EVER fancied cutting adrift from it all and just messing about in a boat?

Some 15,000 people live afloat on Britain's rivers, canals, estuaries and tidal waters, in vessels ranging from the super-luxury yachts to frankly downbeat old barges. Famous houseboat owners include actresses Prunella Scales and Kate Winslett and artist Damien Hirst.

But berths are extremely hard to find, especially within easy reach of London. Freehold moorings in particular are very rare and much sought-after.

Now two houseboats, both with their own freehold moorings, have just been sold by Ward & Partners, Sittingbourne.

Houseboat Finland, based at Conyer Marina near Sittingbourne, was built in 1950 as a timber-carrying lighter, a type of barge used for loading and unloading.

Converted in the 1970s, the three-bedroom vessel has a third of an acre of land and a swimming pool, and off-street parking. It sold for £200,000.

Houseboat Vertrouwen, a two-bedroom boat converted in 1986, has an inboard diesel engine, so that it is free to cruise along the 2,000 miles of Britain's navigable waterways.

Features include a kitchen/wheelhouse, a 100-foot garden and off-street parking. Its sale price was £150,000.

"We had a great deal of interest, and several offers for both boats, which were both bought by people who had looked at specialised houseboat agents with no joy," says Steve Payne, branch partner at Ward & Partners.

Ward & Partners Sittingbourne, 01795 427272.