This Woman Built A Tiny House That Floats On The River
Welcome to the River Den, an extraordinary floating home nestled on the pristine waters of the Gatineau River in Wakefield, Quebec. Bonnie’s connection to this waterway runs deep through generations of her family who worked as log drivers on these very waters, making this location the perfect spot for her unique dwelling.
What started as a simple decision between buying a traditional home or building a tiny house evolved into something far more adventurous when her boat-builder friend suggested creating a floating home instead. The impulsive decision led to purchasing pontoons just days later, setting the foundation for this remarkable project.
Step aboard and you’ll immediately notice the thoughtful 12-volt electrical system that powers every light throughout the home. A single deep cycle boat battery tucked away discretely provides power for an entire month, making this floating sanctuary completely self-sufficient.
The ingenious water system draws directly from the crystal-clear Gatineau River through a compact $100 pump system. While not suitable for drinking, this pristine river water is perfect for washing dishes and daily hygiene needs, connecting the home directly to its natural environment.
Every element of this floating home was custom crafted by hand, from the beautiful asymmetrical cabinets to the unique double-pane argon-filled windows. The windows themselves showcase the attention to detail, with custom-built frames housing professionally installed glass for maximum efficiency.
The compact kitchen centers around a clever butane burner that transforms into a versatile cooking surface during winter months. The removable top allows for direct flame cooking, accommodating frying pans and pots while providing surprisingly fast and efficient heat for preparing meals and brewing coffee.
Rather than investing in complex refrigeration systems, Bonnie keeps things simple with a trusty cooler and ice setup. The absence of refrigeration is actually pushing her toward considering solar panels as the next upgrade to this floating paradise.
A practical control panel houses all the essential switches for the home’s utilities, including the water pump and navigation lights that remind you this is indeed a seaworthy vessel. The 60-horsepower motor mounted on the stern makes this home truly mobile, capable of cruising to new locations along the river.
The bathroom showcases modern off-grid innovation with a state-of-the-art composting toilet that separates liquids from solids completely without water. This waterless system operates with a whisper-quiet 12-volt pump, efficiently drying solids into compost while maintaining absolutely no odor throughout the process.
Moving toward the back deck, you’ll discover the heart of the home’s mobility system with the gas motor and organized storage compartments. Dedicated spaces house gas tanks and anchors, keeping all the essential equipment for river life neatly organized and easily accessible.
The innovative grill flooring system serves a dual purpose that becomes especially valuable during harsh Canadian winters. Heat from the fireplace rises naturally through the metal grating while dirt and debris fall through to the lower level, keeping the loft space pristine without constant cleaning.
Climb up to “La Tanière” (The Wolf Den), where the cozy sleeping loft features a full queen-sized bed despite the compact 5-foot ceiling height. Clever storage solutions using repurposed old crates line the walls, holding extra blankets and personal belongings while maintaining the rustic maritime aesthetic.
Step through the small door onto the rooftop patio, where beautiful cedar decking creates an outdoor living space with panoramic river views. The thoughtful design includes space originally planned for solar panel installation, showing how this home continues to evolve with its owner’s needs.
The most ingenious feature of this floating home reveals itself in the roof’s collapsible design, created to meet highway transportation requirements. This wedge-shaped section actually lifts up, and when it’s time to transport the home by road, the roof folds down to achieve the legal 13-foot height limit.
The foundation of this remarkable home rests on five specially designed 30-foot pontoons made from durable ABS material with foam cores. These aren’t ordinary pontoons – they’re engineered to allow water inside for ballast, creating incredible stability while being built to withstand freezing directly in the ice.
The structural engineering required an aluminum base frame to prevent any shifting during temperature changes, topped with traditional wood framing for the living spaces. This hybrid construction approach ensures the home remains solid and secure whether floating peacefully or cruising down the river.
This extraordinary project came together in just three months, beginning in August and reaching completion by November, thanks to the expertise of boat builder Denis Tremblay, known locally as the Wakefield Pirate. The collaboration between Bonnie’s vision and Denis’s craftsmanship created not just a home, but a lifestyle that embraces both the tranquility of river living and the freedom of mobility.
When Bonnie isn’t calling this floating sanctuary home, she shares the unique experience with travelers through Airbnb, allowing others to discover the magic of waking up on the water. The gentle rhythm of river life, combined with the luxury of diving into crystal-clear waters first thing each morning, creates an unparalleled living experience that perfectly balances solitude with adventure.
