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Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

Property grounds
Lobby
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fitness facility
Property grounds

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 334 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Brentford
  • Gtech Community Stadium
    7 min walk
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
    9 min walk
  • Gunnersbury Park
    12 min walk
  • London (LHR-Heathrow)
    17 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

Dining

House Boat Experience! Cozy hip Place With an Amazing View of the River Thames

Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, (9)
The price is NZ$367
for 1 houseboat
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan
House Boat Experience! Cozy hip Place With an Amazing View of the River Thames

About the area

Brentford

When you stay at this houseboat in Brentford, you'll be on a river, just steps from Thames River and 9 minutes by foot from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. .This houseboat is 5.4 mi (8.6 km) from Natural History Museum and 5.9 mi (9.5 km) from Hyde Park.
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What's nearby

  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - 9 min walk
  • Syon Park - 4 min drive
  • Ealing Broadway Shopping Center - 6 min drive
  • Twickenham Stadium - 9 min drive
  • Westfield London Shopping Centre - 10 min drive

Getting around

  • Kew Bridge Station - 4 min walk
  • Gunnersbury Underground Station - 17 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Orangery - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Kew Roastery - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪City Barge Chiswick - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

Enjoy stunning sunset panoramas on the tidal Thames from our beautiful, historic vessel. From her secluded garden mooring, Seacrest boasts magnificent views of Kew & Brentford Ait Nature Reserve. With fantastic transport links, she’s a riverside walk from many superb restaurants & pubs. This unique home is a comfortable, peaceful retreat, with all of Central London’s amenities at the doorstep.

There are a number of fantastic restaurants within walking distance, whether the Michelin Star Glasshouse in Kew Village, a host of cozy riverside pubs or a range of fantastic establishments in Chiswick and Richmond.

We're moored directly opposite the iconic Kew Bridge, whose arches contain a range of fantastic boutique businesses such from paddle boarding to gyms and spas. The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew across the river, whose boundary you can see from Seacreast's windows, isn't the only place to spot wildlife. Between the boat and the Botanic Gardens sits an island (Brentford Ait Nature Reserve) which was planted by Queen Victoria and provides refuge for our rarest river birds. Families of seals sometimes pass under the window, and every spring a new cluster of ducks, geese or swans nest on our garden mooring.

Kew Bridge station will take you direct to central London and is less than a 5 minute walk away, but you can also catch the river ferry from the other side of Kew Bridge, which, in spring and summer, travels downstream to Westminster or upstream to Hampton Court.

We look forward to welcoming you to our very special tidal home.
A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. The bathroom has a shower/tub combination and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a safe and a desk.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a water park or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access, onsite parking, and a car charging station.

Property manager

Mark Scorer

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • On-site parking
  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Coffee grinder

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bath or shower
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Porch or lanai
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No lifts
  • 3 steps to reach property
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Safe
  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels (on request)

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Boating on site
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Basketball nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Golf nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Composting
  • Water-efficient toilets only
  • Unit size: 370 sq ft (34 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Charming Historic Boat Moored Opposite Kew Gardens
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. Houseboat
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. Brentford

Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 49 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 79 reviews" "

8.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Lisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy boat
The boat and location are lovely and quaint..moored across from a bird sanctuary within walking distance of Kew Gardens. It is a boat so be ready for the intimacy of the space. Mark was a very responsive host.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Keith S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
Wonderful stay, incredible location , friendly and accommodating host who was easy to reach
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Mary B.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Not as expected
The description of the boat was misleading. The sleeping cabins were difficult to get into, down a steep awkward ladder down below the galley. Nor did they mention that the composting toilet required each person to sit on it and it was not pleasant. Also the boat was not very clean and there were personal affects of the owner all over the kitchen and salon. The boat sits on mud when the tide is out. The gangplank to get on the boat was wobbly and dangerous. The sheets were clean and we enjoyed the swans drifting by in the morning. The view was lovely. We left before the second night. On it and was not pleasant. on the toilet and
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay on Seacrest
We had a lovely stay on Seacrest and Mark is a very helpful and responsive host. We would absolutely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B., puyallup, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming boat
Very comfortable, peaceful, lovely location near Kew Gardens. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen-Jane B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A little bit of paradise on the Thames
I had been looking forward to this stay , and I was not disappointed. Seacrest is a 109 year old motor boat moored on the Thames at Kew Bridge. It was but a five minute walk along the river bank from Kew Bridge Station to the find Seacrest hidden behind an imposing brick wall. Mark welcomed me and showed me around the boat and its workings. When he left I was confident I could make everything work and I had a sense of nearby places. The rooms were delightful and the top deck room provided a great view of the Kew Bridge, the wildlife, the rowers, swimmers and other boats. One did not really need to leave, but if you did there were lovely pubs, shops and cafes all within a 5-15 minute walk. The amazing thing, was the silence. On the other side of the path were multi story apartments, busy roads and the like, but my view was the river and all It entailed. For those looking for something different, something to put your feet up, or just a great base to explore this side of London, than Seacrest may be just what you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

