Meet the MODERN-DAY NOMADS

Downsizing - and uprooting - their lives gave these women a whole new perspective

- KIM WILLIS

We just enjoy the now

Fran Pike, 59, is from Essex. She lives on a 58ft narrowboat with her husband, Rich, 61, and their rescue dogs, Archie and Jess.

By the time Rich and I got together seven years ago, we were both tired of the rat race. We met on our allotments and were both professional gardeners. After 35 years of working for other people, we wanted to break free. We bought a cottage in Norfolk, a dream home with a big garden. With land to grow veg and raise chickens, we sold produce at markets, but I was getting up at 5am to bake bread to sell, so we were still working hard.

Then Rich discovered YouTube videos about narrowboating. 'We can do this!" he exclaimed. We booked a week on a Norfolk Broads cruiser to help us decide if we could live with each other in a tiny space. Within a week, the house was on the market, and in 2018, we bought an old 50ft boat.

We only had hot water when the engine was running, and the shower was tiny - it was pretty basic but we loved it. Our first adventure took us down the Kennet and Avon Canal, and life felt beautifully simple. Rich pursued his artwork and updated our YouTube channel and podcast, Floating Our Boat, while I weaved blankets and scarves.

It can be challenging in winter when we have to pad outside at 6am to refill the coal bucket. Initially, I found steering and navigating the locks intimidating but, with practice, I've become the better driver, although we still take it in turns.