These Six Swanky Houseboats Are the Ultimate Summer Homes

From Dubai and Southeast Asia to American shores, there's no body of water these rigs can't conquer.

July 13, 2018 5:00 am
"O" De Squisito houseboat by X-Architects (Ake Lindman)
"O" De Squisito houseboat by X-Architects (Ake Lindman)

In the (unlikely) case you don’t already have a vessel of your own — or you don’t feel like paying to have it sailed halfway across the world — we’ve rounded up six crisp, luxurious yachts on the cutting edge of amenities, architecture and nautical style. Whether you’re eager to soak up the Middle Eastern sun on the shores of Dubai or snorkel straight off a sailboat in the Caribbean, here’s a houseboat for every type of vacation.

“O” De Squisito, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Stabilized by two catamaran beams, stainless steel and glass, this stunning houseboat boasts an upper deck that includes a concealed kitchen, living room and informal dining area. On the Lower deck, you’ll find bedrooms, a bathroom and steering cabin. Visitors have spiral staircase access to the terrace, which doubles as a sun deck. Glide the Mina Seyahi in style.

“O” De Squisito houseboat by X-Architects (Ake Lindman)

Fennell Residence, Portland, Oregon

This is the perfect place for people who can’t decide between the woods and the water: It combines the best of both. With an open interior, patio facing the water and Clerestory windows that allow natural ventilation, Archello captures the scene best: “Although on the water, you feel no sway. A subtle reminder comes from the swinging of the pendant lights hanging in the kitchen. But this home feels at peace with its setting, it could be nowhere but on the water, and this spiritual sense pervades the entire home.”

Extasea, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

What’s in a name? A whole hell of a lot. This 47-foot Catamaran is an intimate space, with just enough room for six people between the three en suite cabins with queen beds. The rooms are air conditioned, of course, and gourmet meals, a standard bar and wines are all included during your stay.

Extasea 2 (Sailing Directions)

Overblue, Around the World

With the Overblue, you have options: a range of six configurations in sizes ranging from 80 sqm of living space to penthouse sizes and above, which reach upwards of 220 sqm. The best part about these water babies is that you can find them all around the world: In Southeast Asia, Australia, California, Florida and all throughout the Mediterranean, dealers are waiting to dole them out for a spin. The goal is to combine comfort and safety with innovation and efficiency, and add a dash of creativity and adventure to create one sleek ship. Who else wants one? We know we do.

Axiom Star, Lake Powell, Arizona

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the wonder of the American West with all the comforts of a five-star hotel, make the Axiom Star your go-to. Available for rent year-round, you have a full-service kitchen, sun deck, living room and bathroom beneath your feet as you sail across the pristine waters of Lake Powell. With a max depth of 558’, you have plenty of room to dive, fish and sunbathe as you please.

The Axiom Star on Lake Powell (LakePowell.com)

Pirate’s Life, Charleston, South Carolina

Rustic and country-inspired, this houseboat — aptly named Pirate’s Life — is perfect for a quick getaway from the Southern heat — with easy self check-in thanks to a  keypad on deck.. Featured on FYI Network’s Tiny House Hunters, head out on the water with just your family in this charming and tranquil vessel. Yo ho, yo ho.

A Pirate’s Life houseboat (Airbnb)

 

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