When London's largest and most most historic houseboat was built in 1904 she was christened 'HMS (His Majesty's Ship) Harpy'; the world's first floating Customs & Excise office and VIP/royal landing stage. She was first moored on the north bank of the Thames, 400 yards west of Tower Bridge.  King George V made an official visit to The Harpy in 1920; see the photo in the 'Gallery' on this website.  Legoland features The Harpy in it's model of London; securing her place as an iconic piece of London history.

Decommissioned in 1980, the present owners moved her to a new mooring on the South Bank, 400 yards east of Tower Bridge, and undertook a restoration and interior re-fit of The Harpy to create a stunning 1,850 sq. ft. (172 sq. m.) 4-bedroom contemporary London floating house. 

Described by The Daily Telegraph as: 'A Magical Family Home', The Harpy is now available for vacation rental and holiday lets, this unique 'Waterhouse' has exceptional views of Tower Bridge, The City skyline and the River Thames down to the new city skyline at Canary Wharf. 

With 8 bed spaces in four cabins, 3 sofa beds and a crib/cot, The Harpy is the perfect place to stay for a group of 4 to 12 people, with so many historic London landmarks within a few minutes walk. Access to the West End is very convenient with the Jubilee Line Underground 10 minutes walk away at Bermondsey Station and from the new London Bridge Station.

Normal minimum stays are 3 nights; 7 over Christmas, New Year and Easter. Two night stays are occasionally available; please call Andrew on 07836 262222 to request these.  A 15% discount applies to stays of four weeknights or 10% off any stay of 7 nights or longer. A 25% deposit secures a booking, with the balance payable 2 months before the check-in date.  

Check availability and book online or contact Andrew on 07836 262222 or 'andrew@theharpy.com' for help with any questions.

Once utilitarian Edwardian offices and a 'Mess Room' for Customs & Excise 'Rummaging Officers' have been restored and refitted to create an exceptional London home.

Described by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine; 'HMS Harpy has been so carefully restored that she feels as much museum as home-from-home'

Retaining much of her original robust character and details, this unique vessel is furnished with original Heal's 1920's oak antique furniture, big comfy sofas and beds, organic cotton mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, feather and down pillows and duvets, superb bathrooms, each with a shower, a fully-equipped kitchen, eclectic bold art & objects, oak floors, Turkish kilims, Congolese tribal fabrics, lined curtains and blinds, great lighting (mostly LED and many dimmable), Fibre Optic superfast WiFi, SkyQ (with a huge selection of movies,box sets and sports channels), a 55 inch curved screen QLED HD TV & a Sonos/Bose sound system with 8 speakers in the upper deck and in each cabin.  

The exceptional quality of interior finishes, equipment, furniture and artwork, and spacious external wooden decks, all with London's spectacular classic postcard view of Tower Bridge, make staying on board The Harpy a truly memorable experience.  

The reviews from people who have stayed speak for themselves.  They are on this site, on 'The Harpy Houseboat' Facebook page, on Google and Airbnb. Each of the many reviews are 5 stars.  Many bookings are from returning guests.