Summary A cash-strapped UK family saved fortune by selling their house and moving on to narrow boat.
WARWICKSHIRE (Agencies) - A family sold their four-bedroom house for life on a narrow boat -- because they could no longer afford the cost of living.
Now, the Lawrences make savings of £8,000 per year on household bills.
After their property went under the hammer for £249,000, they moved on to the 65ft boat, worth £80,000, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.
Debra, mother to Jake, seven, and Phoebe, 12, who attend local schools, said: It was a big jump, but we were trapped and bored in our life.
I didn t want the mortgage - it was a huge weight on our shoulders. The boat was our ticket to freedom.
Mrs Lawrence has even been stripped of her title as housewife and husband Duncan, 41, who was a lorry driver, has taken over the duties while she goes to work in a cafe.
She said: In the past, I was always left at home while Duncan went off to work. Now he gets to spend more time with the kids.
But she admits it s not for everyone.
She said: It s freezing in winter, and if you re the sort of person who likes their home comforts, you re not going to get along with living on a boat.
Mrs Lawrence, who admits she was a bit of a shopaholic , now has to share a wardrobe with her husband.
She said: I ve always been one to go out and buy clothes - I never liked wearing the same thing twice.
