SubscribeSign In
n
Collection by Nadja Sayej

How to Do Berlin: Rent Out This Modern House Boat

In Berlin, Germany, brothers Chris and Oliver Laugsch bought a one-of-a-kind house boat for their vacation rental company, Welcome Beyond. Initially built as a home by a Dutch designer, the Modern House Boat is a three-room, 645-square-foot floating hotel. Instead of crisp sheets and room service, they offer a stellar city view and blissful peace and quiet.

View 7 Photos
“My brother and I were searching for a place of our own that we could rent to people visiting Berlin,” says co-owner Chris Laugsch. “We found the boat by accident in a Berlin marina. After a few minutes on the boat, we knew we found the place.” The kitchen countertop and floor are both Pandomo, a poured concrete surface. The ceiling is a stained pine. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows cover two of the largest walls on the boat.
“My brother and I were searching for a place of our own that we could rent to people visiting Berlin,” says co-owner Chris Laugsch. “We found the boat by accident in a Berlin marina. After a few minutes on the boat, we knew we found the place.” The kitchen countertop and floor are both Pandomo, a poured concrete surface. The ceiling is a stained pine. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows cover two of the largest walls on the boat.
The 645-square-foot boat is built on a frame made of anodised, steel H-beams. The exterior is covered with pine slats. The bedroom has a custom double bed that overlooks the water.
The 645-square-foot boat is built on a frame made of anodised, steel H-beams. The exterior is covered with pine slats. The bedroom has a custom double bed that overlooks the water.
In the living room, there is an iron fireplace by Danish manufacturer Aduro. A futon can be converted into a double bed for additional guests. Two sliding glass doors open onto the terrace. “It is a really peaceful and quite interesting atmosphere,” Laugsch says. “We have a fireplace in the boat to curl up on the couch with a glass wine after a day of sightseeing.”
In the living room, there is an iron fireplace by Danish manufacturer Aduro. A futon can be converted into a double bed for additional guests. Two sliding glass doors open onto the terrace. “It is a really peaceful and quite interesting atmosphere,” Laugsch says. “We have a fireplace in the boat to curl up on the couch with a glass wine after a day of sightseeing.”
A wooden patio wraps around three-fourths of the house boat. The living room cushions can be removed and used on the deck. A ladder dips into the water for swimming in the summer.
A wooden patio wraps around three-fourths of the house boat. The living room cushions can be removed and used on the deck. A ladder dips into the water for swimming in the summer.
Two large mirrors cover the wall in the bathroom. A small pine box on wheels holds towels.
Two large mirrors cover the wall in the bathroom. A small pine box on wheels holds towels.
Rates start at $225 a night for four people.
Rates start at $225 a night for four people.