Stop looking for a French vacation house...

 If  you’ve ever floated down the Canal du Midi or through the vineyards of Burgundy while sipping wine on the terrace with friends, it’s an experience you might love to repeat every year. 

Thank you for your interest in our barge  in France, LA TULIPE, is a 83 foot (24 meter), 60 ton private cruising chateau, a waterwaycelebrity from Holland to the Mediterranean.  She is easily managed and shows antique European character with modern amenities.  Three staterooms, three toilets, and exquisitely furnished for six make her an ideal vessel for cruising Europe, or as a second home inport.  She is Dutch registered.  

 LA TULIPE is a Dutch tjalk canal boat, said to be so-named for her frequent cargo of tulip bulbs during her working days. She is registered in the Netherlands and complies with European requirements.La Tulipe was built in 1921 and has spent past winters in the South of France, cruising summers throughout Europe with her owners and friends.  

    Entering from either port or starboard side thru teak doors is the large glass wheelhouse.  Here is the 42 inch wood helm, a dining table seating up to 8, a built-in L-shaped setee with storage below , and a built-in Electrolux gas/electric refrigerator.   The wheelhouse is a favorite vantage for cozy dinners for two, or a hardy dinner for 8 friends.  This area is approximately 11 ft. x 13 ft. All floors on La Tulipe are light oak.    

Aft, and down 4 steps is the stand-up engine room to starboard and the fulllaundry on the portside. Continuing aft is the original oak owners cabin in the manner d 'epoque. This consists of a head, shower stall, wood cabinets port and starboard, wine storage and a large double berth.  This area is surrounded by windows and provides a cozy accommodation for guests.  

   Forward of the wheelhouse and down 4 steps the salon draws attention with its muted colors and pleasing ambiance. The open-kitchen (cuisine américaine) to the left, allows free conversation with everyone.  This area is approximately 15 ft. x 18 ft.   The kitchen (kitchen is used as it is too large to be a galley) features a counter with three stools, a 4-burner gas range with full-size oven and vent hood.  The double-bowl stainless steel sink is adjacent to the Electrolux refrigerator/freezer. Overhead are pantry cabinets with sliding doors. Under-cabinet lights are installed here for cooking convenience.  

  The salon is surrounded by large sliding windows giving a light, airy feel to the space.  This airy space is fitted with mini-blinds for privacy when needed.  Included here is the entertainment center;  TV, VCR,  C.D. changer/radio/tape combo, DVD player and satellite receiver.   This salon also features a built-in sideboard on the starboard side with doors and shelves below, a nice area for display of collections or cut flowers.

 To port is a 5'  buffet.  Centered in the salon is a large coffee table with 2 leather easy chairs.  All are in matching rosewood finish.  Another built-in banquette is provided on the forward bulkhead, athwart ship with convenient reading light and storage below. 

  Forward starboard side is a short passageway leading to the VIP cabin  and the Owners stateroom;  This passageway conceals a linen storage area convenient to the ships cabins. The VIP cabin has 2 single berths, soft reading lites over each, an apartment size hanging locker, wall cabinets, computer desk, and a FULL white tile bathroom, complete with tub and shower.  

   At the forward end of the short passageway is the Owners stateroom.  The features are a Queen berth, fore and aft with indirect lighting overhead. Included here is an apartment sized hanging locker, lots of wall cabinets, desk w/drawers, windows and, again a FULL white tile bathroom, complete with tub and shower. The clear oak floors again highlight the open feeling of this beautiful barge.    

GENERAL:  Headroom throughout La Tulipe is at least 6'-6", all windows are full-sized, not port-holes.  For sequestration from curious quai-side eyes, harmonizing curtains can be drawn. The feel of La Tulipe is one of openness, clean, unobstructed views from everywhere thru large windows.

 DECKS:  Forward of the wheelhouse are 2 decks, or terraces. Accessing these decks is via the flush, handrail-guarded side decks. Note here:  Many barges have steps on their side decks, a real hazard. These decks are very large (about 11' x 26') and are used for entertaining or just relaxing under the umbrellas.  A large mast and courtesy flags highlight the forward deck.  The rear deck is provided with a large propane barbecue grill.    

The bow of LA TULPE contains the Forward Hold, accessed thru weather-proof doors from the outside.  This Forward Hold was crews quarters during the working years.  Now, it is used as a rope locker, deck chair and umbrella storage, pantry and wines and anything not needed everyday.  The two bunks remain only as a memory of the working years.  

   ENGINE ROOM:  The main engine is the DAF 120 h.p. 6 cylinder keel-cooled engine with dry exhaust.  A Rushton generator (air-cooled) provides 5 kw. of A.C. 220 v. power when shore power is not available. This stand-up engine room provides immense space for maintenance and the usual chores in the engine room.. Connections for shore water and electricity are on the starboard side. All maintenance records are available, including hull cleaning, painting, and oil-changes, showing a record of constant care.