When Jen was denied a mortgage for a conventional home, she didn’t let that stop her from creating a place where she and her two children could live comfortably. Instead of giving up or settling for something that didn’t fit her family’s needs, she decided to take a completely different path—one that would not only challenge her creativity but redefine the idea of what a home can be.
Jen made the bold choice to design and build a floating house, a houseboat that would become her family’s full-time residence. What she built is far more than just a place to live; it’s a beautiful, fully functional floating home that reflects resilience, resourcefulness, and determination. Complete with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a bathroom, the houseboat even features a rooftop space that serves as an open-air retreat perfect for yoga, relaxing, or enjoying peaceful evenings under the sky.
Jen and her children have now lived on the boat for over three years, and every aspect of their home tells a story of thoughtful design and hard work. Finding a houseboat with three bedrooms proved to be almost impossible, so Jen decided to design one herself from scratch. She carefully mapped out every detail, making sure that her two children would have separate rooms to call their own. From the layout of the rooms to the strategic placement of windows that would let in light and offer water views, every feature was purposefully chosen. Jen wasn’t just building a boat—she was creating a home that offered comfort, privacy, and a sense of belonging for her family.
The construction process moved at an impressive pace. The steel frame of the houseboat was built in just seven weeks, and the interior took another ten weeks to complete. In total, the entire project was finished in just 17 weeks—an amazing turnaround for something so custom and complex. The steel frame cost $87,000, and Jen spent an additional $10,000 to finish the inside, transforming it into a cozy and welcoming space that feels far more like a home than a boat.
She made smart choices throughout the process to balance cost with comfort, always keeping her family’s needs in mind. For the kitchen, Jen went with an IKEA setup that offered both style and practicality, providing plenty of counter space for preparing meals. The living room isn’t just where the family gathers—it also serves as Jen’s professional workspace. As a massage therapist, she holds sessions right from her home, proving that even a houseboat can be a place for business. With no television in the home, her kids spend their time reading books and soaking in the calm, screen-free environment.
This has encouraged them to connect more with each other and their surroundings, especially since the living room includes large, comfy beds that are perfect for lounging and watching the sunset. It’s a lifestyle that values simplicity, connection, and nature over material distractions. Jen’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when you refuse to be limited by your circumstances. She could have let the mortgage rejection stop her, but instead, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different. With a lot of planning, plenty of determination, and a clear vision, she built not only a home but a new way of life that suits her family perfectly.
Her floating house is more than just a structure—it’s a symbol of possibility, showing that sometimes the best solutions come from thinking outside the box. Jen turned a “no” into a brand-new beginning, and in doing so, she proved that home isn’t defined by square footage or a piece of land, but by the love, effort, and creativity you put into making a space truly your own.
