We’ve been speaking to the owner of @bargeelwi about her ongoing Dutch Barge renovation and look forward to sharing the fascinating details with you!
Elwi is an incredible 24m Dutch Barge built in 1907 which is currently being given a brand-new lease of life. Each part of the process has been thoroughly considered and documented, from the bold choices in paint and quirky interior décor, to the high-quality From The Anvil ironmongery used throughout to elevate the space.
Read on to find out more…
Q: What made you want to buy & renovate a Dutch Barge?
A: I always loved narrowboats and wide beams - the idea of living on them and had been looking for a much smaller one to live on while I was saving for a house. A boat broker showed me Elwi on the way out from a viewing and I thought - wow - this could be my home. I could have a family here it’s huge! It was an empty shell, but I could see that I could turn it into something special, which was really exciting.
Q: How much of the original barge were you able to restore?
A: Elwi was in amazing shape when we shot blasted the hull. She was built in 1907 and had clearly been very well looked after. The hull is original - I just added a bigger wheelhouse to have a nice sized galley (kitchen) and added a steel roof and rooflights. We cut away some of steel that was below the wheelhouse to make room for an aft cabin (bedroom at the back) and ensuite with a big bath!
Q: What are your design inspirations?
Character is really important to me. I am a director - and having a range of beautiful characters, from casting to costume to props, is something I try to do in my work. Anyone that works with me knows I love colour, humour, and character. I hate white walls, I hate things that are perfect, I love character, imperfection, age, energy, and soul. I love colour - as much of it possible with a cherry on top, please!
Q: At what stage of the build did you consider ironmongery?
A: I considered it early on because I had to have some of the windows made way in advance. I had to design them because the marine window company windows were very practical but… gross. Their window furniture was worse!
Pictured above; Aged Brass Hinton Lever Lock Set & Aged Brass Universal Bolt
Q: How did you come across From The Anvil & why did you choose From The Anvil products?
A: My friend Anna Rhodes who is a production designer and interior designer (she has also helped me with the interior design on Elwi) had just done her Georgian house and had really nice classic door/window furniture. I asked her where she got it and here we are!
Pictured above; Aged Brass Reeded Stay & Aged Brass Locking Reeded Fastener
Q: What advice would you give people considering starting a small space renovation?
It’s not a small space! Not for London anyway. But I’d say have more than you think saved up especially if you’re literally starting from scratch. The less fun things like conduit and fuse boards also cost, and they aren’t cheap. I would say be ready to spend more than you think. I also would say, boats are probably three times more complicated so if you want a challenge and a twitchy eye - renovate a boat.
Pictured above; Aged Brass Hinton Lever Lock Set & Aged Brass Universal Bolt
Q: What part/aspect are you most enjoying about the barge renovation process?
Now I’m at a stage where I’m able to think about the unique details that I really want to add to the boat. The foundations are there now - but I have big plans for commissioning hand painted wardrobes, bonkers upholstery, and amazing secret hatches for emergency wine! That stuff takes living in the space and spending time to really nail. So, looking forward to that. It was also amazing driving the boat back to London. A huge highlight not only in the renovation process but in my life!
Follow Elwi’s renovation journey on Instagram; @bargeelwi
All images credit @bargeelwi
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