Dutch Tjalk Sunflower

Sunflower, also known as De Freule, is a stunning boat with a long and fascinating history! Built in Sneek, northern Holland in 1905, commissioned as a small sailing cargo Tjalk, delivering fresh fish and vegetables to the inland seas and tidal lake communities around northern Holland. She would have had an open hull, with the original Boatmans Cabin now the main bedroom at the front. Four men would have slept and worked on her, built then as the M.S Denning. The original ships bell is still on board, mounted in the wheelhouse. She would have had a 35ft sailing mast and traditional red sails. She is still steered by her restored teak sailing rudder, conveniently converted to hydraulic operation in the 70s.

During WW1 and WW2 her sailing rigging and mast fell into disrepair, and she passed between a few owners, the most interesting of which, used her as a vessel as part of Europe 27s only two floating circuses after the wars! She would have housed the tents, equipment or animals, being pulled by Tug in convoy as the circus moved between communities around Holland. She was motorised in the 70 27s and the cabin and wheelhouse constructed and panelled with Teak.

Before she was brought to England by the current owner, the previous owner, a retired Sea Tug Captain, was her custodian for 30 years after he had sought to obtain her from men who were using her to sell contraband in post-war Holland! He ended up going all in and won her as his prize in a gruelling game of cards! Then called De Freule meaning 27the Pretty Lady 27 or 27The Mistress 27, she spent 30 years on the central waterways of Amsterdam, before being sold once more and making her way through the waterways of Holland, Belgium and France, across the channel and into UK waters, up the Thames into London. Since then she has been through the London canal Network, the Thames and the length of the K&A canal.

Stepping aboard, you enter the inviting wheelhouse, wrapped in windows and panelled with rich, warm timber that immediately sets the tone for the boat 27s character. A cosy table and chair arrangement offers a welcoming spot for dining or relaxing and cleverly converts into a single berth when needed. The traditional helm, complete with its original wheel and captain 27s chair, adds to the authenticity, while a charming piano gives the space an unexpected and delightful touch.

Descending into the interior, the galley combines practicality with classic style, featuring a Belfast sink, a compact cooker and elegant marble worktops. From here, the boat opens into a beautifully comfortable saloon, where a sofa transforms into a double berth and a multi ADfuel Boatman 27s stove brings both warmth and atmosphere. The bathroom continues the traditional feel, fitted with a full bath and shower over, a wash basin and a composting toilet, all in keeping with the boat 27s historic charm. At the far end lies the peaceful bedroom, complete with shelving, a cosy berth and a skylight that fills the space with natural light. You don 27t see a boat with this much charm and heritage very often!