UK & Ireland

Nick was frequently travelling on business or we would be working at home. Nick ran a team in seven countries and Gina would resolve issues with large dental practices in the City.

“Why when we want to be together do we lead such crazy lives, this is not a rehearsal?, and that was it.

What should we do instead?

We need to change, we need a dog and time together! Something seasonal so we have an off season, Gina suggested a canal based cruising hotel boat.

All Systems Go for Our Five Star Dream

In his inimitable fashion Nick went off and investigated, yes a hotel boat works and we can be very different to the others.There was only one place to do it, cruising the Leeds & Liverpool canal, glorious, underused, magnificent Yorkshire and Lancashire scenery, amazing Bingley 5 locks and lots of remarkable canal architecture.

It is also a wide canal, most boats are about 7 foot wide up to 70 foot long, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is for boats 14 foot wide 60 foot long, perfect for our 5 Star dream.

From a Seed of an Idea

Lady Teal had been conceived. Gina concentrated on creating an airy modern feel with traditional touches, and Nick concentrated on the technology.

Hours on the internet, scribbling on napkins in restaurants, endless calls to builders, constant talking, and over £200,000 later, 60 foot long 13 foot wide and 42 tonnes Lady Teal was born.

Lady Teal is based on an L&L short boat, we pushed the builders to the limit; a lounge with big front and side windows, even a marine sunroof, everything fully opens for those lazy summer days and of course our unique top deck for pre-dinner cocktails.

To gain space the engine is in the side, so we have a short stern deck. Under floor heating, wi-fi and a computer for guests, toilets from nuclear subs that use very little water and 240v electrics throughout.
4 cabins, for 5 guests and us, cleverly designed by Gina to maximise space and all with power showers, satellite TV, tea, coffee and, of course, a hairdryer.

Fittings and bedding for that quality boutique feel.

The large galley has an American style fridge, no kettle a hot tap instead, a range cooker and a dishwasher. We even have a washing machine and tumble dryer; this is our home and our business.

Everything Included

Rates are all inclusive, even wine, Gina’s great meals, breakfast, lunch and the four course evening meal are 5 Star, Visit England agreed and rated Lady Teal 5 star, the only 5 star rated hotel boat!

Our Home for the Off Season

We love life on Lady Teal, in the off season we travel, improve the boat, have friends and family to stay.

We wintered, iced in, in Leeds, a great city where we can walk to theatres, shops and restaurants. Then as spring arrives we sail our home to the country where we enjoy tremendous views, watch ducklings appear, spring flowers burst into bloom and the countryside prepare, with us for summer.

Our Sunday Afternoon Now

What about those Sunday afternoons, we work the boat, walk the dog and enjoy time with guests doing something we love, together.

By Nick Mead

For More Information:

www.ladyteal.co.uk.