In a bold move to secure an affordable home, a 28-year-old firefighter has transformed her life by purchasing and renovating a narrowboat, slashing her monthly living costs in the process.
A Leap of Faith Onto the Water
Eleanor Sutcliffe, originally from North Wales, made what she calls the "ultimate leap of faith" after the end of a relationship left her needing a new place to live. Having moved out of the home shared with her ex, she faced the harsh reality of the housing market near her work in the Birmingham area. "I needed to think outside the box, and I'd always wanted to live on a narrowboat," Eleanor explained.
The solution appeared in May 2024 on Facebook Marketplace: a 50ft-long 1986 Dartline narrowboat priced at £15,000. Despite neither she nor her father having any prior boating experience, her family supported her unconventional idea. "My dad said he would help me renovate one if we needed to," she said, citing their shared practical skills and love for DIY.
Transforming a 'Mess' Into a Home
Eleanor took out a loan to fund the extensive renovation of the vessel, which she fell in love with at first sight. "She was a bit of a mess, but I loved the thought of trying to restore her back to her former glory," she admitted. By October 2024, after the sale of her house, she moved aboard—even while the walls were still being built.
The project involved a full internal strip-back to the metal, followed by new insulation, ballast, walls, flooring, and a custom-built kitchen. She has budgeted £10,000 for the interior, having spent around £8,000 so far, with the bathroom currently in progress. The exterior repaint, quoted at over £10,000 professionally, is a future DIY challenge.
The Financial and Personal Rewards
The financial payoff is significant. Eleanor's total monthly boat costs, including mooring fees, licence, insurance, and fuel, come to just under £500. "For context, to rent a flat near to where I work, I would be looking at around £750 or more for rent alone," she noted, saving a minimum of £250 per month.
Life afloat isn't without its trials, especially during a winter that brought a snowstorm and cramped hosting conditions—"I've been known to serve dinner on the roof." Juggling the renovation with her full-time firefighting job is tough, but she has no regrets. "I've learnt so many new skills," she said.
Sharing her journey on TikTok under @El_Sooty_ to over 31,000 followers, Eleanor highlights the supportive boating community and the lifestyle's connection to nature. "You're far more aware of the waste you create... It's definitely taught me to take everything less for granted."
Currently moored in a marina, Eleanor plans to start cruising the canals once the renovation is complete, embracing the freedom to move her home. She calls buying the narrowboat the 'best decision' she's ever made.
