T HE couple have lived in their home in Castle Donington for the past four years, since it was built, in fact. While they love everything about it, they've made the decision to enjoy their retirement years cruising the waterways.
Steve said: "There is an age difference between us and so we think it is important to enjoy our retirement now and downsize."
Angie added: "It isn't a knee jerk reaction it's something that we had in the back of our minds for some time.
"However, it came up in conversation and turned into a workable option around six to nine months ago. It's just something the floats our boat."
The couple have taken several holidays on narrow boats and both have backgrounds that involve water.
Angie grew up in Cornwall and Steve in Essex, so they both come from coastal areas, and the couple have naval backgrounds.
Their plan is the buy a smaller property in the south of the country, closer to three of the their four children and their grandchildren, perhaps renting it out on long term or holiday basis and then invest around £65,000 into a narrow boat.
Steve said: "We've taken lots of advice from both our financial advisor and people who already either live or spend a lot of time on narrow boats."
"We've done our homework," added Angie.
The house went on to the market at the end of January.
Robin Bailey, of Marble Property Services, said: "It was awful weather when the house came to the market, which really set us back with our marketing, but things have really kicked off now.
"There's been growing interest in the property, but we've just not found the right person to buy yet.
"The house has a superb specification and we think, once which we get people through the door, the house will sell itself.
"We just need the footfall. This is why we organised an open house event."
Angie said: "The house is like a Tardis." Looking at it from the back provides a very different impression from the front view.
"From the back you can really see how four bedrooms, two en suites, a family bathroom, a superb kitchen/ dining/ family room, plus a study or dining room and a lounge all fit in.
When asked which of these rooms the couple liked best, Angie said the very social kitchen family room got her vote, providing a central hub for both working, living and relaxing.
"It's great to cook here in the kitchen and then when I want a break to just sit in the family room and read a book or listen to the radio," she said.
"It's also perfect when visitors come as we can all be together chatting while I'm preparing diner," added Angie.
The kitchen includes a range of appliances, units and the couple have added an island unit.
"When we moved in I had just had a knee replacement so wanted everything close to hand," said Angie. "We went back to the original kitchen fitters and ordered it to match the existing units.
"It's now ergonomically designed and everything is within easy reach. It's a very easy kitchen to work in."
Steve on the other hand cited the fantastic decked area at the back of the house as his favourite.
As we sat chatting on the deck when I visited, I could see exactly why he loves it. It really acts as an additional room for the house.
He said: "When friends come to stay they always gravitate to this area.
"It gets the sun in the morning until around 11.30am and then it's back by about 3pm.
"We put in an additional patio in the lower garden in case we wanted to sit in the sun at other times of the day."
The raised deck is large enough to comfortably take a table and six chairs and you can look down over the lower garden with its meticulously maintained lawns and patio area.
Beyond this is a strip of woodland and then the land drops away to The Spital, a recreation area. It means the garden is private and yet has some fabulous views.
To one side of the house is a neighbour's paddock and there is a bungalow to the other side – the Linen's house occupies the former gardens of this property.
The house was only built four years ago and the Linens are the first owners.
They have added all the interior touches to the accommodation, giving it a look of a show home but still with the welcoming and comfortable feel of a family home.
There is a lovely multi-fuel burner in the lounge and doors out on to the deck, a well fitted kitchen and a utility with plenty of storage, and also a double garage.
So, the question is, how will the couple go from a four bedroom home to having all their possessions in the space of a boat?
Well, they've already begun to rationalise their possessions, separating essentials from non-essentials.
Angie said: "I've already been on Ebay. All my jewellery has been sold and I'm just left with a few basics. Next I'm starting on the clothes."
"It will come down to the amount of clothes that will fit into a small suitcase," added Steve.
Buyers will also have the option of buying certain pieces within the house "they just fit so well within the house," said Robin. Other items will be stored at their children's houses or sold.
As the couple won't be buying another house to live in, they will be at the end of the housing chain and Steve says could move into rented accommodation if they get a quick sale.
He said: "When we bought this house we looked at 23 properties in three weeks. Ironically, this was the first one Angie saw. "We stepped through the door and fell in love with it.
"We had moved up from Cornwall in January of 2009 and, after spending six months in rented accommodation while we considered locations, finally decided on Castle Donington – Steve wanted a short travelling time to work so this location won.
"There are two major motorways are within easy reach and the infrastructure of the location is great.
"We are a 20 minutes' walk to Castle Donington and there is a local shop and primary school within walking distance."
Now the couple are on track to start their next adventure – navigating the 2,500 miles of Britain's canal system.
Steve said: "You can buy a good second-hand narrow boat for around £65,000, although we may consider a bespoke boat."
Steve is an engineer by trade and so is interested in knowing exactly how his boat is built and where items like cabling are so that he can properly maintain his investment.
Angie said: "We've seen several boats but the sale of the house is the starting point. We don't want to find something until we've sold our house."
Marble is holding an open day on Saturday, July 6, between 1pm and 3pm, call 01332 811 333 for an appointment.