A float on Miracle - 20ft narrowboat

@ oliver. YES she's the second smallest size you can get (to my knowledge) but she has everything. I lived as a couple in a flat that was a little more than twice her size for over a year.
People adjust to anything. That's my theory.

It's an economical pied à terre for one.

I agree. Downsizing has its definite advantages (feel less burdened, less encumbered) and it's by no means the case that only lots of space has advantages. And, after all, this is the houseboat equivalent to getting on the housing 'ladder'. When I was a student, I had an absolutely wonderful tiny little garret room for about a year. It was very much like your houseboat situation except for the houseboat bit. The toilet was three floors down, I had to shower at the public baths (very close by), but it was just incredibly cosy and the rent was minuscule. You'll wish for more space again at some point (trade up to the next biggest boat :) ), but for now I can imagine exactly how you feel and I'm sure it's really exciting!

I'm also with you on the 'VW Beetle' aspect. If I ever had to learn to drive or to get a car, that's the car I would get (the original Beetle, of course, not the recent abomination).

Out of interest, what is the smallest size of houseboat you can get? Are there any pictures on-line?