Nancy Kerina, 26, and Dale Rankmore, 32, decided to live on a narrowboat in London after meeting during a ski season in Andorra and being forced to return to the UK due to the pandemic. They purchased a 1970s narrowboat for £22k on Facebook Marketplace and spent £10k renovating it themselves. The couple now saves £10k a year on rent by living on the boat and enjoy the freedom it offers.
Nancy and Dale wanted to avoid being tied down by a mortgage and preferred the flexibility of living on a narrowboat. They were inspired by the tiny home movement and decided to join the narrowboat community. The couple faced challenges during the renovation process, as the boat had to be completely stripped and renovated due to mould and damp issues. However, they persevered and are now reaping the benefits of their hard work.
By investing in solar panels and a log burner, Nancy and Dale keep their costs low, spending only £150 a month to keep warm during the winter months. Their total yearly expenses, including bills and license costs, amount to £1,950, saving them £10,050 on London rent. The couple enjoys living on the canals, feeling safe and surrounded by a vibrant community.
In addition to their narrowboat, Nancy and Dale also purchased a van for £4,500 on Facebook Marketplace. They have customized it with solar panels and a fan, turning it into a comfortable space for their travels. The couple recently embarked on a trip to a festival in Croatia, where Dale proposed to Nancy. They dream of building a tiny home in the future and expanding their van to accommodate a growing family.
Nancy and Dale document their adventures on TikTok and Instagram, sharing their unique lifestyle with a wider audience. Their story highlights the possibilities of alternative living arrangements and the financial benefits of choosing a non-traditional path. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle on a narrowboat, the couple has found happiness, freedom, and savings that would not have been possible in a conventional setting.
