Graeme Stone, a former chef with limited mobility due to a past accident, and his retired ice rink engineer stepfather, Tony Boynton, have completed a substantial renovation of a 40-year-old narrowboat named Nora. Their project, documented in the fifth season of More4's "My Floating Home," aimed to transform the vessel into a peaceful, potentially off-grid residence for Stone and his partner, Emily, all while adhering to a strict budget. The total cost of the refurbishment came in at £4,712.
The narrowboat, purchased for £20,000, was moored 130 miles from the pair's home in Scarborough, necessitating long trips and temporary accommodations during the renovation. Stone camped aboard while Boynton used his motorhome, and their differing work styles presented additional challenges. Stone, who previously lived a fast-paced life, experienced several serious injuries, including a broken leg, ribs, rotator cuff, and a fractured neck, which have impacted his mobility. He described his previous lifestyle as "24/7 at 100mph" and has struggled with slowing down.
Despite the difficulties, the duo took on the entire design and build themselves to save money. Boynton handled the heavier construction tasks, while Stone envisioned the final outcome. The renovation involved reconfiguring the entire layout of the 50ft boat. Upon entering, a galley kitchen leads to a lounge area featuring a sofa bed and a log burner. This is followed by a bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. The bedroom is situated at the bow, and a canopy at the stern provides additional seating.
Solar panels were installed on the roof to facilitate an off-grid lifestyle. The first month of the project was dedicated to stripping the boat back to its core structure. Subsequent work included building the bathroom, installing a vanity unit, water heater, and toilet. Rewiring was a key step, followed by the construction of the shower room and kitchen. The team managed to secure significant savings on materials, obtaining free tiles and kitchen cupboards for a mere £18, and blinds for £2. The entire kitchen cost £118.
Stone expressed his satisfaction with the project, particularly the kitchen, which he described as the focal point of the boat where he plans to cook and entertain. He emphasized the personal significance of the project, stating, "If it wasn't for Tony, I wouldn't be where I am. This is probably the last time in my life I am going to be physically able to do something like this, so the fact that it's going to give me my future, my dream, my home, it's really important to get it right."
"My Floating Home" follows individuals and families pursuing waterside living, showcasing the challenges and costs involved in creating unique floating homes, from bespoke narrowboats to high-tech houseboats and DIY restorations. The series uses drone footage and CGI graphics to illustrate the construction process. The show airs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on More4.