Living at a marina – the benefits of being by the water

View from lodge deck over Racecourse Marina Windsor

Living at a marina – the benefits of being by the water

Do you yearn to break ties with normal land-based life and cruise off into the sunset? If so, becoming a liveaboard or living at a marina could be exactly what you are looking for. Buying a holiday lodge at Racecourse Marina is the best of both worlds. The luxury of a new property, right by the water.

The liveaboard life

There are over 2000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. There’s plenty of gorgeous riverside locations that you could call home Let’s face it, who hasn’t dreamed of waking to the sound of moorhens and ducks, or gigantic carp banging on the hull as they jostle, or waves lapping the shore, or a rush of river water passing by the window?

Living on a boat can be an affordable option. As house prices and rentals in London and across the country continue to rocket, there’s an increase in people making lifestyle changes due to the pandemic. There is  a huge rise in people turning to boats as an affordable home.

However, it is notoriously difficult to find a residential mooring in any major city. Each year brings greater numbers competing for fewer spots that will be granted a residential licence, costing £4,000 a year. But even with council tax on top of that, it’s a small price to pay for a riverside spot. Especially when a narrowboat can often have more square footage than a London flat!

Viking Canal Boat interior

Crusing the canals

If you can’t get a residential mooring, there’s nothing to stop you buying a boat suitable for the canal network. You can get a licence that will cost up to £1,000 a year and continuously cruise. Although, this does mean moving every fortnight. On the inland waterways, permanent or home moorings can vary. From fully serviced marina berths at private marinas to simple spaces allocated by the Canal and River Trust alongside the towpath.

If you don’t plan to be a continuous cruiser your boat will need a long-term mooring. A residential mooring is provided by a marina or landowner with the approval of the local authority for continuous occupation of the boat. Plus, you can only live at your boat’s mooring if it is a designated residential site. Living on a boat at a marina does, however, give you a bricks and mortar address for the important stuff like voting.

Racecourse Marina is part of the Tingdene Loyalty Scheme which entitles residents to 28-days free mooring at other Tingdene Marinas, including Broadlands Marina in Norfolk, Pyrford Marina in Surrey and Stourport on Severn Marina in Worcestershire. Just think of the incredible adventures you can have as you meander from one marina to the next. Safe in the knowledge that you’ll receive a warm welcome at any of Tingdene’s fabulous marinas, without it costing you a penny.

Racecourse Marina Lodge next to the water, looking out to Racecourse Marina

Get the best of both worlds at Racecourse Marina

But, what if you’re looking for a residence that offers the best of both worlds? Luxury living enclaves right on the water’s edge are becoming hugely popular. Permanent homes, weekend retreats or as a holiday let investment are all options. What could be better than living in a community of like-minded neighbours and having your boat moored close to your abode. You’ll be primed and ready to set sail on a whim.

One such exclusive development is Racecourse Marina Lodges in Windsor, just 30 miles from London. An exclusive development of first-class lodges, designed to take advantage of the idyllic waterside location and incredible views. Plus, they are in close proximity to the city and the abundance of sporting and leisure activities on offer. It really is modern, luxury living with all the added benefits of ‘blue space’.

So, whether you want to live on or next to the water, there are plenty of options that will fit the lifestyle you want. Contact the team at Racecourse Marina Lodges today to find out more about living at a marina.