suite being a standout feature." David concluded: "I am heading back to the US to live, so I wish to leave it to someone else to enjoy." The vessel has its own wood-burning stove, a walk-in wardrobe, a luxurious white-themed en-suite bathroom boasting a roll-top bath and a separate shower. Below deck is the main living room with rich wood panelling and a cosy wood-burning stove. There's also a top-deck reception room and sun deck and a designated parking space. The pier - located on the south bank of the Thames between Battersea and Wandsworth bridges - offers a 24-hour concierge service. Plus it's close to local shops, restaurants and bars, and has easy access to 9 The barge is located on the south bank of the Thames between Battersea and Wandsworth Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The spacious open-plan kitchen lends itself to 'entertaining and day-to-day living' Credit: Jam Press/River Homes
