Vicarage Lane, Rochester, ME3

Laurels are pleased to present Arctic Star, a stunningly spacious and unique static houseboat conversion, offering amazing accommodation and fabulous views across the River Medway. Indeed, the owners say that its a millionaire’s view.

Arctic Star has been created over three levels to create a substantial family home, which has been well thought out and includes external access all the way around, with a spacious deck above.

In addition to the large deck (which has has good quality fake grass) the top level offers an enormous office space, which has space for at least two desks and all the other normal office items and storage. Further, there is space for another double bed for those extra guests. The current owners use this area for “keep fit” equipment, and for drying their washing. It is a large, multi-purpose space.

The middle level has a large lounge/diner, with two ceiling fans/lights, and huge sliding glass doors with magnificent views across the River Medway and the shoreline of St Mary’s island. The river sees large ships coming and going, as well as summer regattas, fish, birds, and the occasional sighting of a harbour seal. The lounge has a large stove to heat this main family area, using wood or coal. The front door and storage cupboard are right by the stairs, and lead on to the fully fitted kitchen, which has white units and a solid wood counter-top. Above the sink there is another large window, which shares the same beautiful view and helps to make washing up a pleasure! Next to the kitchen there is a toilet and a utility room/bike-store and boiler room, leading to the back door.

The lower level has the Master Bedroom, with a ceiling fan/light above the bed, and an en suite shower room, and a very large walk-in wardrobe. Down the wide corridor are three further bedroom, two of which are doubles, and one a single. In addition there is a family bathroom. The corridor has automatic lighting. At either end of this lower level are the “Swim Ends” - large storage areas which slope upwards as part of the bow and stern; this is the perfect area to store wood and coal and other items (much as you use a loft in a house).

There are two stairways between each level, with a strong metal handrail for convenience and safety. There is gas fired central heating, and all the windows are upvc double glazed units.

Arctic Star is beautifully finished, and new owners can move in straight away. Although houseboats require careful maintenance, Arctic Star has been well looked after, and there no major issues, except that the deck around the boat needs repainting. The Arctic Star has been in the dry dock four years ago, and she is structurally very sound.

This is an amazing opportunity to purchase a substantial family home for a fraction of the price it would cost on land. Arctic Star is incredibly comfortable and spacious to live in now, but still offers the chance for you to put your own mark on her, and she really has to be viewed to appreciate the size and space available.

The Arctic Star is on a permanent mooring on a large and stable pontoon known as the Outer Arm, which ensures the beautiful views. It has many lovely neighbours which make up a welcoming and safe community. Help is always at hand. The pontoon leads to the large car park, protected by a gate. Within walking distance there is a general store and restaurant/diner. There is a bus terminus with services to neighbouring areas. This popular village location provides something for everyone, with schools for all ages, restaurants and take-aways, doctors, dentist, chemist, local shops, and a swimming pool and leisure centre, with fields and trees all around. Rochester is a beautiful city, with Cathedral and Castle, plentiful shops, and lots of historic buildings, many of which have connections to Charles Dickens. For car commuters you can be heading for the coast or London on the A2/M2 in under ten minutes. For rail commuters, the closest station will be Strood, from which you can catch the high-speed service to London with a journey time of around forty minutes. In short, Arctic Star, is a fantastic static houseboat, in a wonderful place to live.

Vessel name: Arctic Star
Condition: Excellent
Constructed: 1960 at Hays Wharf as a Thames Lighter (with no engine)
Berths: 9 people
Cabins: 4/5
Heads: 3
Length over all: 82.5'
Beam: 21’
Maximum draft: 5'
Hull material: Steel
Hull type: Flat

Material Information
Local Authority: Medway Council
Utilities at Property: Gas (calor gas bottles) electricity and water (supplied as part of mooring services
Parking: Allocated Residents Parking
Rights: N/A
Restrictive Covenants: N/A
Live Planning Permission: N/A
Known Damp/Flooding Issues: N/A
Known Cladding/Construction Issues: N/A