Prospect Belle moored in Putney
(Picture: UK Sotheby’s International Realty)A house boat that once hosted decadent parties on the Thames attended by pop stars and royalty is up for sale for £1.85 million.
Nicholas Bonham, former director of the famous auction house bearing his family name, has placed the Prospect Belle and its privately-owned Putney mooring on the market.
Luxury property agent UK Sotheby’s International Realty is overseeing the sale of the five-bedroom, four-bathroom boat, which comes with its own landside parking space as well as access to a pool and gym at the Prospect Quay housing development.
Bonham, 74, told Homes & Property he was planning to spend more time in the Isle of Wight after enjoying the slower pace of life during lockdown stints across the Solent. But he admitted he would “shed a tear” when the Prospect Belle, which he bought in 2001, was sold.
“I will be very sad when I leave that house boat, I have loved every second,” he said.
Living on the river offers a special experience in the capital, according to Bonham, who was first attracted to the house boat by its roominess.
“The ceilings are high, the doors are normal size and it’s like the Tardis with a huge amount of space,” he says. “It is a lovely light as we are on the river and the breeze coming down the Thames is fantastic. There is a lovely park next door for kids and your own very secure parking space.”
And then there are the social events.
“The Hurlingham Club next door has one of the best private firework displays in London and it is seen much better from the boat with the reflections on the Thames and up to 80 people on the roof with a hog roast going,” said Bonham.
“It is wonderful for parties. I offered my brother a party on the boat for his 70th birthday – he asked if 40 or 50 people could come and 110 turned up. It was a beautiful June day and people were spread all over the boat, it was fantastic.
“We know one or two members of royalty and have had them on board for dinners — they all seem to love it. My wife [Sue Chester] is a fashion designer and made clothes for Sophie, Countess of Wessex — she and Prince Edward have been on board a number of times along with quite a few members of the pop world.”
Built in 1948, the boat is “dry and very warm” according to Bonham. “It is fantastic quality of life.”
Bonham had sailed extensively before buying the Prospect Belle but said that seafaring experience was not necessary.
“Shortly after I bought it I had a carpet layer who had to get off and sit in his van as he didn’t like the motion. But that is quite rare. He came back and finished the job.
“It is a way of life and you can get into it very easily. You can always rely on neighbours who all love living on the river. You have a dozen people next door very happy to help you out. Boaters rally round each other.”
Jaishree Brice, senior associate at UK Sotheby’s International Realty, described the Prospect Belle as a “beautifully refurbished, spacious and well lit” property.
“A house boat of this size and exceptional living space is rare to come by in the market,” added Brice. “A five-bedroom house in this postcode of similar offering would be priced at up to £3.5m – and there is no stamp duty payable on a houseboat.”