brent c.

Liked: Cleanliness
3 night on MV Seacrest
Boats are novel and fun and be clear that spaces are tight, a little up and down, and you"ll be just great
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tribute to the tidal Thames
Six nights in a brilliant location, watching the ever-changing Thames as the tides rise and fall, providing an array of incredible birdlife. The boat is a little quirky, but cosy and comfortable - a little agility is needed to move between decks, but nothing daunting. Mark’s welcome and introduction left nothing wanting, and communication before and during our stay was first rate. All up.. magical!! Thanks, Mark.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Dorothy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
An experience.
While the boat is very old, and the scenery is gorgeous, we did find the beds very hard to sleep on. If you want total comfort, move along. Glad we stayed there though. I was very close to trains, stores and pubs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Hazel L.

Quirky and different. A unique experience in the old boat.
Ease of entry on arrival super. Host amazingly accommodating and came out late at night to tell us about all the idiosyncracies of his beloved boat. It was cosy and perfectly located on lovely view of river. Beds clean and comfortable although a little short. It really had everything we needed for a short stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Karen B.

Fantastic location
The location is great for ease of getting around . A few minutes walk to Kew Bridge station. Ideal for lovers of birds as opposite a nature reserve on The Thames. The beds were clean and surprisingly comfortable. I did find it strange that the owner leaves so many personal belongings around the boat when renting out which made it feel cluttered.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful views
We loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming, Cozy, Unique, Lovely!
We absolutely loved our stay aboard MV Seacrest. Mark is a great host who was wonderful about communicating before and during our stay. He greeted us aboard on our first day, gave us a tour of the boat and explained some of the rules and things about our stay so check in was so easy. Seacrest is definitely a unique place to stay, but if you know going in that you’re staying on a 100+ year old ship and not a luxury cruise mega boat, you will have a fantastic stay. Yes, the boat is cozy and a little tight, but the location is fantastic, and the views are spectacular. Seeing the tide coming in and out, and the wildlife that came with it too was quite the site! And it was very easy to get around with public transit options galore nearby. There are several lovely pubs right nearby, as well as just about anything you might need with the shops in the area. We loved the Express Tavern and the Bell & Crown (just a short walk up the Thames Path toward Chiswick). After reading some of the more negative reviews when booking, I was the tiniest bit nervous. But after our stay - if you go in with the right mindset it will be a fantastic stay! And have zero concerns about the composting toilet - so simple. We really had a lovely time aboard Seacrest and it made our trip to London so special. I can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elisabeth R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great, fun stay
The boat was a great, fun stay in London. A few minutes walk from Kew bridge station and the buses to get around London, yet lovely and quiet. Perfect to be able to walk across the bridge into Kew. Delightful to wake up to see the birds on the river and watch the rowers practising. The rooms are snug, cosy and warm in winter but easy to open up windows to catch a breeze in summer. The beds are comfortable and the bathroom and shower are great. The kitchen is compact but all you need to make a meal. The owner leaves alot of bits and pieces too so there is always salt, oil, milk etc. completely recommend for an unusual and fun stay in London.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

