I live in a canal boat... here are the three downsides of my lifestyle

A mother of two who lives on a canal boat has revealed the ups and downs of life on the river. 

Jen has been living on a self-built 65ft-long boat on the Grand Union Canal for over three years with her two children. 

She gave people a tour of her home in a video, which has viewed over five million times, she posted in collaboration with YouTube channel Alternative House. 

Jen said: 'Being deep in nature and waking up to fresh air and beautiful views every day are the plus sides of being on a boat'. 

However, Jen has revealed that it is not all plain sailing living on a boat, admitting that there are a number of downsides to doing so. 

One of the main issues she encounters relates to heat, as she pointed out that the radiators on board the boat do not get hot enough in winter for her to be able to adequately heat the vessel. 

She said that this leads to another thorny issue in the colder months, which sees her bedroom become the coldest house on the boat in winter - meaning that she has to sleep in a beanie hat to stay warm enough.

Jen also explained that sometimes her own bedroom can get so cold in winter that it is not uncommon for ice to be found on the inside of her windows.  

The roaming canal boat dweller does stay prepared for this scenario though, pointing out that she does keep a log compartment at the front of her home for the chillier days. 

Another issue for Jen that comes with having a boat that is 12ft wide in length while being so narrow is that the rooms have to be balanced equally on each side. 

The downsides of having a canal boat for Jen are offset by her cheap living costs, as she pays just £111 per month to have a roving licence to use a boat on the Grand Union Canal. 

She also revealed her spacious kitchen, which is a standard-fit kitchen from IKEA, which Jen is thankful for as it meant she did not need a bespoke one to be designed to fit smaller measurements. 

Reacting to the video, viewers were full of praise for the job Jen had done to make her house boat such a vibrant and inviting space. 

A flurry of positive comments read: 'I love everything about her and her houseboat! What a simple, debt free, stress free life'. 

'She created a very cozy place for the family. But the main thing is she fills this house with her inner light and beauty.'

'She has made that boat look amazing.. and homely.. such a beautiful person too.'

'How beautiful! The boat is certainly a reflection of her tranquility and serene beauty. 

'I admire her courage and determination to make this dream come to life for her and her children.'

'Jen is such a lovely, nice and wonderful lady, who is also multi-talented, imaginative and enterprising too. 

'She has made the boat into a lovely, cosy, homely and marvellous place to live. Well done and total credit to her.'