Tour the top houseboats

Houseboats are an unique option to all that fancy a more free, plentiful life. Given their small square footage, consider most houseboats as the second cousin of the tiny home craze.

But why choose houseboats? Firstly, they are affordable, and the cost of maintenance is so cheap compared to a traditional home. It's estimated that it costs roughly $6,000 a year to live in a houseboat. Say goodbye to mortgages! Second, they enable you to travel and enjoy the marina. Walk outside and enjoy nature, or talk with other residents nearby. You can even enjoy seaside hobbies such as fishing.

In the list below, we've compiled the best houseboats around, so get ready to tour and explore floating home life.

Nestled on Norris Lake, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom floating home is the perfect getaway for a large family or group of friends. With 2,000 square feet of space, this home is just the right size for relaxation -- and with features like a gourmet chef's kitchen, screened-in porch and fire pit, you'll want for nothing.

The house sits right on the lake, providing just the right ambiance for unwinding. Fall asleep to the sounds of the water lapping against the home, and spend evenings on the porch sipping a cold drink. Light, neutral furnishings create a subtle yet stylish look, and there is plenty of sleeping space to accommodate up to eight guests. Plenty of windows in the living room let in lots of natural sunlight to keep the space airy and bright. Get the full tour here.

Luxurious and chic, this octagonal Portland, Oregon, houseboat is more sophisticated than many traditional homes -- and it just happens to be floating on the Columbia River. The spacious home offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms along with decks on the bottom and top floors. You may actually forget you're floating because the bamboo floors and plush, deep carpet pamper your feet.

Central heat and air keep the boat completely comfortable, and after spending time in the master suite and drinking coffee on your own private balcony, it's definitely hard to go back to the real world! Imagine coming home each day, walking through the door and seeing this sunlit, gorgeous living room. Get the full tour here.

Blissfully docked on the scenic Seine River, this cozy, charming, floating home is a studio space that's small and intimate. With stunning panoramic views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, it doesn't get any more Parisian than this! Perfect for a romantic getaway, the home is decorated with careful attention to detail and color, and the effect is shabby and sweet.

There's even a pretty deck for unwinding and watching the world go by at the end of a busy day spent sightseeing. A free-standing bathtub, antique sink and gorgeous views are just a few of the perks of this Parisian houseboat. As you enter, you'll be drawn to the rich colors, like the comfortable goldenrod chair and the hints of purple. Get the full tour here.

Located in historic downtown Boston, the White Elephant Floating Inn provides a fun and comfortable place to lodge while you visit the area. Tour the city and see the sights, and come home to a restful, tranquil, floating home that provides everything you desire, and is much more exciting than a traditional hotel! Equipped with three rooms and plenty of sleeping space, the Inn was built entirely by hand, and you can admire the craftsmanship of this wooden home with every step you take.

As you enter the houseboat, you'll notice a cozy, charming, and a bit rustic living area. The open floor plan offers easy access to the kitchen and dining room. There are plenty of chairs and an overstuffed couch, as well as a cool trunk that doubles as a coffee table. You'll notice the wooden dining table that seats three people, and a wall-mounted television. Get the full tour here.

When a floating home rental company promises a "home on the water" experience, you're compelled to delve a little further. It's always worth celebrating those who are able to deliver.

On that note, check out this compelling houseboat from SleepAfloat. Her name is Calypso, and she hails from Key Largo, Florida. Docked in a protected part of Pilot House Marina, this Airbnb rental boasts that it can accommodate up to eight people. That in itself is quite remarkable – but wait until you see what awaits visitors. Get the full tour here.

Tied to the end of a dock in Bella Coola, British Columbia, the Float House Inn offers a great way to get a taste of tiny living in the surroundings of what locals refer to as "paradise." Bella Coola's website points out that the valley sits 62 miles (100km) inland from the Pacific Ocean and is considered to have a temperate climate. The ways to access the valley are by road from Williams Lake, by air or by boat.

The Float House Inn is, in reality, a houseboat that has been turned into a private hotel for four. Its website states the deck is free from obstructions and gives a great view when sitting, relaxing and enjoying the weather and scenery. Since the boat is at the end of the dock, no other boats get in the way and block the scenery. Get the full tour here.

Surrounded by water, Frans' Airbnb listing for his apartment houseboat leads you into a quiet, peaceful home that will let you leave your cares behind. The one-bedroom apartment features gorgeous views, a fresh, bright, interior, and plenty of space for a relaxing weekend stay.

Known as a water villa, this unconventional floating home includes a lovely garden, waterfront patio, and an eco-friendly design that includes the use of solar power. Located 25 minutes from Amsterdam, this beautiful home is a welcome respite from the busy city. Get the full tour here.

Docked in Apalachicola, Florida, this charming, rustic, floating home sort of brings to mind a cabin in the woods. With a cute fishing theme and a host of creature comforts, this is the perfect spot for a getaway! Beautiful sunrises, plenty of fishing, and lots of sightseeing make this a beautiful vacation destination.

Built by a fishing captain, the home is within walking distance of town, which offers shops and restaurants. You may even see some dolphins, ducks, and shrimp during your stay. Catch a glimpse of wildlife or simply relax and unwind as the home gently rocks you to relaxation. As you enter the home, you'll notice that the home has been custom built with native woods, which gleam with natural beauty. Get the full tour here.

This floating retreat awaits your immersion. Studio Hamlet Architects was tasked with bringing this darling floating home to life. Moored on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, this lakeside dwelling serves as a vacation house for its owners. With a cozy 433 square feet (40.23 square meters) to play with, Studio Hamlet Architects' design aimed to use the living space to its fullest potential. Get the full tour here.

Looking for the perfect seaside getaway? Head to Liberty Dock in Sausalito, California, and enjoy a designer's dream. This two-story floating home is simply gorgeous from roof to deck. Adjacent to San Francisco, there is plenty to do nearby, but you may never want to venture outside once you see this beautiful boat.

Fully loaded with a gourmet kitchen, skylights, Italian tile and teak flooring, every inch of this home is detailed, purposeful and absolutely perfect. The home sits right on the water, and a rooftop deck offers a stunning view of the neighboring houseboats and sea lovers. Sheer curtains sway in the breeze as you take in a sitting area that could also double as a spare sleeping space. Skylights let light in from the roof, giving the home a vibrant, cheerful feel. Get the full tour here.