From the current owner: "The Dutch Barge dates from1898 and still has many original features, such as the wheelhouse with a large wooden wheel and the original crane. The Barge was a working barge for many years, in Holland, Belgium and the Rhine, transporting grain and other products. Originally it was a sailing ship. The captain and his wife had a cabin at one end and two ship's boys would have lived at the other end, using a rope on the boom to haul goods on and off. Sometime in the 1920’s an engine was installed. It still works but has not been used recently. The hooter does work but don’t use it too often as the fish get alarmed! When it was converted for residential use, it was considered too big and around 50 feet was cut out of the middle. You can still see the line across the deck.It is still beautifully spacious at 110 feet long and 20 feet wide, unlike a narrow canal boat, and provides excellent accommodation for a couple or a family.It could be sailed or towed anywhere in the world and used for many purposes, apart from accommodation, such as a restaurant, Airbnb, art gallery, space for yoga studio or other classes.A techie or amateur engineer or boat enthusiast would find it fascinating, going into the bowels of the boat and seeing all the old engines and equipment. It could of course be cleared out and provide even more spaceAmateurs can enjoy the present day comforts, the luxurious space, the modern facilities, the little garden, birds above and the fish below, the parade of passing boats, and all the incredible views from the wheelhouse, admiring and wondering at the Barge’s beauty and its fascinating history We have loved it, one of the happiest and most exciting, romantic, adventurous periods of my whole life, but at 90 I cannot quite manage the steps, alas.” Hunter Davies
This 1898 Dutch Barge 98ft is listed for sale in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, England. With a 110ft layout and used condition, this boat is suited to buyers looking for power options in this location. View full details, photos and specifications for reference RB689986 on Rightboat.