I thought this website had fallen off of the net, but it appears to be back (maybe it never went away, or the server was having a bad day the last time I tried to go there). Regardless, it is up for viewing, and you should take a look at it.

This is a very interesting little house boat/barge, originally designed for pedal power (an awesome idea I think, especially on slow flowing rivers or canals. It is small, yet still has enough room to swing a cat, and there's a larger version available (the quite nice looking Joli).

By far the best part of this site however, is the writing. Especially the trips he took once the boat was finished. The boat seemed to primarily be a reason for the author to do things with his son, which appears to have come out like he wanted it to.

Links to more information on the Escargo design, and other information on similar craft can be found at the Shantyboats page, another nice place to waste a little time daydreaming of living on the river.