British woman lives on a boat since 2019 and spends €5,000 a year with only one but: “When you can use a toilet, it’s fabulous”

Humans are capable of living anywhere. Their adaptability and resilience have led them to settle in some of the most inhospitable places, like the northernmost islands of the Arctic. However, Elizabeth Earle, a freelance writer and illustrator, adds a new entry to this list: she bought a boat and ventured to live on a legendary British canal.

And it turns out she’s not the only one. According to Sky News, it’s estimated that around 15,000 people have also made this decision, driven by economic reasons, an adventurous spirit, or the possibility of greater independence. However, dreaming about it is always easier than actually doing it, and it comes with some challenges.

A tough start but great rewards

Earle spent 4,600 euros (£3,800) on her first boat. For the first few months, she had no shower, used a bucket as a toilet, and endured freezing temperatures. However, her perseverance led her to completely renovate the boat, which she later sold for £20,000, allowing her to buy a larger, more comfortable vessel.

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In an interview with Sky News’ “Money” program, Elizabeth, accompanied by her rescue dog Leela, shares from the Coventry Canal in Warwickshire that she loves being “out in the middle of the countryside.” “If I want to leave tomorrow, I just do it.” Despite the sacrifices, she highlights that living on a boat has given her a unique sense of freedom and a simpler life.

However, there are some difficulties. In winter, for example, coal is essential to keep the boat warm. Running out of it, Earle explains, means carrying 25 kg over her shoulders for several hundred meters through the mud. She also mentions the insecurity of walking alone at night and the need to be more cautious with her belongings.

Access to basic services is also a challenge. Most boats have pump, cassette, or composting toilets, with Elizabeth using the latter. “When I go to a friend’s house and can use their bathroom, I can’t believe how lucky I am,” she jokes. For showers, she opts for the gym to save water.

The cost of living on the water

Although living on a boat might seem cheaper than in a house, the costs can be considerable. Elizabeth Earle spends around 5,700 euros a year on bills, which works out to about 475 euros a month. This includes insurance, gas, coal, diesel, and a Canal and River Trust license, a British organization that manages various canals and rivers in the country, among other expenses.

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When you consider the value for money, the investment could be higher. Tracey Essery, a 63-year-old sustainability consultant, spends between £500 and £600 a month on bills and paid over £100,000 for her barge. “Living on a boat requires much more planning than living in a house,” she explains. “If you’re not prepared, it can be a very costly mistake.”

However, for other boat-dwellers, life on the water represents a slower pace and a more tight-knit community. “When we lived in a house, we didn’t know our neighbors. Here, on the boat, there’s always someone willing to help,” say Maxine Brown and her husband. Despite the challenges, they assure that they would never return to living in a house and plan to stay on their boat even in old age.

Still, living on a boat isn’t for everyone. It requires planning, effort, and the willingness to give up certain comforts. But for those seeking a freer life close to nature, it can be a fascinating and rewarding option. “You only have one life,” says Maxine. “If you have the chance, do it.”