11-07-2025
Rare chance to buy narrowboat plus mooring at auction for total change of lifestyle
Rare chance to buy narrowboat plus mooring at auction for total change of lifestyle
Riverwitch could be the new chapter you've been looking for and maybe costs less than you think
Maybe a life on the water awaits you?
(Image: Paul Fosh Auctions )
More accustomed to selling properties firmly anchored on terra firma, a south Wales auction house is venturing into unexplored waters with its maiden sale of a floating residence - a narrowboat.
Berthed at a peaceful countryside location on a private mooring along the Gloucester and Sharpness canal, the 72-foot traditional working narrowboat presents an opportunity for a complete change of lifestyle.
Imagine waking up on the water, to the sound of birdsong, enjoying a morning coffee on the canalside before setting off along the water at a slow and relaxing pace, or staying put at your mooring and just soaking up the idyllic location. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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(Image: Paul Fosh Auctions )
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Angie Davey, from 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 of inland waterways."
Riverwitch, situated at Tanhouse Farm Mooring, Frampton on Severn, has a guide price of £67,000, but it's difficult to know how much it will eventually sell for, as this lot is a pretty rare occurrence.
This is the view from the back of the narrowboat when you decide to take it for a trip down the canal
(Image: Paul Fosh Auctions )
Angie explained why the auction lot was so special and the reasons why it was hard to price. She said: "This 72-foot-long traditional working-class narrowboat, which was refurbished by the current owners, is moored in an idyllic, peaceful and private mooring on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
The location is part of what is a 16 mile stretch of canal from the mooring with no locks to contend with for those beginning their narrowboat adventure. The narrowboat also has an embankment and garden area secluded by woodland behind.
Angie continued: "The Canal & River Trust (CRT) licences cover you to travel on most inland waterways but for certain rivers additional licences might be required.
"The Sharpness and Gloucester Canal has manned bridges and no locks and you don't pay for this when you use them. The two cabin narrowboat benefits from a good deal of privacy being located on the opposite side of the usual towpath and with access via a short stroll from the car parking area, woodland and footbridge.
The platform where you steer the narrowboat and hopefully don't ever need the lifebuoy
(Image: Paul Fosh Auctions )
So, wander below deck and you will find an open-plan lounge, diner, study with wood burner, a kitchen with appliances that include a washing machine, fridge/freezer, dryer and cooker. There are also two separate cabins used as bedrooms plus a storage and dressing area, and shower room.
Angie said: "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 per calendar month.
"Riverwitch has gas which is LPG, using a 13L bottle which costs approx. £42-£48 (depending on fluctuations in the market) and lasts between 8-12 weeks. The Canal and River Trust licence is £430.00 per quarter which pays for water, rubbish collection, sewage emptying and use of the locks."
The kitchen area - and it comes with more equipment than you might think
(Image: Paul Fosh Auctions )
She added: "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."
Angie added that buying a boat wasn't so different to buying a building. She said: "There is marine finance and mortgages are available to buy boats." For more property , renovation and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here
Frampton on Severn is a picturesque village and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England. The village is approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Gloucester and lies 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."
The lounge area - and there are two cabin bedrooms and a shower room too
(Image: Paul Fosh Auctions )
There is a large village green, 22 acres in size and reputedly the longest in England. Much of the village forms part of the Frampton Court Estate, owned by the Clifford family. There is a designated Conservation Area around the green, including Tudor and Georgian houses, and the village also has a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Frampton Pools.
Angie added: "The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal runs to the west side of the village and the green has three ponds. There are two pubs on The Green: The Bell Inn and The Three Horseshoes and a gorgeous cricket pitch."
The narrowboat is going under the hammer online with vacant possession with Paul Fosh Auctions, which starts from 12 noon on Tuesday, July 29, and ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 31, call 01633 254044 to find out more.
Viewings of the narrowboat are strictly by appointment only. Please contact the office to book a viewing and for the correct postcode.
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