Papillon

2
1

Little Venice, London

Waterside oasis on London's prettiest canal, minutes from the city's main attractions (sleeps 2)

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Child friendly

Dog friendly

Eco conscious

Walk to a pub

Walk to a shop

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

Wind down on the water in one of the capital’s coolest tiny homes, a wide-beam barge designed by a stylist and film set designer. Her intentionally uncluttered interiors in neutral tones and soft textures maximise the narrow space and invite guests to slow down and engage with the gentle pace of boat life. On arrival, you’ll find all you need for a simple breakfast, too, including a swish espresso machine and custom-made coffee cups by local potters Plum & Belle.

With a few clever tricks, the one-bedroom boat can comfortably sleep 5, but we prefer the idea of squirrelling away with a loved one and leaving the group hang til later: after all, the boat is moored in one of London’s loveliest neighbourhoods so savour your own space, then take a walk with friends along the banks of Little Venice or schedule a seafood supper at London Shell Co. Just 2 mins’ walk from Paddington station, staying this central has never felt like such an appealing option – or such a peaceful one. In summer, pack your yoga mat and salute the sun on deck then settle in with a picnic and binoculars, or light a candle and linger by the logburner in the cooler months. You’ll find games, guide books and local history tips on board, and there’s also a desk area and very-fast WiFi, so you could actually base yourself here for a a while…

Getting here: train to Paddington then walk 2 mins.

“I worked as a set designer and stylist in the fashion and film industry, then in 2011 I developed throat cancer and had a full laryngectomy — I couldn’t speak at all for a year. At the time, I was designing Airbnbs for a friend, and my neighbour had just moved onto a boat, sparking my idea to buy a boat and make it into a rental. I have always loved designing small spaces and the romance of the canal. I got so excited that I ended up with 2 boats – without knowing a thing about boats! It was a very steep learning curve, but I was fascinated about being self-sufficient and off-grid and the simplicity that comes with that. I find being on the canal so calming and peaceful, the total antithesis to being in the city.” Owner, Sam

My Kip favourites

She loves
“Sitting on the roof deck watching the sun go down.”

We love
Being gently rocked to sleep by the water.

You may not love
On a public towpath, which can be busy during the day. The cassette toilet may not be to everyone’s liking.

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Plus gifts on arrival when you book with Kip.

  • "Our first time staying on a barge and what a little gem this was - in the heart of Little Venice. Spotlessly clean, cosy & warm with absolutely everything we could possibly need including all the basics for breakfast the next day. Log burner easy to light, good shower and very comfy bed. Wish we could have stayed longer!"

    Dena, November 2024
  • "An oasis in the heart of London! I felt instantly relaxed the minute I stepped onto the boat. Thanks so much to Sam and her team for all the little extra touches that made this feel like a home from home. Highly recommended."

    Emma, July 2023
  • "We have had a fantastic weekend on the boat. Such a fabulous location and an excellent place to chill with friends. Everything was amazing and I would recommend a stay on this beautiful houseboat. Thank you Sam!"

    Daisy, June 2023

Sustainability.

“The boat can be totally off-grid but we connect to shore power for guests. Everything is 12 v and runs from batteries or solar power.  Recycling, eco-friendly toilet paper and vegan toiletries.”

Surrounds.

  • Word on the Water © Word on the Water
    Word on the Water © Word on the Water
  • Regent's Park © Gabby Channeye via Unsplash
    Regent's Park © Gabby Channeye via Unsplash
  • Regent's Park © Daphne be Frenchie via Unsplash
    Regent's Park © Daphne be Frenchie via Unsplash
  • Guests get a 10% discount at The Waterway, a gastropub with a lovely terrace, and seafood restaurant The Summerhouse.
  • In spring, open the side hatch to watch the clumsy ducklings and sweet signets finding their sea legs.
  • Walk along the towpath to Word on the Water, a floating Dutch barge-turned-bookshop by King’s Cross.
  • Or follow the canal east and you’ll come to Regent’s Park – it’s a popular spot year-round for its beautiful landscaped gardens, but in summer tickets to the open-air theatre are a must.
  • Pick up inspiration and plants to take home at Clifton Nurseries, London’s oldest garden centre and something of a sanctuary in the city.

Specifics.

  • Houseboat on Little Venice canal
  • Double bedroom with doors leading out to front deck
  • Extra single bed can be made in the raised office space
  • Extra double bed can be made in living area
  • Bathroom with walk-in shower and cassette toilet; organic toiletries provided
  • Open-plan living space warmed by wood-burner with books, boardgames, binoculars, and Bluetooth speaker
  • Small but well-equipped kitchen including Smeg oven and hob, cafetière and Nespresso machine; basic supplies provided plus fresh eggs, bread, milk, jam and butter
  • Meals can be provided on request
  • Very fast WiFi
  • The owner is available by phone
  • Baby cot can be provided on request
  • Dog-friendly
  • Walk 2 mins to shops, pubs and restaurants
  • Rent bikes for £30
  • Free parking on the weekend or use Just Park app
  • Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay. Note rates do not include a £60 cleaning fee
  • Remember to pack: slippers for winter stays

Book your stay.

Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!

30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
All bookings subject to an additional £60 cleaning fee.
Cancellations:
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.

FAQs.

In the winter months the boat is heated by a solid fuel stove which burns a combination of smokeless coal and logs, which are provided.

The WC is a compost toilet which is emptied by the host every 3-5 days.

The boat is not available for cruising unless by prior arrangement with your host and should be regarded as a static houseboat.

Little Venice is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Paddington train and Tube stations. Alternatively, you can reach Little Venice from Warwick Avenue’s Tube station within a ten-minute walk.

Parking is on meters during the week and free on weekends. Most guests use the Just Park app to find cheap local parking.

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