The most modern Houseboat of Deventer

You are probably familiar with this striking appearance. The most modern houseboat in the city is located between the Raambuurt and the Pothoofd. What is it like to live in a houseboat in Deventer? Is it really that free? Can you feel the water surging in the storm? We asked proud residents Mieke and Harry, who happily showed us the houseboat but preferred to remain anonymous.
Light, free and spacious. High windows, French doors and water on all sides. Green in the back, IJssel in front of the nose, we get it. Mieke and Harry have been living on the water for over twenty years. “We live in the middle of the city and yet in the middle of nature. Living in a house? We will never do that again.”

Self designed
Almost ten years ago, Mieke and Harry visited a boat builder in Lelystad. Their old houseboat needed replacing. “We designed this houseboat ourselves, together with the boat builder. It's just like building a house: almost anything is possible and almost anything is allowed. We have adapted the design to the environment. The color gray is inspired by the gray stones of the flats on Pothoofd. Just like the sloping roof,” says Mieke.

Sleeping underwater
The houseboat is more spacious on the inside than you think. “We live upstairs because of the view. We sleep downstairs, under water. It's delicious. We only bob on the water when the wind is blowing very hard. In the summer most people complain about a bedroom that is too warm, but that doesn't bother us. It is always cool with us. In addition to two bedrooms, there is also a luxurious bathroom and a walk-in closet downstairs. There is no shortage of space on this boat.

Modern and attractive
Mieke and Harry have furnished the houseboat in a modern way. Sleek kitchen, dark floor, leather sofa. But also a cheerful flower, a beautiful grand piano and fresh flowers in the vase. A good mix that makes the houseboat very warm and attractive. “We decorated it together. The hanging fireplace was Harry's idea,” says Mieke. “A lot of stuff is new. If I have something in mind, I go looking for it. Such as the robust dining table that comes from a wood merchant from Diepenveen.”

Showpieces
Mieke's favorite place on the boat is the corner of the couch. Peering over the water. But she is also often behind the grand piano. “I play classical. The piano belonged to my father. He was a piano teacher in Deventer. When he passed away, I had his old brown piano spray painted black. Now it fits beautifully in our interior. The Persian carpet is also a showpiece. It belonged to my grandmother.”