Forget the three-bed semi next door to the Joneses – how does a converted steel barge sound?

House hunters looking for an out-of-the-ordinary prospect can now snap up this quirky houseboat on the bank of the River Adur in Shoreham.

The converted former Dutch steel barge was built in around 1930 and would have once spent its days undertaking shipping tasks.

But it now offers a comfortable three-bed residential home complete with en-suite shower room, a captain’s lounge, mains water, electricity and gas for cooking – all for a cool £300,000 freehold.

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The boat is on the market with Shoreham-based firm Warwick Baker, who describe it as “sympathetically restored and refurbished throughout, and has a plethora of original features.”

Its 19 x 13 kitchen boasts a stainless steel sink area with wooden worktop, underfloor heating, cooker and free-standing breakfast bar – perfect for rustling up freshly-caught fish from the river come dinnertime.

The large open plan lounge, with wood-framed double glazed windows, will prove a refuge from the cold while its direct views of the river and central Shoreham could provide an unbeatable view when snuggling into your sofa for the evening.

Elsewhere, the boat offers a separate cloakroom, wheel room-come-office, a utility area, lower decking space and three well-sized bedrooms.

And for sweltering summer days on the river, the boat even has a garden with decking, shrubbery and a timber-built shed.

The lucky buyer will move into an area on the south bank of the river, downstream of the Duke of Norfolk Bridge, along the inland side of Shoreham Beach.

When asked about mortgages on houseboats, estate agent Mark Robinson said: “You can buy your houseboat via finance, however marine finance companies will only lend up to a maximum of 75% over a ten to 15 year period and will only provide mortgages on certain types of houseboats.”

“The boat can be towed on water but it has no power of its own.”

But for those wanting to flee the delights of the Sussex coast in their newly-acquired venture, look away.

Mr Robinson added: “The boat has no power of its own. But it can be towed by tug.

“Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the space and natural light throughout.”