APIECE of maritime history is for sale in West Mersea. The 60-tonne vessel Hotspur, first launched in 1874, and moored at its current location since 1914, is so jam-packed with period features it gives any listed country cottage a run for its money.

Compared to other houseboats on the seafront, Hotspur is by far the largest and sits proudly on the waterline looking out to sea.

Home to five families in nearly 100 years, the latest are grudgingly putting it on the market.

Owner Andy White, a dog behaviourist, plans to stay in Mersea, but needs a large outdoor space for his work. He said: “We will miss the peace and tranquility and sitting on the deck with a glass of wine. We wouldn’t move apart from needing the land. We have struggled to find something we love as much.”

The nine-berth boat can sleep up to 11 people, is set out over two floors and boasts a wealth of original features.

Walking along the gangplank to the deck, the top floor is made up of a 22ftx16ft, bright, modern lounge which Mr White has spent £60,000 refitting. It has views out to sea. Next to the lounge is the master bedroom, 17ftx14ft, with a built in wardrobe and dressing table. This leads to the rear deck. Fully double glazed and with solid wooden floors and ceiling, the stairs to the lower floor is through the original hatch, though there is a stairwell leading down from the master bedroom directly into the saloon.

Once downstairs, the narrow corridors and low odd -shaped berths with wood-panelled walls take you back in time. It is like wandering through a massive treasure chest, as multi-bunk berths hide behind nooks and crannies.

The saloon, measuring 16ft square is awash with original craftsmanship with oak beams, three portholes, built-in wooden benches and an impressive amount of storage space. It is also home to a multi-fuel burner that keeps the entire boat toasty warm and incredibly cosy, though there are also electric heaters and under-bunk heating.

The galley kitchen houses a range of bespoke, fitted units in keeping with the flavour of Hotspur, with angled units and worktops, but with all the mod cons.

The bathroom is off the kitchen.

Mr White, his wife Margarite and daughter Lucy, 13, have lived on Hotspur, which means Lad of the Seas, for 12 years.

Hotspur is made from two-inch teak and is tremendously strong and in good shape.

When the family fell in love with Hotspur, it was their first time living on a houseboat. But the surrounding community of houseboat residents and the close proximity of facilities and leisure, such as the pubs and restaurants, including the famous Company Shed, made life on Hotspur better than they could have imagined.

With eight parking spaces, Hotspur has the comforts of a modern home, but with bags of charm.

The price is £175,000 for the boat, but the new owner will have to pay £3,000 a year for the moorings. Alternatively they can pay £240,000 for the boat and the freehold moorings.

Those interested must pay cash as houseboats are not mortgageable, like houses.

Andy admits this limits the market, so he wants to hear from people who are interested in residential lettings and even part exchange. For more information and to arrange viewings, call Andy or Margarite White on 01206 385260.