Nancy Kerina, 26, and Dale Rankmore, 32, met while working on a ski season in Andorra. When their plans were disrupted due to the pandemic, they decided to live together and avoid the hassle of a mortgage by investing in a narrowboat.
The couple found a 1970s narrowboat on Facebook Marketplace for £22k and spent an additional £10k renovating it to create their dream tiny home. Now, they save £10k annually on rent by travelling around London’s waterways on their boat, enjoying the freedom it provides.
Originally from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Nancy, who works at the Royal Albert Hall, expressed their love for the unconventional lifestyle they have chosen. She mentioned that the ability to move whenever they desire is something they cherish, unlike being tied down by a mortgage.
After returning to the UK in 2020, the couple resided in Nancy’s family home in Essex while contemplating their next steps. Both Nancy and Dale shared a desire to live differently and avoid the financial burden of owning a house.
Upon discovering the narrowboat community, they became fascinated by the idea of living on the water. Dale, who works in stage management and hails from Cardiff, Wales, highlighted the financial benefits of their decision, stating that owning a house was financially out of reach for them.
After purchasing their boat in Bath, Somerset, in September 2020, they embarked on a renovation journey, investing both time and money to transform their boat into a comfortable living space. Despite encountering challenges like mould and damp, they remained committed to their vision.
By living on the boat during the renovation process, Nancy and Dale were able to cut costs and estimate that they spent around £10k on refurbishments. Their expenses are minimal compared to renting a house in London, with total bills and license costs amounting to just £1,950 annually.
In addition to their narrowboat, the couple also purchased a van from Facebook Marketplace, which they enhanced with solar panels and other modifications. They recently embarked on a road trip to Croatia, where Dale proposed to Nancy at a festival surrounded by friends.
Looking ahead, Nancy and Dale aspire to build a tiny home in the future and upgrade their van to accommodate any potential children. Sharing their unique lifestyle with their future family is something they look forward to with excitement and anticipation.
