Ontario couple turn floating cottage dream into reality
Imagine taking in the views of Muskoka, Prince Edward County or even the Toronto Skyline all from the comfort of your living room.
Last year, a Port Severn man made his childhood dream a reality by creating a houseboat, or a floating cottage, that can travel up and down the Trent-Severn waterway.
"I just always wanted to have a home on a boat," said Joe Nimens.
With decades of experience building docks and steel foundations, Nimens began utilizing his skills to create his dream home last year.
While mulling over several design ideas, he settled on building the houseboat out of shipping containers that would sit atop a floating steel hull.
"It has all the comforts of a Northern Ontario home," said Nimens while sitting next to his partner Erin Morano.
"We wanted this aesthetic. We wanted to live in a box that's been travelling around the world," Nimens added.
The welded-together shipping containers now feature a fireplace, full kitchen and washroom, and internet. All of which is powered by solar panels.
The home also comes with a system that protects the 53-foot boathouse from large waves and when the lake freezes over.
"Our houseboat is equipped with four jack-up spuds. They do two things; they drop down and sit on the lake bottom; they don't have to dig in like an anchor would; they can just sit on the surface and hold us in place. But also, we can use them to lift our whole house out of the water like oil rigs do," said Nimens from his couch overlooking Little Lake in Port Severn.
The unique floating cottage has caught the eye of many locals.
Joe and Erin say hundreds of people have stopped to ask questions and take a tour.
The overwhelming attention has led the couple to turn their project into a business called Living Outside the Box (LOTB).
According to their website, LOTB can build a "tiny cottage" of around 240 square feet of living space starting at $46,000.
This design would feature one bedroom and bathroom, a kitchenette, a solar system, and a two-spud anchoring system.
Joe and Erin's model cost them around $450,000, but they say they wanted to build an elaborate model to showcase their work.
"We don't know what people are going to want from here forward, whether they want something similar or bigger, or maybe smaller and more simple, but we wanted to build something big and elaborate," said Nimens.
Over the next few months, the couple plan to put the finishing touches on their houseboat before drawing up design plans for their first customer.
"We plan to live the rest of our lives moving around the waterway," said Joe Nimens.
Dale MacEachern of Parks Canada says the structure "has not been permitted by Parks Canada for use on the Trent-Severn Waterway."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.