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Staying in a boathouse: life at the water's edge, and how to pick the right one

A boathouse was never meant to be lived in. It was built to keep boats dry, to store oars, nets and fishing gear, and to give easy access to the water. Over time, many of these buildings have been converted into some of the most atmospheric places to stay anywhere. You fall asleep to the sound of water lapping under the floor, drink your morning coffee on the jetty and slip a kayak into the lake before breakfast.

Because boathouses are so different from ordinary holiday homes, it pays to know what you are booking. This guide looks at where boathouses are found, what living right on the water means in practice, and what to check before you commit.

A tradition found on lakes, rivers and coasts

Boathouses exist wherever people have lived by the water and relied on boats.

• Canada and the northern United States have a strong lake cottage culture. Regions such as Muskoka in Ontario, the Adirondacks in New York, and the lakes of Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota are known for boathouses, some with living quarters built above the boat slip.
• Scandinavia has a long tradition of small boathouses along fjords, lakes and the archipelago coasts of Norway, Sweden and Finland. In Norway they are known as a naust, and many are now simple cabins with a sauna close by.
• The UK and Ireland offer boathouses on the lakes of the Lake District, beside Scottish lochs, along rivers such as the Thames, and on quiet Irish lakes and estuaries.
• The Alpine lakes, including Lake Como, Lake Geneva and the lakes of Austria and Bavaria, have elegant old boathouses beside grand villas.
• New Zealand and Australia have boathouses on lakes, rivers and sheltered harbours, often in a relaxed, rustic style.
• South America's lake districts, in southern Chile and around Bariloche in Argentina, combine lakes and volcanoes with wooden houses at the water's edge.

Three styles of boathouse stay

The loft above the water is the classic: the boat slip is downstairs, and the living space is on the floor above, often with a balcony facing the lake. The converted boat shed turns the whole building into living space, sometimes with large glass doors where the boats once came in. And the floating or stilted boathouse sits partly over the water on piles or pontoons, which gives the strongest sense of being on the lake itself. Ask which type you are looking at, because it affects the views, the noise of the water and the number of stairs.

Living with water all around

Waking up above the water is magical, but it also brings practical points that ordinary cottages do not have.

• Damp and ventilation. Buildings over or right beside water can feel damp, especially in cool seasons. A good owner will have heating, a dehumidifier or good ventilation. Keep windows open when you can and hang wet clothes outside.
• Insects. Still water attracts mosquitoes and midges in warm months, notably on northern lakes in early summer and around Scottish lochs. Ask whether windows have screens and bring repellent.
• Stairs, ladders and jetties. Many boathouses have steep stairs to the upper floor and steps down to the water. Jetties can be slippery when wet or icy. This matters for young children, older guests and anyone carrying luggage.
• Space. Some converted boathouses are compact, with one main room and a small bathroom. Check the layout and bed sizes carefully.
• Access. Some boathouses can only be reached by a footpath, a steep track or even by boat. Ask where you can park and how far you will carry your bags.

Children and water safety

A boathouse can be a wonderful place for children, but open water only a few steps from the door needs attention. Ask whether the jetty and balcony have railings, whether doors to the water can be locked, and whether life jackets in children's sizes are provided. If not, bring your own. Agree on simple rules from the first day: no going onto the jetty or into a boat without an adult, and life jackets always on in a boat or kayak. Lakes can be cold even in summer, and river currents can be stronger than they look, so check with the owner where it is safe to swim.

Is a boat included?

It is natural to expect a boat with a boathouse, but that is not always the case. Some owners include kayaks, canoes, a rowing boat or paddleboards; others offer a motorboat for an extra fee, and some have no boat at all. Ask what is available, whether it is free to use, and whether a licence or experience is required for motorboats, as rules differ by country and region. Also ask about fishing: many lakes and rivers require a local fishing permit, and the owner can usually tell you where to get one.

Seasons on the water

Summer is the obvious time for a boathouse holiday, with long evenings, swimming and paddling. Remember that seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so summer on the lakes of New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina falls around December to February. Autumn brings colourful forests and quiet water, especially in Canada, New England and Scandinavia. Winter use depends on the building: some boathouses are insulated and heated, with a wood stove and a sauna, and a frozen lake can be a beautiful sight, while others are summer-only and close for the cold months. On coastal boathouses, check tides and whether the area is exposed to storms, and in tropical and subtropical regions, ask about the cyclone or hurricane season and heavy rain.

Questions to ask before you book

• Is the living space above the water, beside it, or in a converted shed on the shore?
• Are there railings on the jetty and balcony, and can access to the water be closed off for small children?
• Are life jackets provided, and in which sizes?
• Which boats, kayaks or paddleboards are included, and do any cost extra?
• Is swimming safe from the jetty, and how deep and cold is the water?
• How is the boathouse heated, and is it suitable for use in winter?
• Are the windows screened against mosquitoes and midges?
• How steep are the stairs, and how far is it from the parking area to the door?
• Is the boathouse shared with the owners or other guests, or completely private?

Tips for your boathouse stay

Pack light, soft bags that are easy to carry down a path or along a jetty. Bring water shoes, a dry bag for your phone, a warm layer for evenings on the water and a torch for walking to the car at night. Keep noise down after dark, as sound carries far over a lake and neighbours may be closer than they seem. Try to get up early at least once: the still water, the mist and the birds at dawn are often the moments guests remember most.

Find a boathouse in this collection

The boathouses on this page are grouped by continent, country and region, so you can start with the lake, river or coast you have in mind. Each link takes you to the owner's own website, where you can see photos, check availability and book directly. Do you own a boathouse that welcomes guests? Add your link for free with the button above and share your place at the water's edge with travellers.