Owning a house is a dream we all have. Affording a big luxurious house may not be possible for many. But owning a decent space for the entire family within a reasonable price range could be a possibility.
Water lovers often look for a suitable houseboat where they can spend time with their family and friends. This houseboat in Bocas del Toro, Panama is perfect for those who want to feel at home in the middle of the water. The houseboat has been designed beautifully to ensure the comfort of all its occupants, with all the basic amenities and an attractive as well as sturdy build.
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Some of you might remember my design presentation – I posted it on YouTube in February 2019 (if not, take a look at the player below). In July 2020, the first house was built, tested and is now available for rent or for purchase.
And what is most important?
Sustainability, No Land to Buy And No Property Taxes To Pay – Ever Again!!!
So let’s take a look at
Basic Features Of The House
- Engine: None
- Bedroom: Yes
- Beds: 1 queen-size + 1 ¾ bed
- Bathroom: glass shower stall
- Toilet: Compost
- Kitchen: Mahogany
- Body: Pine
- Water source: Rain
- Energy source: Solar
Where Is This House Located?
Location is an important factor when buying a house. This tiny houseboat lies in the lap of the Caribbean Ocean in Bocas del Toro, Panama, between the islands of Bastimento and Solarte. The location is surrounded by vegetation. Its attractive biodiversity is another plus point to the house. The island is home to many ethnicities and one can enjoy the varied cultures and traditions while living on this beautiful island. You can reach the location by boat. For inexpensive boat options, read my post: Affordable Inflatable Boats. For other options, read my post: How Much Is A Yacht – Which Can I Afford? or Build Your Own Boat.
Floating Area
This houseboat features an impressive 1,160 square feet of float area. The float is supported by eighteen blocks, each having the dimension of 6′ x 8′ x 2′. These blocks are made of foam and cement and are held together by thirty angles of 4“ × 4” × 1/4“.
Construction Area
The houseboat has a construction area of 497 square feet. This area is supported by 5 columns. The space is ample enough for a tiny house with all the necessary facilities.
Under The Floor
This area is occupied by the essential elements of the house: the piping system, pump, water tanks, and compost system.
Build Of The House
The houseboat at Bocas del Toro, Panama has a gorgeous make and build;. its body and frame construction are made from excellent quality pinewood. The wooden finish gives it a simple, yet classy look.
To add to the look, there are two wooden entry doors made of mahogany. The elegance is multiplied with three French windows of dimensions 6’ x 4’ and a French door, which allows lots of light in.
In addition to these features, the bathroom is unique and neatly designed with a glass shower stall along with a standard compost toilet seat and a sink. The walls sport a layer of grooved pinewood that has been sealed from both the inside and outside, making the houseboat safe and comfortable. There is also a wooden ring base and a red enameled zinc rooftop to protect against wear from sun and rain.
A wooden balcony is off the bedroom and there is a terrace accessible through the staircase.
The houseboat has four raw anchors that are twist-resistant.
What Makes The Tiny House A Home?
What makes this beautiful structure suitable for everyday living are the amenities. The houseboat is furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen, bedroom, storage, bathroom, balcony, terrace, and much more. You will truly feel at home here.
The kitchen countertop is mahogany and it holds a four-burner gas stove and a sink with running water to make washing dishes easy. A single-door refrigerator, a breakfast bar with an excellent finish, and cabinets for your appliances are also included. You can cook your own meals, store food in the fridge and enjoy eating with family on the spacious bar, just like you would do at home. The best part? A large glass window in the kitchen frames an ocean view.
The house has two beds: one queen-size and another three-quarter – perfect for a small family to comfortably rest. The bedroom holds a wooden wardrobe where you can arrange your belongings. There is a ceiling fan to keep the room cool. The entire space has lovely lighting. Connected to the bedroom is a bathroom featuring a glass shower area, which is separated from the toilet.
For a little bit of luxury, the bedroom leads to a balcony that has a staircase leading up to the terrace. You can easily climb up and enjoy the fresh air and the scenic view anytime you want.
The front of the houseboat faces the ocean. You can sit on the edge and dangle your legs in the water while enjoying the view. An aluminum marine ladder with side piers is also attached outside to help you in and out of the water whenever you want to take a dip in the ocean.
The area outside the house is equipped with spotlights and independent navigation lights for nighttime.
Other Important Facilities
We know you’re wondering, How does this houseboat get its water and electricity? The water source comes in the form of rainwater that is collected in two 200-gallon capacity water reserves. The water reaches the kitchen sink and the bathroom through a pipeline system attached to the outer walls of the house.
Electricity is provided by solar power. There are four solar panels fitted on the house, each with 330-watt capacity; a battery tank is also available. These four panels generate electricity for the entire house and keep it well-lit at night.
A composting system is used for the toilet. Impressively, the entire houseboat runs on renewable sources. It is easy to manage and the cost of maintenance is also low when compared to that of a traditional home.
This tiny house in Bocas del Toro, Panama was designed with all the right details in mind to make residents feel at home while enjoying living in a floating house. The house can be booked for a night to experience the facilities it provides before buying.
How To Buy This House?
If you are interested in buying this house for the very affordable price of $125,000 and also in saving thousands of dollars in property taxes each year, contact us at info@BestHouseIdeas.com. You can schedule a house tour or you can stay a night or two before you make a purchasing decision (for $150 a night, deducted from contract amount when you make a purchase). You can reach the island by plane from most major cities in the world. The shops, restaurants and nightlife are all nearby (check out our articles on Bastimentos Island and Isla Solarte (Solarte Island).
When on the Caribbean Sea, energy from the sun is free, and even fishing from the house does not require a fishing license!
Life is beautiful – Enjoy!