FROM living in vans to ditching homes for a tiny shed, traditional housing has taken a back seat for many, including couple Julian Nevin and Heidi Elliott.
The duo, both photographers, first made headlines after giving up their home to live in a van – however, they’ve since decided to start a new chapter, this time in a 64-foot narrowboat.
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Although initially the travel-obsessed couple admitted their new home was in a desperate need of renovation, the two have managed to make the narrowboat rather cosy, thanks to easy DIY projects.
After ditching life on the road for life on a canal, Heidi and her partner Julian have also gained quite the attention on Instagram, where they regularly answer questions to some of the most common questions people might have.
The duo recently spilled the beans on their expenses and how much such a lifestyle typically costs, including having a special canal license, as well as coal and diesel to keep the 64ft home running.
”Our primary investment revolves around the £160 monthly expenditure for our river and canal license, granting us access to water points and waste disposal facilities maintained by the CRT (Canal & River Trust),” Heidi explained.
”Ensuring a seamless aquatic existence, this fee is essential for navigating the expansive network.”
Additionally, she went on, they also allocate £100 annually for boat insurance, safeguarding their ”floating abode”.
Meanwhile, around the colder season, they will set aside a further £60, which includes a number necessities, such as coal and diesel.
”The latter serves a dual purpose, fueling our engine to warm our water for showers and maintaining battery levels during winter.”
Concluding the essential costs, the two travelling enthusiasts also ensure to set aside another £36 for gas, Heidi claimed in the clip.
”Fortunately, the outright ownership of our boat provides financial flexibility, allowing any surplus to be directed towards materials and supplies for ongoing renovations.”
In total, the costs tally up to a £264.30 per month, a figure the couple, as well as many of their 70k fans, deem ”quite reasonable”.
However, what this sum doesn’t include, she added, are other expenses, such as Wi-Fi, groceries and any subscriptions the two may indulge in whilst ”cruising” around the UK.
”As a couple fully immersed in the enchanting realm of boat living, our comprehensive monthly budget hovers just under £800.”
Intrigued and perhaps even inspired, dozens raced to comments to share their thoughts on the adventurous way of life.
One reckoned: ”Cheaper than a mortgage.”
Someone else agreed, adding: ”Well, that’s VERY economical I think guys (even if you had to pay for wood) our neighbouring house costs £1,300 per calendar month just for rent.”
”I’m so jealous!” another chimed in.
”Very, very economical. I live in a static and that costs £420 that includes water/sewage,” a fourth said.
Clinton Mora is a reporter for Trending Insurance News. He has previously worked for the Forbes. As a contributor to Trending Insurance News, Clinton covers emerging a wide range of property and casualty insurance related stories.