LIFE ON THE SEA

By Rebecca Lawson

Holidays by the sea are more popular than ever these days, and you can’t stay much closer to the water than on a boat. Luckily for the Island, Bembridge Harbour is home to the stunningly-designed Eleuthera and Islay houseboats, so we interviewed Islay owners Denise and Sam to find out what attracted them to the area and why a houseboat is the perfect year-round break.

Why do you think the Island, and Bembridge in particular, is a good spot for houseboats?

Bembridge is one of the Isle of Wight’s hidden gems. Still a working harbour there is always so much to see from the deck of our houseboats. Whether it’s the boats zig-zagging across the bay or the abundant wildlife that calls the harbour home, there is always a different view from Islay and Eleuthera. And I haven’t even mentioned the incredible sunsets! The village has many fantastic places to eat and beaches to walk or just spend the day on your SUP, messing around on the water.

What do you think appeals to people about living on the water?

Rentable waterfront property is tough to find on the Island without spending a fortune. Staying aboard a houseboat is a truly unique experience. Our guests absolutely love the feel of the boats and appreciate that they are a little different to your usual holiday rental. They especially love watching the constantly changing panorama across Bembridge harbour and out to sea.

What type of guests do you usually host on Islay and Eleuthera?

The houseboats sleep up to 10 and can be booked individually or together. Ideally suited to two families as there are bunks rooms for the younger members of the family. We often get couples looking for a relaxing getaway with friends and festival-goers have also stayed in them.

Have you ever lived on a houseboat yourself?

We spend as much time as possible on our houseboats and we always return home [to the mainland] feeling like we’ve had a holiday, even if we’ve only been away one night! We could easily live full-time on the houseboat. It’s designed as a truly year-round home so is warm and cosy in winter but lovely and airy during the summer months. The view from the deck is constantly changing depending on the season, so it never gets old!

How did you and your partners become interested in houseboats?

After sailing into Bembridge Harbour, we completely fell for the area and agreed how wonderful it would be to stay on one of the houseboats when next visiting. The idea sprang from there, really. With our partners, Rob and Charlotte (owners of Eleuthera), we began designing and building both houseboats.

Sam and I have a background in interior/ exterior design and making and we had previously completed several major builds, including the house we live in on the mainland. Rob and Charlotte have entrepreneurial and creative expertise - they run a successful glamping business. Charlotte is also an accomplished artist and many of her artworks hang onboard Eleuthera. bembridgehouseboats.com