A recent article in The Times confirmed what we’ve known for years: design-forward houseboats are having a moment. As homebuyers look beyond traditional real estate for something more inspiring, modern floating homes are gaining traction for their simplicity, sustainability, and connection to nature.

At Waterlodge, this isn’t a trend, it’s our foundation. Designed and manufactured by La Mare (a European builder with 15+ years of experience and over 500 boats on the water), every Waterlodge houseboat reflects a deep understanding of how people actually want to live: simply, beautifully, and with flexibility that fits their lifestyle.

Why the Rise in Interest?

Several cultural and lifestyle shifts are making houseboat living more appealing:

  • Design-Driven Expectations
    People want homes that feel good to be in—on land or water. La Mare’s modern aesthetic (clean lines, panoramic windows, open layouts) has long delivered on that promise, even before the market caught up.

  • Nature, Front and Center
    The appeal of waking up with water views, sipping coffee outdoors, and watching the sunset from your deck? Timeless. Houseboats offer something real estate can’t: immersion in nature without giving up comfort.

  • Flexible Living Models
    For some, a Waterlodge is a full-time home. For others, it’s a seasonal retreat or a revenue-generating short-term rental. That range of uses makes the investment feel practical and personal at the same time.

  • Sustainability, Built In
    From solar options to energy-efficient construction, La Mare has long prioritized low-impact living. Combined with robust HDPE pontoons and a galvanized steel catamaran frame, these boats are built to last—and built responsibly.

From Europe to the East Coast

Waterlodge is relatively new to the U.S. market—but its roots run deeper. Designed and built by La Mare, a leading European houseboat manufacturer since 2010, these modern floating homes have long been a fixture across European marinas, city canals, and inland waterways. With over 500 boats built, La Mare has refined not only their design philosophy, but also how people live comfortably on the water.

Now, that same design-first approach is gaining momentum stateside. With Waterlodge houseboats now docked across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, more U.S. buyers are discovering a different kind of waterfront lifestyle—one that’s stylish, flexible, and surprisingly attainable.

Already Living It

Clients like Amy & Kevin Schaefer have been spending their summers on a Waterlodge Houseboat for the past two seasons and they’ve never looked back. For them, it’s not just a place to stay, it’s a shift in how they spend their time: slower mornings, golden hour on the deck, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find on land. And they’re not alone. From the Jersey Shore to the Connecticut River, more and more people are embracing this way of life, even if just seasonally.

Ready to See What It’s About?

Whether you're exploring for yourself or a future rental investment, we’d love to show you around.

📍 Visit us in Clinton, CT
📸 Tour available houseboats or browse past client builds
🗓️ Schedule a one-on-one walkthrough or design consultation

Because while the world is just catching on to modern houseboats, we’ve been building this way for over a decade.

🔗 Explore Waterlodge Premium Houseboats