Branson's Luxurious House Boat: A Unique Residence

Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of Virgin, lived on a houseboat in London's Little Venice when he was starting out. The boat was called the Duende, which means the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm. Branson has fond memories of the houseboat, where he lived, worked, and played, conducting business meetings while babysitting his children. Branson has since listed the Duende as one of the top five places he has worked most creatively, and the boat holds a special place in his heart as the birthplace of Virgin Records. Today, the houseboat can be rented for around £900 per week.

Richard Branson's house boat was called 'Duende'

Richard Branson's house boat was called Duende. The name means "the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm". Branson bought the boat when he was 16 years old and unable to afford a home. It was the first property he ever bought and was moored in the canals of London's Little Venice. Branson named his Virgin company on the boat and it became the company's makeshift office for many years. Branson lived, worked, and played on the houseboat, conducting meetings while babysitting his children. Branson has said that some of his happiest days and greatest business deals took place on the Duende.

Duende was recently refurbished and listed for lease for £900 per week, or just over $1,000. The boat has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a reception room, kitchen, and dining area. The property's décor consists of white walls and ceilings, and pale wooden floors. The windows are surrounded by navy blue frames. The houseboat also comes with a private garden and a large separate shed.

Duende was moored near Blomfield Road in West London, in a beautiful and romantic spot known for its canals and moored boats. The surrounding property includes Regency-style terraced town houses and mansions.

Branson has said that he prefers unconventional work environments and has praised the benefits of working from hammocks, tubs, and sofas over cubicles. He has also noted that, while technology has made working from home easier, the attitude of conducting business from non-traditional spaces remains the same.

The house boat was located in Little Venice, London

Richard Branson's house boat was located in Little Venice, London. The boat, named "Duende", meaning "the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm", was the first property Branson ever bought. It was here that Virgin Records was born, and Branson himself was raised. Branson notes that some of his happiest family moments and greatest business deals took place on the houseboat.

The boat was moored in the canals of Little Venice, near Blomfield Road in West London. Little Venice is known for its romantic canals and moored boats, surrounded by Regency-style terraced town houses and mansions.

Branson lived, worked, and played on the houseboat, conducting meetings while babysitting his children. He recalls that living on the boat allowed him to spend more time with his family. Branson also notes that the boat was a productive workspace, and he names Duende as one of the top five places he has worked most creatively.

After Branson and his family moved out, the houseboat was listed for lease for £900 per week, or just over $1,000. The boat has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a reception room, a kitchen, and a dining area. It features white walls and ceilings, pale wooden floors, sleek kitchen units, and windows surrounded by navy blue frames. The property also includes a private garden and a large separate shed.

Branson lived on the boat with his wife and kids

Richard Branson named his houseboat "the Duende," which means "the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm." He lived on the boat with his wife and kids, and it served as both a home and the first office for Virgin Records. Branson recalls that the boat's "snug space" allowed him to spend more time with his family, even as he conducted business meetings.

Branson's houseboat was moored in the canals of London's Little Venice, specifically near Blomfield Road in West London. He moved there around the time he started Virgin, which began as a mail-order record retailer. Branson recalls that living on a houseboat was "very cozy" and "very good to attract the women."

The boat provided a unique and productive workspace for the young entrepreneur. Branson has noted that some of his happiest days and greatest business deals took place on the houseboat, including signing Mike Oldfield as Virgin Records' first artist. Branson's cousin, Simon Draper, and his childhood friend, Nik Powell, were also involved in these early days of Virgin Records, with meetings held on the boat as the kids played in the corner.

Even after Virgin took off and established its own offices, Branson continued to work from the houseboat. He preferred these less-traditional work environments, and the setup allowed him to seamlessly blend his work and family life. Branson's time on the houseboat demonstrates his ability to think outside the box and his commitment to spending quality time with his family while building his business empire.

Branson started Virgin Records while living on the boat

Richard Branson's house boat was called "the Duende," which means "the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm." Branson bought the boat when he was 16 years old and moved to London. He couldn't afford a house, so he bought a houseboat on the canals of London's Little Venice for £2,000. The boat had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a reception room, kitchen, and dining area. It was on this boat that Branson started Virgin Records with his cousin Simon Draper and childhood friend Nik Powell. They signed Mike Oldfield as their first artist.

Branson lived, worked, and played on the houseboat, conducting meetings while also babysitting his children. He recalls some of his happiest days and greatest business deals taking place on "the Duende." He also notes that it was a very productive workspace and names it as one of the top five places he has worked most creatively. Branson preferred to work from home on the boat so he could spend more time with his family. Even after Virgin took off and had its own offices, Branson continued to work from his less-traditional home.

The boat was moored near Blomfield Road in West London and served as the makeshift Virgin office for many years. Branson recalls learning that his wife, Joan, was pregnant with their daughter, Holly, while living on the boat. He also recalls meetings with people like Mick Jagger and serious solicitors, all while his children played in the corner. Branson's time on the houseboat helped shape his preference for unconventional work environments, and he has since espoused the benefits of working from places like hammocks, tubs, and sofas instead of traditional office spaces.

Today, Branson's houseboat can be rented for £900 per week, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs.

Branson rented the house boat for £900 a week

Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Virgin, has an interesting history with houseboats. Before he became a billionaire, a 16-year-old Branson lived on a houseboat in London's Little Venice as he couldn't afford a home. He named this boat "the Duende," which means "the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm." Branson has fond memories of the Duende, recalling that it was very "cozy" and "good to attract the women." Moreover, the Duende served as a creative workspace and the birthplace of Virgin Records. Branson reminisces about conducting meetings and making deals while babysitting his kids, highlighting the boat's special place in his heart.

While Branson's time on the Duende showcased his early ingenuity, his recent rental endeavours illustrate his ongoing connection to houseboats. In 2017, Branson's houseboat in Little Venice, London, was listed for rent at £900 per week. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom houseboat offered a unique blend of character and charm. With spacious rooms, white walls, wood floors, and a modern kitchen, it provided a bright and updated living experience. The property also included a private garden and a large separate shed, enhancing its appeal.

The houseboat's location in Little Venice added to its allure. Known for its canals and moored boats, Little Venice offers a romantic setting in the heart of London. The houseboat was moored near Blomfield Road, providing easy access to the beautiful surroundings. This rental opportunity provided a glimpse into Branson's world, showcasing his preference for unconventional and charming living spaces.

The rental of Branson's houseboat for £900 a week attracted attention due to its affordability compared to his other properties. While Branson's net worth exceeds $5 billion, renting his houseboat was an attainable way to experience a piece of his lifestyle. The houseboat's recent refurbishment, comfortable amenities, and idyllic location made it a desirable option for those seeking a unique living experience in London.

Branson's houseboat rental showcases his ongoing affinity for unconventional spaces. Even as his success and wealth grew, Branson continued to embrace unique environments, such as working from hammocks, tubs, and sofas instead of traditional offices. This rental opportunity allowed others to immerse themselves in Branson's world, if only temporarily, and perhaps draw inspiration from his distinctive approach to work and life.

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