Rare chance to buy a fabulous historic houseboat with its own freehold moorings in York

For these reasons, you almost always need to be a cash buyer, which is why Debra and her husband Steve wasted no time in remortgaging their home in York to release funds to buy Gringley and her mooring.

They knew it was an opportunity that was unlikely to come knocking again as the 100 year-old Classic Barge, is a real rarity in an idyllic rural spot just a short drive or one-and-a-half mile walk or cycle ride to York city centre.

Moored at Fulford Ings, the boat has residential status and is roomy to say the least.

A Lincolnshire Keel, the 75ft long by 16ft wide centenarian, has three bedrooms, a kitchen, open plan living space, a bathroom and a utility room plus a sitting area. Her age is part of her appeal. They don’t make them like that anymore and she is still a strong and sturdy vessel.

Gringley was built by JS Watson shipyard in Gainsborough and was used for carrying grain up the River Humber until she was decommissioned in 1955 and then converted into a houseboat in 1972.

“She is on the historic boats register as she is one of only two barges like this in the UK,” says Debra, who adds: “It’s not unusual to find barges this old and even older that are still in really good condition. The key is keeping up with maintenance.”

Even more impressive is that Gringley comes with full freehold ownership of the 84ft mooring. She is also connected to mains electricity and water and uses propane gas.

Putting their floating home up for sale after seven years of loving and living on it is a big wrench for Debra and Steve, who are selling to move closer to elderly parents and to get a property with a large workshop.

The barge is now on the market with Hudson Moody estate agents for £295,000 and it is in pristine condition thanks to a major renovation.

“The boat was looking a bit tired when we bought it so we thought we’d redecorate it but we got carried away and did much more than that,” says Debra. “It ended up being a four year long project.”

They bought Gringley with a non-working engine but they powered her back into life so they could take her down to a dry dock in Hull to check her underside and carry out any maintenance needed.

It was a big adventure and well worthwhile for peace of mind.

The couple then set about an impressive modernisation with Steve, a commercial kitchen designer, doing much of the work, which included changing the layout and making use of the space in the bulkhead, which he turned into a utility and workshop.

Every area was revamped, including the new-look kitchen, where the couple exposed the boarded up bulkhead, which is now a fabulous feature with its layers of decades old red, green and orange paint sanded and sealed with varnish. Furniture had to be thought about as not all bulky items can get down the stairs into the main living quarters. The sofa is from The Lounge Company and fits perfectly and the table and chairs are from the Futon Company, while Steve added shelving in every room.

The boat has a canopy-covered stern deck, a wheelhouse, sun deck and a decked living area with raised seating, wood-burning stove and picture windows with views over the river..

Steps lead down to the kitchen with its portholes, gas hob, oven, cabinets and breakfast area.

A half wall separates the kitchen from the living space which has a lantern roof, portholes and a wood-burning stove.

To the front of the boat is an office/bunk room, a bathroom with bath, a double bedroom and a large bedroom with lantern roof and wardrobes.

There is also a utility area and engine room together with the private mooring with store shed, parking area for two cars with further parking area. The boat also has gas central heating with a combi boiler

Living on the water has been a great joy and one they will miss.

“It’s a lovely lifestyle and one where you feel absolutely at one with nature. We regularly see kingfishers, herons and swans and we now love kayaking on the river,” says Debra. “We will miss all that and the people who live here. It is a great community where people look out for each other.”

A number of people have owned and loved Gringley and left their mark on her, including playwright Mike Kenny and actress Barbara Marten and their children, who lived on her for five years.

*Gringley is for sale with Hudson Moody, York, for £295,000, tel: 01904 650650, www.hudson-moody.com.