Sacha Pritchard, 24, and Matt King, 28, embarked on a unique living arrangement to escape the exorbitant rent prices of central London. They traded their cramped one-bedroom flat in Chiswick for a “shack” on a secluded island in the middle of the River Thames, accessible only by boat. This unconventional move, met with skepticism from friends and family, has not only saved them an estimated £20,000 annually but has also offered them a tranquil escape from the frenetic pace of city life. The transition, however, was not without its challenges. Their initial journey to the island was fraught with near-disaster as their overloaded boat nearly capsized in the strong current. Undeterred, they persevered, making multiple trips to transport their belongings, including a surprisingly large Christmas tree, to their new island home.
Their new residence, while modest in size, boasts a fully fitted kitchen, a combined living and dining area, and a functional bathroom. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The couple has adapted to the limited space, minimizing their possessions and embracing the simplicity of island life. Despite the initial apprehension about the practicalities of island living, Sacha and Matt have quickly acclimated to their new environment. Their daily commute now involves navigating the Thames in their small boat, an experience they initially dreaded but now cherish as a peaceful interlude between work and home.
The island community, a close-knit group of diverse individuals, has welcomed Sacha and Matt with open arms. This supportive network includes long-term residents, families with young children, and even a collection of pets. The shared experience of island life has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie, with residents readily assisting each other in times of need, whether it’s a boat-related emergency or simply bringing in each other’s mail from the island’s shared postbox. The couple has also had to adapt to the unique social customs of the island, such as the unspoken rule against waving first while navigating the waters.
Island life presents a unique set of challenges. From battling palm-sized spiders during their pre-renovation phase to navigating treacherous weather conditions and dealing with frozen ropes and engines during the winter months, Sacha and Matt have faced their share of adversity. Sacha recounts a particularly harrowing solo trip across the river in extreme weather, where she had to use “full revs” to navigate the strong current. Despite these challenges, the couple maintains a positive outlook, viewing their experiences as humorous anecdotes and opportunities for personal growth. Sacha, a self-proclaimed “city girl,” has surprised herself with her newfound resilience and adaptability.
Their unique lifestyle has unexpectedly propelled them into the realm of social media stardom. Sacha’s TikTok account, documenting their island adventures, has gained significant traction, attracting thousands of views and even leading to real-life recognition from fans. Matt, initially hesitant about the online attention, has embraced the platform as a way to share their experiences and answer the numerous questions they receive about island life. Their videos, showcasing everyday tasks like taking out the bins, have surprisingly resonated with viewers, highlighting the intrigue surrounding their unconventional living situation. They have even begun to contemplate brand partnerships, envisioning drone deliveries from Amazon and a Ninja BBQ to circumvent the island’s open-flame restrictions.
Their neighbor, Aimee Sims, a ten-year resident of the island, provides a seasoned perspective on the realities of this unique lifestyle. Having moved to the island from a shared house in Kingston to escape high rent prices and subpar living conditions, Aimee, like Sacha and Matt, found solace in the island’s affordability and strong sense of community. She has become an expert in boat handling and island etiquette, offering guidance to newcomers like Sacha and Matt. Aimee’s experiences also highlight the potential dangers of island life, including a near-miss involving a broken steering cable and the ever-present risk posed by the nearby weir. Despite these hazards, Aimee remains committed to her island lifestyle, appreciating the daily spectacle of sunrises and sunsets and the unique sense of adventure it provides. Her YouTube channel offers another glimpse into this unusual way of life, further demonstrating the growing fascination with alternative living arrangements within the bustling metropolis of London.
