A MONEY-SMART couple have revealed how they swapped their cramped London flat for living on a tiny island based by the Thames.
Sacha and Matt were sick of living in a one-bedroom flat in central London, and were left feeling completely burned out due to astronomical rent costs.
The one-bedroom bungalow the pair now proudly call their home has been equipped with ”full fibre broadband, electricity, gas’ and the other essentials[/caption]
The pair were left feeling completely burned out due to astronomical rent costs[/caption]
The couple, who share the island with 20 other houses, added that whilst many may assume such living is ‘more expensive’ that is actually not the case[/caption]
The thrifty pair revealed that those closest to them warned them against the decision, as the island they live on does not have a bridge connecting it to the mainland – which means that they have to get on a boat to get to work.
However, the adventurous couple jumped at the chance to start a new, unique way of life – and haven’t looked back since.
Sharing their incredible journey on TikTok, Sacha said: ”Being 25, I think I hit that age where most of my friends were either having babies or moving to Australia – and we were ready to switch it up.
”About seven years of living in cramped flatshares with no greenery or personal space, coupled with the skyrocketing rent prices, it left us feeling pretty bored and fed up,” Sacha told their 20k followers on her page.
The couple, who share the island with 20 other houses, added that whilst many may assume such living is ”more expensive” that is actually not the case.
As the tiny island does not have a bridge, ”the renting is cheaper” – although this can vary from island to island.
Sacha explained: ”As getting a boat to and from your house only appeals to maybe a certain type of crowd.”
The one-bedroom bungalow the pair now proudly call their home has been equipped with ”full fibre broadband, electricity, gas and sewage systems all from the island to the mainland”.
The loved-up pair, who ”still have to pay council tax”, also previously revealed that there are some challenges they face, such as the fact that they only have one boat between them.
This means that one of them has to drop the other off on the mainland for work, and then transport the boat back to the island again.
Their commute can also be a struggle during bad weather, as the river can get choppy, and the journey is often freezing, meaning that they have to wrap up in all of their layers.
“It’s not your boring commute, that’s for sure,” Sacha chuckled.
The couple also have to use the boat to take the bins out, with Sacha commenting, “the bin run makes me feel like i’m preparing for an episode of Survivor.”
Sacha revealed that it is also almost impossible for the duo to get deliveries to the island and added that the island is often flooded, meaning that it can be very tricky for the couple to get around.
But despite the challenges, Sacha said they ”loved” their unique home.
”We seriously wonder why more people don’t explore alternative ways of living.”
‘I would love this’
Unsurprisingly, the video has likely left many people intrigued, racking up over 400k views in just two days.
TikTok users flocked to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts on the couple’s unique way of life.
One wrote: ”Just wasn’t aware there are islands in London!! Bit mad actually I would love this.”
”I’ve watched too many zombie films to know, you made a good choice,” another joked.
A third wrote: ”Absolutely love this couldn’t think of anything better, city life but private surroundings.”
”Hehe love this!! I live on Eel Pie island, island living is the best!!” someone else commented.
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