For Sale By Auction | 14:00, 02 December 2025

Merrymaid, Insworke Mill Quay, Mill Road, Torpoint, Cornwall PL10 1EN

*Guide | £20,000 - £30,000 (plus fees)

  • House Boat
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • Tenure: See Legal Pack

Call the team on 01872 484888 for more information

Auction Date

Tue 02/12/2025

Auction Time

14:00

Auction Venue

Live Stream

A Liveaboard Houseboat

Built in Ireland in 1952, Merrymaid started life as a fishing boat named 'Kelly', and worked in Ireland and the Isle of Man before being tastefully converted into a light and spacious 6-berth liveaboard, currently moored at Insworke Mill Quay, Millbrook, Cornwall. Merrymaid has a hull of larch on an oak frame with a length of 52 feet and a beam (width) of 15 foot 6 inches. Entry from the quayside is via a gangplank to the deck on which is sited the old wheelhouse which is currently used as a dining area, and offers views of the river and surrounding countryside. Steps lead down from the wheelhouse to the below deck accommodation consisting of a saloon with living/additional dining area and 3 cabins: 2 with bunks and one with a double bed. The galley has a carved wooden sink, small fridge and fuelled by Calor gas oven with 2 rings. There is a small freezer and additional fridge in the engine room. A traditional wood burning stove primarily provides heat in the saloon and has a back boiler to fuel small radiators in the cabins. The heads offer a small wooden bath with hand-held shower, hand basin and flushable toilet for liquid waste only. Please note: whilst most ceilings below deck are high, headroom is restricted in some areas.

Tenure

See Legal Pack

AUCTIONEERS NOTE

The engine is present but not connected and therefore if the boat were to be moved from the current mooring it would need to be towed. Merrymaid floats at high tide and an automatic pump keeps the bilges dry. The upper level of the hull has recently undergone renovation with replacement of larch planks: the deck is functional but would benefit from further remedial work to complete the project. An onboard water tank can be filled from hoses on the quay and hot water is supplied from an immersion heater tank. In its current location the quay offers 2 toilets and other facilities including a shower, coin operated washing machine & tumble drier and rubbish and recycling bins. Current mooring charges are £395.09 per month including electricity, water and parking for one car. Annual Wi-Fi charges are £30. The boat is council tax exempt. New owners would need to abide by local rules and must be respectful of the small quiet community on the Quay including permanent residents. As access is restricted to berth holders only, the boat would be unsuitable for holiday letting. The mooring fee has been paid until March 2026. The agreement with Insworke Quay can be extended on a rolling 6 monthly renewable licence by negotiation in March 2026. Please note the FULL balance will need to be paid on the fall of the gavel on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.

ACCOMMODATION

Wheel House Saloon (living area/kitchen/diner) Wood Burning Stove Two Bunk Rooms Head (Bathroom) Master Bedroom Engine Room

FULL DETAILS

Photographs, Dimensions, Floor Plans and Area Measurements (when available) are included within our full details online on our website. All published information is to aid identification of the property and is not necessarily to scale.

VIEWINGS

Please telephone Auction House South West on 03456 461361 to request a viewing.

NOTICE TO BIDDER

Please be aware that if your bid is successful on auction day the exchange of contracts will happen immediately after the auction.

Energy Efficiency Rating (EPC)

Current Rating N/A

Important Notice to Prospective Buyers:

We draw your attention to the Special Conditions of Sale within the Legal Pack, referring to other charges in addition to the purchase price which may become payable. Such costs may include Search Fees, reimbursement of Sellers costs and Legal Fees, and Transfer Fees amongst others.

Additional Fees

Buyer's Premium - £800 inc VAT payable on exchange of contracts.

Administration Charge - £1200 inc VAT payable on exchange of contracts.

Disbursements - Please see the legal pack for any disbursements listed that may become payable by the purchaser on completion.

View Larger Map

Disclaimer: The map preview provided above is for general guidance only and may not accurately reflect the exact location or surrounding buildings. Prospective buyers and interested parties are strongly advised to independently verify the precise location and surroundings before bidding.