A boatload of cash! Victorian boathouse on one of Britain's poshest stretches of river sells for £537,000 – double the price of most people's homes

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  • Built in 1874, the property was used recreationally and has no bedrooms 
  • The average price of a home is £264,900, Zoopla’s House Price Index reports

A Victorian boathouse nestled on one of Britain’s most lavish riverside locations has been sold for double the price of an average person’s home.

The Aldous Boathouse, which sits on the River Thames in Teddington, was put up for sale for the first time in 24 years.

And when the hammer officially went down, the buyer forked out £537,000 for the riverside property,

Its final selling price was well over twice the average house price, which is £264,900 according to Zoopla’s House Price Index for May 2024. 

Built in 1874, the cosy boathouse boasts its very own pontoon as well as private car parking just in case the Thames is rammed with boats.

The cosy boathouse nestled on the riverside of the Thames in Teddington is on sale for  £537,000

The cosy boathouse nestled on the riverside of the Thames in Teddington is on sale for  £537,000

The Victorian property originally built in 1874 was used recreationally until two years ago and has no bedrooms

The Victorian property originally built in 1874 was used recreationally until two years ago and has no bedrooms 

Boasting direct access to the water opposite Teddington Lock, the building comes with its own private pontoon and car parking space

Boasting direct access to the water opposite Teddington Lock, the building comes with its own private pontoon and car parking space

Previously renovated in 1999 alongside flats in the Teddington Warf estate, the building was used as a recreational boathouse until two years ago. 

But despite its prime location a stone’s throw away from Teddington’s amenities, the property is in need of a bit of TLC.

However the boathouse could be a desirable project, as estate agents Savills have said there is possibility of developing the property further subject to planning permission.

The outbuilding also benefits from direct access to the water opposite Teddington Lock, as well as a functional floodplain.

The site, which is 4,390 square feet in size, boasts well-sized garden however it is currently overgrown. 

Anyone wishing to live in the boathouse would also need permission from the local council.

Despite its proximity to Teddington, the property which was renovated in 1999  requires some TLC

Despite its proximity to Teddington, the property which was renovated in 1999  requires some TLC

According to estate agents Savills the property stands to be a desirable project for a future buyer with potential for renovation - subject to planning permissions

According to estate agents Savills the property stands to be a desirable project for a future buyer with potential for renovation – subject to planning permissions

The site of the property is also 4,390 square, boasting well-sized gardens and car parking spaces in the immediate area

The site of the property is also 4,390 square, boasting well-sized gardens and car parking spaces in the immediate area

Before the auction, Steven Morish of Savills Auctions said: ‘Waterside lots are always popular and we’ve had an industrial-style house on the river at Rotherhithe, a historic gun tower at No. 1 The Thames and a detached home with panoramic views in Cornwall going under the hammer recently, but in all my years as an auctioneer this historic boat house is a first.

‘The charming Victorian boathouse is perched right above the water offering incredible river views and is surrounded by greenery offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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‘While it is an ideal retreat and base for water-based activities from boating, sailing to rowing and paddleboarding, there is plenty of potential for a new owner to get creative and explore change of use subject to necessary consents.’

This comes after another lavish London boathouse was put on the market with an asking price of £2million – not including its ongoing mooring charges of £6,000 a year.

The posh four-bedroom boathouse is nestled on the River Thames at Prospect Quay in Wandsworth, London. 

The freehold property is called Caracoli, and has extensive views of the River Thames. 

The boat extends across 2,605 square feet, and has a large living room that includes a beautiful kitchen with a central island and a dining area that can seat 10 people comfortably.

Bi-fold doors open out to the west deck, where there is a staircase leading to a 55 ft-long roof sun deck on the level above.

The outbuilding also benefits from direct access to the water opposite Teddington Lock, as well as a functional floodplain

The outbuilding also benefits from direct access to the water opposite Teddington Lock, as well as a functional floodplain

However, if an individual would like to live in the boathouse, they would need permission from the local council

However, if an individual would like to live in the boathouse, they would need permission from the local council

The exterior of the building facing towards the Thames River in Teddington

The exterior of the building facing towards the Thames River in Teddington

The boathouse from a side view facing towards the opposing Teddington Lock

The boathouse from a side view facing towards the opposing Teddington Lock

On the lower deck, there are four double bedrooms and a single bedroom. The boat also has three bathrooms.

The owner of the boat has access to the amenities at Prospect Quay, which includes a swimming pool, a gym and secure parking.

The sale of the boat is being handled by RiverHomes, which explained that the boat falls into the council tax band E.

The property is just yards from Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and half a mile from Putney Bridge.