Tours
Couple moves into houseboat and says it saved them $27,000 a year and their mental health
It saved them a ton of money, but they got so much more from it too.
Valerie Ablang
04.18.23

Can you imagine living on a boat?

This couple defies the meaning of standard living.

Meet Sarah Spiro and Brandon Jones.

These partners traded in their traditional home for a floating houseboat.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

Sarah and her boyfriend bought a boathouse situated at Fontana Lake in California.

The decision to live in a boat was an obvious and easy choice to make.

They only had to spend $23,000 for a one-bedroom space which is enough for the two of them.

This expense was on top of their $2,500 per year expenses now that they are living a simple life at the lake.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

Only a fool would say ‘no’ to such kind of offer.

They had a tiny home, but it had everything they needed.

The 27-year-old mountain guide shared a tour video of their boathouse, which has 225 square feet of inside space and 500 square feet of area for the dock.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

Upon entering their house, you’ll find a combination area as their living room, office, and kitchen.

This part of the house is where they usually stay whenever they are inside.

Their outside view was spectacular!

No wonder the couple spends most of their time on the docks.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

“It is so peaceful here. You still have day-to-day trends like doing the dishes and laundry, but you get to do it all in this phenomenal view.”

“Whatever the time, whatever you are doing, you are surrounded by peace and serenity—it is paradise.” Sarah shared.

However, it is quite challenging during winter.

The temperature around their house becomes too cold once the winter season comes in.

To keep them warm, they installed a small fireplace in the corner of their room.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

They also have a small weather station monitor in the kitchen to update them on weather conditions.

Sarah admits that there are some disadvantages to living in the middle of the lake.

Despite having the time of their life in their unique home, Sarah had to give up a convenient life in terms of access.

Pexels - Tima Miroshnichenko
Source:
Pexels - Tima Miroshnichenko

They had to carefully plan their grocery schedule since the store was 40 minutes away from them.

In addition to that, their car is parked at a marina which would take an additional 5-minute boat ride for them.

But it was not enough reason for them to easily give up on their dream.

The adventurous duo noticed the improvement in their health and mental condition.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

This was in addition to having their previous wish for more boating time come true.

So, they decided to build another boathouse!

It has been two years since they moved into their dream house, and they are still enjoying every single bit of their decision.

YouTube Screenshot - SWNS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - SWNS

Sarah and Brandon have already started renovating their new cabin, where they will eventually move.

Meanwhile, they plan to rent out their old house for those who want to experience their unique living.

Click the video below for a tour and to hear more about their awesome story.

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