RO-JA - £250,000

⚓ A Unique Converted Dutch Cargo Barge with Stunning Estuary Views

    A spectacular 197ft converted Dutch cargo barge with enormous two-level living space, panoramic estuary views and a self-contained apartment.

   Premier Houseboats are pleased to present Ro-Ja, an exceptional Dutch cargo barge that has been sympathetically converted into a spacious and characterful floating home while retaining many original features.

  Moored on the Medway Estuary, Ro-Ja enjoys uninterrupted estuary views to starboard and marina views to port, creating a truly special waterside setting within a secure environment.

The former cargo hold, measuring approximately 197ft x 26ft, has been converted into an impressive two-level living space, offering remarkable flexibility with areas that can easily be adapted for different uses.

 

🏡 Accommodation & Living Space

Entry to the barge is via a custom steel-framed wooden walkway, leading into what was originally the forward cabin, currently used as a home office.

From here you step into a large upper lounge (approx. 30ft x 20ft) featuring picture windows overlooking the Medway Estuary with views across to Gillingham Pier and St Mary’s Island.

A walkway connects two mezzanine levels, while custom stairs lead down to the large lower entertaining space.

Lower Level

A substantial open-plan living area currently arranged as:

Lounge, Bar area, Dining space, kitchen

This versatile area can easily be reconfigured to suit individual requirements.

Additional rooms include:

Snug / cinema room, workshop, small bathroom

Further accommodation includes:

Starboard side, laundry room, family bathroom, double bedroom, large bedsit, port side, walk-in pantry, reading / exercise area

Further development space if required

 

🛏 Master Suite & Upper Areas

Stairs lead up to the master bedroom suite located on the mezzanine level.

The suite includes dressing room, ensuite bathroom with slipper bath

An adjoining area was planned as an indoor garden space, benefiting from the original sliding roof panels.

This level also includes a large craft / sewing room, and a walkway overlooking the main entertaining space which connects back to the upper lounge.

 

⚙ Engine Room & Systems

Ro-Ja retains a fully functioning engine room located towards the stern.

She travelled from Tilbury to Port Werburgh under her own power and is powered by a Caterpillar engine.

Additional systems include:

New central heating / hot water boiler

Recently installed consumer boards

Inverter system

Lithium batteries

Water pump

Diesel and water tanks

At the bow there is a forward engine room containing: two generators, bow thruster engine diesel storage tank, anchor chain locker

 

🏠 The Captain’s Quarters

Located above the engine room with separate external access, the Captain’s Quarters is currently let as a self-contained two-bedroom apartment, providing a useful income stream.

Alternatively, it could be used as: a granny annexe, guest accommodation

Additional living space

Captain’s Quarters Accommodation

Entrance with steps down to kitchen

Recently refurbished kitchen with stainless steel units and solid wood worktops

Utility room

Lounge / dining room with marina and estuary views

Two double bedrooms

Bathroom with hip bath and shower

Wheelhouse with original controls and panoramic views

Access to the large rear deck with crane and dinghy

 

🔧 Recent Improvements & Works (Past 12 Months)

Several upgrades and maintenance works have been carried out recently to improve both the condition and comfort of Ro-Ja, including:

Starboard side hull half needle-gunned and blackened

Paint for the remainder of the vessel already on board

New UPVC double opening windows installed in the lounge

New Clarke booster water pump installed

New laminate flooring fitted on the lower level

New Magnet kitchen installed, including a new macerator

30 new hull anodes fitted

New service corridor wall constructed

P40 spray foam insulation installed on ship wall

New consumer unit installed, serving from engine room through to the kitchen

New lighting installed in downstairs bedrooms, wardrobe area and utility room

These improvements enhance the vessel’s efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability, providing an excellent foundation for further development if desired.

 

🌿 Outdoor Areas

Ro-Ja offers several outdoor areas including:

Forward deck sitting area

Large rear deck

Potential garden space beneath sliding roof panels

These spaces provide excellent areas to relax and enjoy the surrounding views.

 

⭐ Key Features

Converted Dutch cargo barge

Massive 130ft x 25ft cargo hold conversion

Two-level living accommodation

Stunning Medway Estuary views

Master suite with dressing room and ensuite

Large entertaining space with bar and dining areas

Separate 2-bedroom apartment (Captain’s Quarters)

Caterpillar engine

New heating system and modern electrical upgrades

Secure mooring at Port Werburgh

Huge further development potential

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​⚙️ Specifications

Vessel name:Ro-Ja

Condition:Good

Constructed:1910

Refitted:2022

Berths:10

Cabins:5

Heads:3

No. of engines:1

Engine model:Caterpillar

Drive type:Shaft drive

Length over all:197'

Beam:26' 3"

Maximum draft:4' 7"

Hull material:Steel

 

💬 Summary

Ro-Ja represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire an exceptionally spacious floating home with stunning estuary views and remarkable flexibility.

With an enormous, converted cargo hold, separate apartment, and further development potential, this is a rare chance to own one of the most distinctive residential barges on the River Medway.

Early viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the scale and potential of this remarkable vessel.

 

📝 Disclaimer

Premier Houseboats offers the details of this advert in good faith as presented by the seller or their representative but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information or the condition of the described item. Buyers should instruct their agents or surveyors to verify details as required. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.