An NHS nurse is selling her houseboat to pay for retirement abroad in an effort to “enjoy the rest of my life” – because her pension is not enough to remain in the UK.
Linda Timbers has spent the last nine years living on the water by a small island in the Thames.
The nurse practitioner, who has worked in an urgent treatment centre for 20 years, has decided to leave Britain for good.
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Despite loving her houseboat lifestyle and tight-knit community, Linda feels forced to put her houseboat up for sale at £250,000 due to the rising cost of living.
“Living on a houseboat is something I’d always wanted to do, so nine years ago I sold my house and bought one,” the 64-year-old, who lives on Swan Island in Twickenham, told What’s The Jam.
“I love it; the area is idyllic with nature [everywhere], and swans and ducks swimming past.
“It’s on a private island setting with all types of people – some professional like myself, and others retired.
“Sadly, I don’t think [putting my boat up for sale was really] a choice – but a [requirement] if I want to enjoy the rest of my life.
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“I want to stop working for many reasons and my pension isn’t enough to live on here in the UK.
“The climate in Spain is a definite attraction for me [and also the] cost of living.
“The only things I will miss will be my lovely family and my way of life.
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“It’s a massive decision as I love living on the river, but it’s time for me to start a new adventure.”
Prospective buyers can only purchase the downstairs area as savvy Linda plans to Airbnb the top deck for short stays to make extra money.
The living space includes a modern fitted kitchen and a reception room with a log burner, as well as a main bedroom.
There is a bathroom, as well as generous built-in storage and double doors that open directly onto the water.
But you’ll have to contend with odd guests in the upstairs ‘flat’.
Meanwhile, the outdoor deck and bathroom are shared spaces.
Linda hasn’t bought her forever home in Spain yet but is considering settling down in Valencia, which she has visited many times before.
She added: “Although it has been a beautiful nine years living on my boat, the thought of life in Spain feels very exciting.”
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