Couple Battle Eviction After Transforming Barge into Luxury Home at Prestigious 'Billionaires' Row' Mooring

The owner of a £1.5 million luxury houseboat moored near London's exclusive "Billionaires' Row" is battling what he claims is an unfair eviction from his prized berth.

Simon Howard, 69, a business consultant, is contesting efforts to remove his houseboat from its mooring at the entrance to Cheyne Walk. After committing to a life on the water, Howard and his then-wife, Kate, purchased the aging Dutch barge Joseph Conrad in 2010 for nearly £900,000. They undertook a major renovation, transforming it with features such as a spiral staircase, three bathrooms, a sun terrace, and a retro-themed bar.

Howard says that during his recovery from major heart surgery in 2022, he was told by his landlord that he had missed the deadline to renew his mooring licence. The Chelsea Yacht and Boat Company (CYBC), which oversees the moorings, is now seeking to have the vessel removed and is also pursuing damages for trespass, citing that Howard overstayed after his licence expired.

Howard and his ex-wife Kate King are counter-suing, claiming that relocating the boat would be nearly impossible due to a lack of available berths on the Thames, where he has lived for over 15 years.

"They are litigating to secure a berth for Joseph Conrad – Mr Howard's home – as it's practically impossible to find an alternative mooring," said their barrister, Timothy Polli KC.

In addition to fighting the eviction, the couple argues that being denied a licence would significantly reduce the boat's value. The vessel was listed for sale in 2016 at £1.5 million but did not find a buyer.

Representing CYBC, Toby Watkins KC argued that the couple is attempting to secure a legal right they've never possessed. "They are seeking to gain the kind of security of tenure they've always wanted, but were never entitled to," he told Judge Alan Johns at Central London County Court.

Judge Johns is expected to deliver a decision on the case and related costs at a later date.

Broadgate Legal