1957 Barge 70' Motorised Steel Houseboat

The accommodation currently offers three berths in two double cabins with ample opportunity to increase both cabin and social space. Beautiful hand crafted, bespoke timber finish throughout with an abundance of quirky, unique features and a professional finish.

UPPER DECK

Entrance through port side via heavy, hand crafted exterior door to light and airy companionway with two large opening feature port holes. Access via staircase to lower deck with area behind currently housing calorifier and with plenty of useable space to expand tanks/systems if desired.  Large closet area with custom fitted cupboards and lockers providing plenty of storage for coats, shoes etc and electric breakers.  Access via closet area to wheelhouse and heads. New England style finish to companionway, closet and heads.

Heads substantial teak door leading to spacious heads. Vanity unit, basin and hot and cold mixer tap, sea toilet, full size roll top bath with H&C mixer tap and shower attachment. Ventilation system and opening port hole to starboard side. Teak floor, all crafted from reclaimed timber.

Wheelhouse with lots of light and great visibility, showcasing a selection of beautiful reclaimed timber and quirky features throughout. Central helm position with full engine instrumentation and single lever engine controls. Access to starboard deck via hand crafted wooden door. Shoe rack. Raised seating area aft which could be utilised as small childs berth.

Saloon/Galley Accessed via companionway through beautiful teak and glass door. Custom fitted linear galley to starboard side with stainless steel oven, microwave and fridge, electric hob, stainless steel sink and drainer with H&C mixer tap and plenty of storage. Bespoke island table with storage beneath and stools.  The port side is currently set aside as a relaxation / lounging area with chairs and a rather unique piece of shipyard timber, in keeping with her maritime past and local area. Four opening feature port holes to starboard side and three to port providing lots of natural light. Attractive wood burner to aft end of saloon. Flat screen TV. Bulkhead to master cabin with a selection of fitted cupboards above, two glass windows and yet another, very thick, handcrafted teak door.

Master Cabin Steps leading down and forward to spacious master cabin with double berth to port side, inbuilt storage, wood flooring and three port lights.

LOWER DECK

Steps leading down and aft to what is currently a large workshop. The walls and ceilings have all been lined and finished offering opportunity to increase living space or retain commercial status as a workshop, studio or maybe even a cafe, the possibilities are endless. Substantial wood burner in situ and a range of racked storage to port side.

Guest Cabin Entrance to double sized cabin from workshop via hand made solid teak door. Single berth, two fitted shelved cupboards, lockers above, electric radiator. 

Solid door with bullseye glazed port light leading to forward area, currently housing diesel and water tanks. Focsule offering useful storage space or opportunity to refit and re-purpose as additional accommodation if desired. Additional access door from port side leading back into workshop.

Utility Area and Engine Room Accessed from aft deck via doors to both port and starboard side. Large, self contained storage area currently housing washing machine and tumble dryer, eco friendly toilet and a basic shower.  Engine Room accessed via hatch and ladder housing Deutz Diesel engine, generator and lots more.

Located beneath the aft utility area and accessed via hatch and steel ladder. Deutz BF6M 716 258hp diesel engine (1978) on shaft drive to three bladed bronze propeller. Electric start. Single lever engine control. Wheel steering. Cruising speed 6 knots. Shaft replaced 2014.  Various engine spares included in sale.

12V and 240V Electrics

Kipor KDE 5000 5KVA Diesel Generator

Manual windlass

Anchor, warp and chain

Various ropes and fenders

Steel stanchions, guard wires and hand rails

Ritchie Steering Compass

VHF Radio with aerial

Navigation lights

Electric bilge pump

Various fire extinguishers (expiry date unknown)

Fire blanket

Current Boat Safety Certificate 

Built in 1957 by C Campling (Goole) Limited. Steel Motorised lead barge. Displacement hull. Hull shot blasted and refurbished at considerable expense over the period 2011 - 2014 at Tyne Dock, South Shields (Fully documented). Wheel steering to skeg hung rudder. 

The 'JAMES LEITHART' is a charismatic steel motor barge, built in 1957 for Associated Lead Manufacturers of Newcastle for the purpose of transporting cargo along The Tyne.

This substantial vessel spent most of her commercial life in the North East before transferring to private hands.  An extensive, documented, hull refurbishment was carried out approximately six years ago, she was then resold and moved to her existing berth where she has been sympathetically and creatively converted to a beautiful floating home and work place.

The ongoing refurbishment has created a stunning yet practical houseboat. The upper deck is  dedicated to well planned living space, with lots of light and an incredible level of finish, the lower deck is currently utilised as a large workshop. A second cabin can be found below deck, there is also ample space to create additional living space if desired and the opportunity to re-purpose the workshop as a second social area.

Excellent opportunity to acquire a truly unique floating home. Offered with current Boat Safety Certificate, permission to enter the Norfolk Broads and the option (subject to agreement) of a commercial mooring. Part exchange possible with offers on the asking price considered.

Viewing by appointment only through Howard Ford Marine Sales

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.