A man has invested £30,000 to build a canal in his garden to house his barge. Stephen Cuddy, 59, acquired a 35ft (10m) vintage barge from eBay for £5,000 and recreated a Victorian canal lock to store it. The self-taught architect began by excavating 30-40 tonnes of soil on a small plot within the grounds of his hotel in Coleshill, Warwickshire.
Over six months, he spent an additional £25,000 constructing a fully functioning canal lock, complete with a lock gate and a water pumping system for filling and emptying. He also constructed a redbrick lockkeeper’s cottage, an outdoor patio with a decorative tunnel alcove, and installed a 29ft (8m) swimming pool inside the barge.
The eccentric hotel owner believes he now has the world’s shortest canal, with his boat able to travel just 24 inches. His impressive creation was recently featured on Channel 4’s ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces,’ where the host described it as ‘awe-inspiring’ and ‘off the scale brilliant.’
Stephen Cuddy, 59, spent six months and £30,000 building the amazing canal and lock system in the grounds of a hotel he owns in Warwickshire https://t.co/vihdS6VfdE pic.twitter.com/2AhtzThKUC
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George Clarke added: ‘Stephen has delivered one of the most unbelievable Amazing Spaces builds ever.’ Stephen from Coleshill explained that the project began when he told his ex-partner and business associate about his plan to buy a narrowboat. Needing a place to store it, he decided to build a canal lock to conceal it, knowing she wouldn’t be pleased when it arrived.
His intention was to create a personal escape pod, but he wanted it to be accessible to everyone, including hotel staff and friends. Stephen admitted the project was ‘ridiculous,’ but he went ahead, using 7,500 bricks and railway sleepers to build the canal lock system. Despite the irony of filling a five-tonne boat with water, the entrepreneur who runs Grimscote Manor Hotel embraced the challenge.
Stephen mentioned that he didn’t want hotel guests to be greeted by a canal in the garden. The boat, costing £5,000, was an empty shell, and he decided to install a swimming pool inside it. He realised that filling a boat with water was unconventional, but he wanted to add a twist. The pool, which cost about £1,500 including the £1,000 lining, works well.
The pool is 4ft deep, 6ft wide, and 29ft long. Stephen has swum in it and finds it beautiful, contrary to people’s expectations. Guests have continuously complimented his handiwork. Stephen stated that his goal was to create something beautiful. While canals can be intimidating due to their utilitarian purpose, he aimed to transform it into an attractive feature.
He is proud of the positive feedback from guests and others, which has alleviated his doubts and worries. Stephen completed all the work himself, and the lock mechanically lifts the boat, although it only travels 24 inches. He believes his canal lock should qualify as the world’s shortest and sees no reason why it wouldn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How much did the canal project cost?
The project cost £30,000.
Why did Stephen build the canal?
Stephen built the canal to store his barge and create an escape pod.
How long did it take to build the canal?
It took six months to build the canal.
What unique feature does the barge have?
The barge has a 29ft long swimming pool inside.
What recognition did Stephen’s canal receive?
It featured on Channel 4’s ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces’.