further information

heating

2007-12-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

Papillon has two heating systems; electric radiators throughout the boat which are used as background heating and a wood and coal burning fire for the colder months.

The electric radiators are extremely efficient, have three settings and are fitted with a timer switch to turn on and off at your convenience.

For details on purchasing coal go to 'buying fuel'.

Note: This post updated on 16th January 2008.

parking

2007-12-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

As a resident you are entitled to a parking permit and can apply for one. There is plenty of available on-street parking.

mail box address

2007-12-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Your own mailbox and address is part of the mooring and facility at the Marina, just like any other residential property.

storage

2007-12-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

The boat has extensive storage throughout.

The generous kitchen allows a significant number of kitchen cupboards and an overabundance of bench space.

A wardrobe with hanging space and shelves are found in the bedroom. Under the bed are also deep drawers and further long term storage.

The shower room also has a unit for storage of toiletries.

Underneath the deck at the front of the boat there is a further storage area.

There are also storage shelves in the engine room.

flexible design

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The layout of Papillon was designed with ultimate flexibility in mind. The dividing wall to the bedroom can be moved to increase either the space in the bedroom or living room.

Unlike most boats, the living room furniture is not built into the boat so the sofa can be moved around freely. This also gives you the advantage of a comfortable sofa.

The kitchen/diner area is also flexible and can be set up in two ways, as a long meals bench extending from the kitchen, or as a table with stools returning at the end of the kitchen bench.

community

2007-12-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

When you buy a Narrowboat you also buy into a lifestyle. Narrowboat communities are traditionally friendly and the Marina in Battlebridge Basin is no exception to this. The community often engage in social activities together, whether it be just sharing a cup of coffee or having a party together, and are very supportive of each other. There are many single people on the Marina who benefit from this.

Where else in London will you have the opportunity to get to know all 25 of your neighbours?

price

2007-12-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

The boat has been independently valued at £120,000.

This price is inclusive of mooring fees (£6,925.00 p.a), paid up until August 2008 and licencing fee (£560.00) also paid up until November 2008.

The boat comes fully furnished, including all furniture, whitegoods (cooker, fridge and washing machine) and a 26" flat screen television.

Don't miss this perfect opportunity to secure a trendy, inner city pad at an affordable price.

specifications

2007-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Year of construction: 1984
Length: 60 ft
Beam (Width): 6 ft 10"
Hull material: Steel
Engine: Lister 3 cylinder - Diesel.
Manufacturer: Liverpool Boats

driving the boat

2007-12-07T10:48:00.001-08:00

The successful buyer will be taken out on the boat in order to teach them to steer the boat and to work the locks.

This is very easy and after just one excursion you should feel confident to take the boat out yourself.

taking the boat out

2007-12-07T10:42:00.001-08:00

Papillon is a fully working canal boat and can be taken out at any time.

From Battlebridge Basin you can head towards Victoria Park or in the opposite direction to Little Venice through Camden Lock and Regents Park. Pubs line the canal along the way, often with free mooring spots, making them the perfect place to stop. Of course you can also go beyond these short trips and take the boat out as far as you have time.

Entertaining on a narrowboat, particularly during Summer where the guests can spill out onto the deck and roof while you cruise up Regents Canal is what makes your home stand out from the norm. Entertaining is just part of the lifestyle of living on a boat, and once your friends find out where you live, they'll all want to come and hang out at your place. Due to it's open plan and flowing design, Papillon is perfect for hosting parties.

Short term moorings on most canals are free. You can moor anywhere on the towpath side, provided there are no signs prohibiting it and there are often special mooring sites near towns, some of which are specially reserved for visitors.

motion on the water

2007-12-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

A canal is a man-made body of water and therefore has no tide or natural motion. Further to that, Papillon is moored in a basin with little passing boat traffic so the water is very calm. On a very windy day the boat can move around a little.

licencing

2007-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

In the UK you are not required to carry a licence to drive a narrowboat.

mooring fees

2007-12-07T08:33:00.001-08:00

The purchaser of 'Papillon' will have the right to the lease of the mooring spot. (This will be transferred in a separate document with British Waterways which is prepared by the current owner).

The current fees are £7,855 per annum. This can be paid to British Waterways in monthly installments or as a lump sum, in which you will receive a 10% discount bringing the amount down to £7,069.50. This is inclusive of your council tax and water.

Note: this fee has been paid up until August 2008 and is included in the total cost of the boat.

Just like real estate, the right to this lease increases in value yearly and you will see capital growth in this, thus the value of the boat will increase as does the real estate market. The expectation is that this will continue to increase rapidly due to the redevelopment and improvement of Kings Cross.

All boats operating on British Canals are required to be registered with British Waterways and a yearly licencing fee must be paid. This fee is £560.00 per annum.

Note: this fee has been paid up until November 2008 and is included in the total cost of the boat.

used water

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Sink, shower, washing machine and washbasin water goes directly into the canal.

sewerage

2007-12-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sewerage is flushed into a holding tank which needs to be emptied every six weeks or so, depending on how much the toilet is used. This is very simple and a much nicer solution than the 'cassette toilet' which is found on some boats.

A full demonstation will be given to the buyer.

services on the mooring

2007-12-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

The marina, which is operated by British Waterways is equipt with a laundry (two washers and two dryers), two shower rooms, a bath and two toilets. The buyer will have access to these facilites however as the boat comes with a shower and washing machine this may not be necessary.

Included with the mooring is a bollard which provides a tap for fresh drinking water, a television antenna, phoneline (allowing you to connect with the internet) and power. A pump out facility is also available. For more information on this go to 'sewerage'

battlebridge basin

2007-12-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

location and mooring

2007-11-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Papillon is moored at Kings Cross in Battlebridge Basin. (Click here for a map). There are 25 boats on the marina which is secured by two coded gates. Unlike other boats which are moored on the towpath, the Marina is free from boat traffic from the canal and pedestrian traffic.

Kings Cross is a hub of activity and is enjoying the benefits of the redevelopment with many new shops being opened close by. Also within a minutes walk are Tescos and a local doctors surgery. The newly opened St Pancras International is also close at hand opening up to Kings Cross direct links to Europe via the Eurostar. The newly refurbished station also houses a significant number of new shops with 82,000 sq ft of retail space.

Kings Cross railway station provides links to the Northern, Picadilly, Circle & District, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines, and overland trains servicing the North. The station itself is a 2 minute walk from the front gate of the Marina.

Also at the front gate is a bus stop where you can catch the number 10 and 390 towards Oxford St (a ten minute journey), and continue on to Hammersmith or Notting Hill Gate or the 91 (Crouch End) or the 259. There is of course many more buses available heading in various directions from Kings Cross Station.Angel Islington is a ten minute walk from the Marina.

buying fuel

2007-11-22T08:50:00.001-08:00

There are currently two separate suppliers that service Battlebridge Basin. They visit the marina regularly in their narrowboat which is loaded with diesel, bottled gas, coal, kindling, firelighters etc. and it can be purchased directly from them. They deliver the goods to your boat.

Diesel fuel for boats is tax-free and therefore is only 55p per litre. Not only is it convenient as they deliver to your door, but it is much cheaper than filling your car.