What do you feel when you look at this beautiful scene?  This is the famous historical landmark known as Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, and to me, there’s something alluringly peaceful about it. Boathouses used to be built as their name suggests–to house boats–but recently they’re seeing a surge in popularity as lakeside homes for people. Let’s look at some more “boathouse blues” that instantly make you happy.

What Is A Boathouse?

Boathouses sit on the edge of a lake or river, and are used to store small boats out of the weather. Boats stored in a boathouse are typically rowboats or small motor boats. Sometimes boathouses are used as the headquarters of rowing clubs. In this instance, they may also house a restaurant or club for the rowing club members to enjoy some relaxation. Boathouses are sometimes built to include small living quarters.

More recently, boathouses have expanded to include full homes, large restaurants and meeting rooms as well as boat storage. If you dream of lakeside living, a boathouse like this may be the perfect solution for you!

Boathouses To Make You Instantly Happy

Boathouse Blues is the name for a music festival that takes place in Wisconsin yearly on the banks of lake Kawaguesaga. It’s also the name of a band known for country folk-style music. But today’s boathouse blues signify the peace {and the colors} that lakeside living naturally brings to mind. And because my favorite boathouses are also blue! Here are some pretty boathouses to inspire you.

I really love this pretty little scene set with colorful boathouses resting on the banks of Lake Schwerin in Germany. So idyllic! It is possible to find a little spot like this to rent when you vacation in various countries around the world. Add it to the bucket list!

This sweet little cottage-style boat house has my attention. It offers a place to live or visit, complete with immediate lake access. It’s even better than lakeside living, because it’s right on-the-lake living!

I can’t resist the lovely aqua blue of this boathouse built right over the water, as a true boathouse should be. This retreat offers plenty of space for boats and people. Could you spend a week or two here?