The Swan at Streatley auctions historic Magdalen Barge due to pandemic and cost-of-living crisis

The Swan at Streatley has announced it is selling the Magdalen Barge – one of the last remaining ferro-concrete hulled vessels in the country – due to increasing high costs and inflation.

It is seeking new owners for the vessel, which will require considerable work to restore it to its original condition.

The Magdalen Barge, built in 1927 by Messrs LG Mouchell & Partners Ltd, formerly belonged to Magdalen College, Oxford.

The hotel, situated along the River Thames, previously used the barge as a wedding venue, but says it is now in desperate need of restoration which it is unable to provide.

“It is with a heavy heart we have to admit we have come to the end of our journey with the Magdalen Barge,” said a spokesperson for the hotel.

“We have investigated the cost and feasibility of restoration, but the combined effects of the pandemic, war in Ukraine, energy, inflation and cost-of-living crisis mean we are not in a position to carry them out.

“We appreciate this will be a loss to the village but despite fundraising attempts by us and by others, there is not enough support to give the barge the love and attention she needs.”

The barge will be sold as seen and removed from its mooring and transported elsewhere, at the buyer’s cost, within 30 days of purchase.

It has no self-propulsion so towing will be required.

The hotel added: “We are very keen that the barge goes to a good home and will not be choosing the new owner on bid value alone, so please do explain your intentions for the barge as part of your bid.”

The hotel invites all interested buyers to submit their bids to bargebid@theswanatstreatley.com by 5pm on Thursday, August 31.

Anyone interested in viewing the barge should contact hotels development manager Michal Wawrzenczyk at Michal@theswanatstreatley.com or call 07724 302224.