Woodrolfe Road, Maldon, CM9

A peaceful waterside lifestyle awaits
Those longing for a peaceful waterside lifestyle with space to breathe and room to grow will find something truly special here, ideal for couples, creative professionals or anyone ready to swap bricks and mortar for character and calm. This is a rare chance to enjoy harbour life in a welcoming coastal community. Arrange your viewing and step aboard.

Quote Ref: 750323 when calling

Bright open plan living with harbour views
Those longing for a peaceful waterside lifestyle with space to breathe and room to grow will find this floating home a unique and character filled choice, ideal for couples, creative professionals or anyone ready to embrace a slower pace by the water. Set within the picturesque surroundings of Tollesbury Harbour, this traditional Dutch barge offers generous internal space combined with the charm and history of a vessel originally designed to navigate the canals and rivers of the Netherlands.

Stepping inside, the heart of the home is the bright open plan living area. This space feels open and inviting, with wide windows allowing natural light to pour in and frame ever changing views across the harbour. The layout offers flexibility for both relaxing and entertaining, with clear zones for comfortable seating and dining. The sense of openness makes it easy to adapt the space to suit your lifestyle, whether that means cosy evenings in or hosting friends for supper while boats drift quietly past outside.

Modern kitchen designed for everyday living
The contemporary galley kitchen sits neatly within this main living area and is fitted with modern appliances and practical storage. Worktops provide ample preparation space, while cupboards and drawers keep everything organised and within reach. The design is clean and simple, making it easy to maintain while still feeling stylish and suited to modern living. Cooking here feels connected to the wider space, allowing conversation to flow freely between kitchen and lounge.

Unique wheelhouse dining with estuary views
Towards the stern, the wheelhouse creates one of the most distinctive features of this home. Elevated above the main deck, it offers commanding views across the harbour and estuary. Currently arranged as a dining area, it provides a memorable setting for meals, morning coffee or evening drinks. Watching the light change over the water brings a sense of calm that is hard to replicate on land. This area also reflects the vessel’s maritime heritage, adding depth and authentic character to everyday life onboard.

Comfortable bedrooms with flexible layouts
The master bedroom is generous in size and thoughtfully arranged. Fitted wardrobes run around the room, offering excellent storage without compromising floor space. The result is a calm and practical retreat at the end of the day. Towards the bow, a private dressing room adds further flexibility. This space is currently used as a third bedroom, demonstrating how easily the layout can adapt to suit visiting guests, hobbies or home working. The second bedroom is also well proportioned, with space for a double bed and fitted furniture, making it comfortable for guests or family members.

Modern bathroom and year-round comfort
The bathroom is fitted with a modern three piece suite comprising a shower, wash basin and WC. The finish is simple and fresh, designed for easy upkeep while providing everything needed for daily comfort. Importantly, the vessel benefits from permanent electricity, water and sewerage connections, allowing for the practicalities of modern living without compromise. A fully functional boiler supplies wet heating throughout, ensuring warmth and comfort during the cooler months. This makes the home suitable for year round occupation, not just seasonal use.

Expansive deck for entertaining and relaxing
Externally, the expansive deck space is a real highlight. With ample room for outdoor furniture, dining sets and relaxed seating, it becomes an extension of the living space during warmer weather. It is easy to imagine quiet mornings with a cup of tea, afternoons spent reading in the sun, or evenings gathered with friends as the harbour settles into dusk. The open setting gives a sense of freedom, with wide skies and fresh estuary air adding to the appeal. For those who appreciate a touch of rural calm while remaining part of a friendly maritime community, this setting strikes a wonderful balance.

Lifestyle extras included
Included within the sale are a 9ft tender rowing boat and a GP14 sailing boat, further enhancing the lifestyle on offer. Whether you enjoy gentle rowing along the water or more active sailing, these additions allow you to make the most of the surrounding estuary from day one. The purchase process itself is refreshingly straightforward, with no need to instruct solicitors and no lengthy chain, allowing a smooth and efficient move onboard.

Mooring and community
The barge is currently moored at Tollesbury Saltings Ltd. Prospective buyers will need to liaise with the company regarding the continuation of the annual berthing licence, with assistance available to guide you through the process. The harbour itself is known for its strong sense of community, where boating enthusiasts, long term residents and newcomers come together to share in a lifestyle shaped by the tides.

Picturesque surroundings and nature
Tollesbury Harbour sits on the edge of the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, surrounded by salt marshes, mudflats and open skies. The setting feels gently rural, with nature playing a central role in daily life. The nearby Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve is well known for its birdlife, making it a favourite for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering colour, movement and interest throughout the year.

Local amenities and connectivity
The harbour features Tollesbury Marina, providing facilities for yachting and boating, including moorings, slipways and maintenance services. Several boat yards operate locally, reflecting the area’s long standing maritime heritage and adding further character to the surroundings. Sailing clubs contribute to a vibrant social scene, with training, events and regattas held throughout the year. Every day needs are catered for within the village, with shops, a bakery, and nearby Tiptree offering supermarkets and independent stores. Maldon and Colchester are within driving distance for larger shopping and leisure options.

Access to London and beyond
For commuters or those who need regular access to London, connectivity is better than many might expect from such a tranquil setting. The A12 is the nearest major road, linking to the wider motorway network and the M25. The B1026 connects Tollesbury with Tiptree and surrounding villages. Rail services are available from Kelvedon and Witham stations on the Great Eastern Main Line, both offering direct routes to London Liverpool Street in under an hour, as well as connections to Colchester and Ipswich. Local bus services provide links to nearby towns, although timetables should be checked in advance.

A rare chance to embrace waterside life
In every respect, this is more than just a home. It is an opportunity to embrace a different rhythm of life, shaped by water, sky and community. With generous internal space, modern comforts, strong character and a picturesque harbour setting with open estuary views, Houseboat Emilia offers a rare chance to enjoy a distinctive coastal lifestyle that feels both peaceful and connected. Viewings are strictly by appointment, allowing you to fully appreciate all that life onboard can offer.