PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

This barge has just been expensively and thoroughly renovated and adapted to generate and store the maximum then use the minimum of electricity. A large water tank plus not needing shore power or a crowded expensive marina, means virtually complete freedom in France to moor wherever and for as long as you like. There aren't many boats bigger or smaller that provide enough space for 2 adults and 2 kids to live in comfort on a permanent basis whilst also being small enough to sail comfortably. There are over 60 sq meters of 2 small twin bunk-bed bow cabins that could easily be knocked into one, a bathroom with shower + marine toilet and a spacious kitchen, dining, lounge and sleeping area lined with fitted cupboards, a recently reconditioned oil fired central heating and a fantastic wood burning stove. Self-sufficiency comes from a 24v water pump and LED lighting system, a large bank of 4 220ah batteries kept charges by 2 140w solar panels and 1kw windturbine on 3m stainless steel mast. For TVs and computers, etc, there's a 12v system are 2 140ah batteries kept charged by the other 3 140w solar panels also out of the way on the wheelhouse roof. There's a 2008 5.5kw diesel generator for when there's not enough wind or sun which isn't very often! When on shore power, there's a 2400w mastervolt 220v-24v inverter-charger supplying the mains sockets, etc. The barge passed its 4 yearly test for foreign boats in France in April 2008 with flying colours which was not difficult as the riveted-welded hull is double layered iron and steel ie a very solid 65 tons. It took 3 months and 1000L to be properly prepared and painted so it won't need doing again until 2012. The engine room is spacious with ample head/workroom with a 4 cubic metre storage, or washing machine, area between the two 2000L water and heating oil tanks. There are also 2 200L diesel fuel tanks for the DAF engine that's got at least another 30 years left in it. The barge is on a beautiful, quiet and safe €1200pa mooring amongst vineyards (without shore power or water though free from the villages of Le Somail and Salleles d'Aude) about 50km from both Beziers and Carcassonne airports. Richard +33658077847