Cycling from Brighton to Shoreham to spy on the community of incredible houseboats has become one of my favourite weekend activities. Once I’ve locked up my bike and am strolling along the riverbank, I find myself thinking about what life could be like on one.
How would I decorate inside, arrange the deck furniture, cook for my first boat party, and what would it feel like to fall asleep under the stars on the gently swaying water?
So, the other day after a jaunt, I took to the internet to see if I could find a houseboat for rent near Brighton, and found this one which would be perfect for your next trip to Brighton. Let’s have a look inside…
Introducing The Raft, a floating home for two, perfect for that romantic getaway – with a twist! – close to Brighton. It has all the comforts of a modern house and includes a main living room, a kitchen, a dining area, a cosy bedroom, a full bathroom, and an outside deck.
What’s amazing is that it’s so much cheaper and far more characterful than so many other Airbnbs and hotels you’ll find in Brighton and the best bit. It’s also available to rent through Airbnb for £100 a night!
It’s set in a friendly community of 40 houseboats near Shoreham, a lovely town with lots of coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and vintage shops. The beach is a two-minute walk, with its incredible little-known boardwalk, and is popular with kite surfers and windsurfers when the weather’s right.
“What we love about it is how close we managed to get it to sit on the water,” said Lucy, who designed and built the raft together with her husband Tom. “It floats on 48 recycled blue barrels from Brighton bus depot! So when you look out from the lounge, you feel as though you’re part of nature.” (Update: Lucy and Tom have since moved to Wales so the Raft has new owners.)
Book your stay at The Raft on AirBnB here.
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2 Comments
Hello, I have seen the house boat near Brighton to rent is this also available for long term living in? 🙂
I’m looking for some advice. I am travelling for the first time on my own by train from St albans Hertfordshire to Brighton . I would like to be away from hustle bussle of town, but of course would need to know a bus route or walkable beach to visit where can sit and dream!! But then also have amenities close by.
Thank you I found your blog so interesting.
Regards
Valerie