2/10 Terrible

darrell d.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Unimpressed
Dirty unsafe houseboat. Houseboat rentals must be inspected for safety. This houseboat should not be rented. The ramp rocked side to side when walking on it and at higher tides you had to duck powerless when boarding or exiting the boat. The boat leaked in several places, the kitchen was cluttered with greasy condiments and containers, the smell of mold and diesel was prevalent throughout the boat and almost every surface was cluttered with too many personal items which left no space for visitors items, without mixing them up with the hosts. It felt like we were visiting an “eccentric” bachelor uncle The only plus side was the great location.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Adrian R.

great location
rustic accomadation , great location, easy walking to great pubs and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

David J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quirky
If your like me and love classic older timber boats with character and history this could be your thing. Great location, absolute waterfront of course, comfortable and cosy. Mark was a great, friendly host full of great info and history about ‘Seacrest’
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Susan M., Bastrop, Texas USA

Do your research
This property is very small with ceilings under 5’10, we could not stay there at all. My husband is 6’2 and could not stand up straight without getting a concussion. The property owner was a lovely man, but I was ver disappointed with the description of the houseboat as a lot of information was absent and we could not get a refund. It was a sad start to our vacation.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara H., Lantzville BC

Liked: Cleanliness
Mom with adult daughters
We really enjoyed the boat and the area, was a peaceful and quiet space, especially after spending time in Central London. Transit made it very easy to go anywhere. Close to Kew Gardens, can walk to the Elizabeth Gate. A boat may not be for everyone, but we loved how unique it was and all the birds nearby. Mark was very helpful and accommodating as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Like no other
We had an absolutely delightful time aboard Seacrest. We lived aboard many years ago and this brought back many wonderful memories of living aboard. The location was perfect for us; easy access to any part of London on public transport, at least half the fun of the trip. The wildlife and the rowers were constant entertainment.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

margaret s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Me and my family had a great stay. The host was great and I love the Seacrest
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Cydney J.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Almost
This an antique riverboat that has been converted into an office for the host. Guests are staying on top of the host's office and personal stuff. During our stay, we were concerned about the cleanliness and layout of the boat. While the bedding and towels were clean and nice, the rest of the boat needed a good scrub. For example, there is a shelf above the bed in the main cabin. I put my glasses on the shelf. When I reached for them in the morning, dust and stuff rained down on me and the bed. We felt we had to clean all dishes and utensils before we used them. The coffee and tea equipment had a layer of scale on it. Cabins (bedrooms) and the bathroom are located below the main deck. They are accessed down a step and ladder combo that requires some agility. Guests with mobility problems will find navigating the layout of the boat tricky. The toilet is a composting unit that requires everyone (men and women) to sit for all uses. It is located in a very low area with a metal thing right in the middle of the ceiling. It is marked with caution tape, but still caused us several bumps on our heads. The boat is located in an interesting area outside central London. There are fun museums and Kew Gardens nearby. On the river Thames there is great entertainment with bird watching and river users. The host is very nice. We enjoyed meeting him. It could be a really wonderful vacation rental with cleaning and if guests were the main focus of the boat's use.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Timothy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Seacrest Respite
Mark a fine host Seacrest a classic old girl Fantastic location so close to Kew, train and tube stations, A plethora of fine pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance. Thank-You Mark/Anita T&V BIssett B.C. 🇨🇦
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Romantic spot on the Thames
This is an older wooden motor yacht, delightfully equipped, and conveniently located near Kew Bridge, across from a nature sanctuary. The host could not have been more cordial and helpful. Excellent pubs in walking distance, easy access to transport and the Thames Path.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Fran S.

Small ship charm
Mark is a lovely host. Cheerful, helpful. This location was easy to get into town..Kew Bridge Train Station is about 5 a 5 minute walk and connects to tube system so everywhere in London was accessible. 20-30 minutes into most downtown areas. The Seacrest is rustic but comfortable. It’s a great escape from the bustle of the city…lots of beautiful water fowl to observe going about their day, sometimes quite close up. The waterless toilet is a little funky but works fine and you know you’re doing the right eco thing using it. We enjoyed our stay here!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023