Dock Lane, Melton Boatyard, IP12

Introducing the rather wonderful 'Quando', a 50ft long two-bedroom live aboard houseboat presented in lovely condition and moored in Mystery Quay, next to Melton boatyard on the glorious river Deben.

Vessel Overview:

• Name: Quando

• Type: Ex-ocean-going yacht

• Dimensions: 50ft (length) x 12ft (beam)

• Construction: Ferro-cement (mortar reinforced with steel mesh and rebar)

• Built: 1980 in Brightlingsea by a reputable builder (original drawings available)

 

History & Maintenance:

• Sailed from Falmouth to Ferry Quay, Woodbridge around 2008

• Lived aboard full-time for the last 10 years

• Decommissioned and fully renovated internally on arrival at Ferry Quay

• Lifted out in 2018 after 17 years in the water – found to be in excellent condition

• Five coats of epoxy paint applied to hull and keel

• Expected to remain in water for another 15–20 years without the need for lifting

• Annually maintained to a high standard

 

Accommodation:

• 2 Bedrooms:

  • Double with ensuite wet room

  • Twin cabin fully rebuilt in 2024

• Bathroom & cloakroom

• Kitchen with electric oven & gas hob (serviced by 2 gas bottles & regulator)

• Dining area with seating for 6

• Generous hold storage in the bow

• Underfloor storage in lounge (former engine bay)

 

Utilities & Heating

• Heating:

  • Eberspacher blown hot air system

  • 4kW wood burner

  • 2 x electric tube heaters

• Hot water: On-demand gas heater (renewed in 2022) with gas safety certificate

• Electricity: Mains supply via boatyard (metered and billed separately)

• Water: Mains water via boatyard supply

 

Deck & Windows:

• Large open deck spaces at bow and stern

• Cockpit windows replaced in 2022

• Bespoke oak-framed double-glazed opening windows installed throughout (last 2 years)

• Outdoor storage includes 2 Keter benches and 2 large Keter boxes

 

Boatyard Amenities:

• Residential mooring available (subject to boatyard approval)

• Access to shower & toilet block

• HMS Vale Bar (exclusive to residents and staff)

• Parking available

• Optional extras: Storage container and wood storage (with boatyard approval)

• All lifting and maintenance available on-site at Melton Boatyard

 

Costs & Practical Info:

• Mooring fees: £279.00/month

• Council Tax Band: A

• Utilities: Mains electricity, mains water, gas bottles

 

Quando represents a rare opportunity to own a well-maintained, character-rich liveaboard with full residential comforts, nestled in a scenic and welcoming boating community.

 

Owner's comment:

Describing life aboard Quando over the past ten years is no easy task. Living on a boat is unlike any other experience — it’s more than just a home; it’s a living presence with its own personality. Quando revealed hers the very first time we stepped aboard for a viewing in 2015. She instantly captivated us, not just with her structure, but with her soul.

We had a romantic vision: sipping coffee on deck in the early morning light, sharing a glass of wine at dusk, and curling up beside the flickering flames of the wood-burner on winter evenings. The reality, however, has been even more rewarding — full of moments and memories that we never imagined.

Life aboard connects you deeply to the rhythm of the seasons. You don’t just observe nature — you live within it. We’ve watched ducklings, cygnets, and oyster catcher chicks hatch and grow. We’ve fed swans from the kitchen window and welcomed the swallows as they returned each year. Summer days were often spent lounging under the shade sail, watching the tide and time drift by. In contrast, standing on deck during a storm, feeling the wind whip around you and the rain sting your face, is unforgettable — raw and exhilarating.

Autumn here is magical, the treeline bathed in golden light as the sun sets — like an alpine glow over the river. Winter brought its own delights: one snowy morning, we dashed outside to build a snowman on the deck. Moments like that make you feel like a child again.

But perhaps most unexpectedly, we found an incredibly grounded and supportive community. Melton Boatyard is a working, family-run yard where genuine friendships grow easily. Mystery Quay, our mooring, is a peaceful and truly special haven. Only nine residential boats reside here, and nearly half have been home to their occupants for over two decades. It’s a rare and cherished kind of place.

The surrounding landscape is steeped in history and wildlife. The salt marsh flats below Sutton Hoo whisper stories of the past, with dolphin posts hinting at the river's busy commercial heritage. We’ve watched deer — including a striking albino among a herd of fifty — graze the riverbanks. Seals occasionally surface nearby, curious and unafraid. One of our favourite memories is watching an otter with its playful kits tumbling at dusk. And the kingfisher — always a highlight — flashes by with a "pip pip", sometimes perching on our rails, visible only from behind the cockpit’s tinted perspex windows, our very own bird hide.

Sunrises over Wilford Bridge are breathtaking. It’s the kind of beauty that never grows old.

Despite the feeling of being tucked away in another world, Quando is only a short and scenic walk from the vibrant town of Woodbridge, with its independent shops, cafes, and all the amenities you could need. London is easily reached via the nearby train stations at Melton or Woodbridge — making Quando just as suited for weekend retreats as for full-time living.

She will remain on her current residential mooring. The proprietor of Melton Boatyard meets all prospective buyers, as this is a small and peaceful community. Out of respect for the setting and those who live here, subletting for holiday use and disruptive behaviour are not permitted. While this is not a location suited to young children, a well-behaved dog will be welcome.

Quando has been our sanctuary, our adventure, and our home. We hope her next chapter is just as magical.

...............

Viewings are strictly by appointment and accompanied only.

The Deben bar is a private members club located in the engine room of HMS Vale for customers of Melton Boatyard, those in the working boatyard community, and open to Mystery Quay residents.  Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, including all weekends and Bank Holidays. The club has a licensed bar, dining area, pool table and serves a hot and cold buffet.

Asking price: £150,000 (sold as seen, sale subject to Boatyard consent).