Mom and Kids Live in Their Self-Built Boat, Creating Their Own Little Paradise
Their house is really distinctive, and I especially adore the kitchen.
Jen’s adventure of living on a self-built boat is a captivating tale filled with distinctive experiences and obstacles.
For more than two and a half years, she has embraced the charm and simplicity of life on the water.
Living on a boat offers a unique bond with nature, providing fresh air and breath-taking views.
Jen’s boat, Ad Shakti, is not just her home but also a testament to her creativity and passion for the cruising lifestyle.
Based in England, Jen is a continuous cruiser, meaning her boat is always on the move.
This nomadic lifestyle requires her to navigate various waterways.
She relocates every two weeks and must travel at least 32 kilometers in one direction each year to maintain her cruising license.
While constant travel provides a sense of freedom and adventure, it also presents challenges, especially during winter when canals can freeze, allowing boaters to stay stationary to prevent damage to other boats.
Ad Shakti is a remarkable example of a compact and efficient design.
The boat is 65 feet long and 12.5 feet wide, offering ample living space.
At the front, there is a storage area for logs and a 1,000-liter water tank that lasts about two weeks.
The roof serves multiple functions, from a place for yoga and relaxation to dining under the open sky, essentially acting as their garden.
The boat’s essential electronics, including the fridge and LED lights, are powered by four solar panels.
In the summer, electricity is free thanks to solar energy, while in the winter, Jen runs the engine for about two hours a day, costing around £50 a month in diesel.
This blend of renewable energy and engine power allows Jen to maintain a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle throughout the year.
The boat’s kitchen is a customized standard fit from IKEA, providing plenty of workspace and storage.
This well-organized space makes cooking and daily tasks easy and efficient.
Jen uses gas bottles for cooking, which cost about £50 and last approximately ten weeks.
For heating, she primarily relies on a stove using coal during the winter, though the boat also has a diesel heating system.
One of the unique features of Jen’s life on Ad Shakti is her ability to grow herbs like basil and lettuce onboard.
She plans to expand her rooftop garden next year, adding another element of sustainability to her lifestyle.
This small garden not only supplies fresh ingredients for her meals but also adds a touch of greenery to her floating home.
The children’s bedrooms are cleverly designed with cabin beds and built-in storage, maximizing the limited space.
These cozy, functional rooms provide the kids with their own personal areas, essential for a harmonious living environment.
The master bedroom includes a full-size double bed, ample storage, and a sitting area, ensuring both comfort and relaxation.
The bathroom on Ad Shakti is surprisingly spacious, featuring a double shower with a rainfall head.
The compost toilet is a more efficient and less odorous alternative to conventional boat toilets, underscoring Jen’s commitment to sustainability.
This modern and functional bathroom setup adds a bit of luxury to an otherwise minimalist lifestyle.
Jen’s story has touched many, as seen in the video about her boat, which has garnered 5.5 million views.
One viewer remarked,
“She seems like such a kind and humble person who appreciates her lovely home on the water.
Looks so amazing on the inside! Awesome job! Love her….. <3.”
Jen’s journey is a testament to the beauty of simple, sustainable living, and her boat, Ad Shakti, perfectly reflects her ingenuity and love for life on the water.
Watch the video below to take a full tour of Jen’s floating home!
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YouTube – Alternative House
