Turns abandoned cargo boat into modern home gem (before/after)

Jérémie Malvy bought an old cargo riverboat for 11,000 euros and then spent two years remaking it into a light and plant-filled modern home. For Malvy, the home - now docked on the Seine on the outskirts of Paris - is another step on his journey from his home in Pakistan to France.

It began a couple decades ago when Malvy arrived in Paris with no resources and no words of French, so he lived on the street - often under bridges of the Seine - and spoke to the river.

After finding success with a chain of organic grocery cooperatives and restaurants, he decided to build his dream home from a retired cargo boat that once carried grains. Not wanting to lose his strong connection to the river, he remade the boat with an all-glass front and only plants between his living room and the water. The downstairs is half-buried in water, which provides excellent acoustics and insulation; it also provides an eye-level view of the water (and the ability to open a window and touch the river).

Today, Malvy lives aboard full-time with his wife Sara and the entire home is filled with plants. Malvy says this constant connection with water and nature means that once he steps aboard all his stress floats away within minutes. Renamed Panjab (Punjab) for Malvy’s home region in Pakistan, the boat no longer has an engine, but if the couple ever wanted to move it they could simply get a tug.

[starphase]

This Boat is more beautiful than most expensive homes . Absolutely stunning . 🌺

[LaineyBug]

"I couldn't speak to anyone, so I spoke to the water." Wow, that got me right in the feels!

[thejairu]

I was waiting for him to speak about his story. I did however catch at the end that He created 50+ Jobs making restaurants throughout Paris, and the river space was given to him as a gift - so thats a little insight into how he was able to go from homeless to this magnificent abode.

[Britmysta]

Some people have really suffered in this world and then managed to turn it all around and find their peace. Such a beautiful story. When he talked about the river seeing him cry and confiding all of his thoughts and having an ancient relationship with the river, it made me cry.

[chrisdoe]

Kudos to Jeremy coming from dirt poor and been homeless and now having 50 restaurants. I want his how to book lol. Beautiful houseboat and well deserved . He never gave up his dream and told his story over and over to the water and found a way to make it happen . Well done indeed . Wish them all the best .

[TWROC]

Beautiful story of Jeremie Malvy's journey of having very little when he arrived in France- no money, on French language skills, no family. BUT Jeremie obviously had what is most important in life- determination, intelligence and people skills. I am always happy when people like Jeremie succeed because he is not only a wonderful role model for others who come from very little means, but I am also happy for him because all his hard work has now rewarded him with a life he desired and designed. Best of luck to him and his wonderful, upbeat wife.

[karenarnett]

Love this! The boat is a beautiful home but I also love hearing about Jeremie’s gentle spirit, that shows up in his love for the plants, and in not killing the spider. He is multi talented, truly a special person. I’m impressed that this lovely couple would invite the world into their home. Thank you for the tour.

[Gabriela_Tyler]

Please, don't ever delete this video, I come here from time to time to get my dose of good energy 🌞. I've watched it at least five times so far and every time I can feel the world is a wonderful place to live in 😍

[jenniferlisow]

This is hands down one of the most beautiful & unique homes I have ever seen. I am blown away by all of the design features & the couples' story. Stunning boat house. 10/10

[natashafigueroa]

Wow, I was riveted from start to finish. Not only was the design of the actual houseboat brilliant, I loved hearing his personal story, the way he connects with the river and plants, the way they seem to care for each what a dream!

[matchacoco]

What an incredible home. You can see how proud Jeremie is. First time I ever heard of this gentleman and can’t help but feel immense happiness for him at what he’s accomplished. Very inspiring.

[mikoborn]

I honestly never had the urge to live in a place as much as I‘m having right now with this boat. I am in love, what a perfect build!

[LSkBye]

I love that the water and the plants are so important to them. It’s not just about material trappings. They truly appreciate and show gratitude. This is truly a work of art.

[businet]

I don't know what is more astonishing. The couple in the story or Jeremy's creation. The boat is stunning, it's an architectural masterpiece. The part where he just stands peacefully looking out the window is like life's reward to his hard life. He made it, he got there. Kudos!

[quill]

This is one of the most creative and well-designed homes I have ever seen. Also, the serenity and practicality of being in the water like that really came through in the video. I love this.

[latebloomerabroad]

I've never seen such a beautiful boat/barge build, I could live in this. I prefer the location to being in central Paris, close but much more peaceful. Hearing the man describe his relationship with the river was very touching. I'm happy that these two are the ones who got this boat, I'm sure nobody else could appreciate it the way they do. I love them as much as the boat! They should start a channel about their life, I'd watch.

[ForeverMasterless]

One of the most gorgeous homes that's been on this channel. A masterpiece.

[lucymontes]

He touched my heart. Such a kind soul. I went through some of what he went through almost. He had it so much worse, and look at him now. I was homeless in WA state, sleeping in a van, pregnant in 18 degree weather. I went to the beach a lot. Because I grew up by the water, and I prayed to the water, and I also cried. God sent me so many signs that I was going to be ok. Today I fixed my credit, I saved money, and I worked very hard. Even though I have Stage IV Breast/Cancer, I fell blessed. Working 40 hours in pain, towards that dream that goal, I feel blessed. This November I will start buying my home. I cannot wait. I also speak to my plants now, like they are my family. That’s awesome! His kind soul! God bless them always!

[lisa_and_christian]

Oh wow! I liked the husband immediately when he spoke about talking to his plants and that they were a part of the family. But then when revealed his story about how he arrived in France and the challenges he endured----my heart! Wow! I seriously could not wish them more love!

[YorranKlees]

I love how they switch between english and french. This couple is amazing, and so is their home. Good vibes there, this was built with love... and most certainly with a lot of hard work.