Unique Pirate Ship Home on River Severn Could Be Demolished by Council
A father who invested over £60,000 to create a distinctive pirate ship home on the River Severn now faces the possibility of having it demolished by the local council. Sam Griffiss, aged 35, constructed the off-grid dwelling without obtaining the necessary planning permission, leading to an ongoing investigation by Wyre Forest District Council.
Building an Off-Grid Paradise
Sam Griffiss sold his previous home in July 2025 and purchased a £500 boat frame from eBay to realise his vision of an off-grid paradise in Bewdley, Worcestershire. Over two months, he transformed the frame into a ship-shaped structure, which he believes is the only one of its kind in the United Kingdom. The project consumed most of his life savings, totalling more than £60,000.
The construction included converting a former fishing boat into a liveable pirate ship named The Daisy May, along with a cabin dormer on stilts, costing £25,000. Additionally, Sam spent £11,000 on a movable wood-fired sauna. He acquired the land for £28,000 several years ago, originally intending to build a canoe shack but facing delays due to council requirements.
Living Off the Grid
Sam now resides completely off-grid on his 100-square-metre plot, harvesting rainwater and generating power from solar panels and generators. He uses wood stoves, camping stoves, and a diesel heater for heating and cooking, with a shed serving as a toilet and bathroom. Despite the challenges, he expresses contentment with his lifestyle, noting only minor inconveniences like lacking instantly warm water.
"I’ve been into the outdoors for years and the off-grid lifestyle always appealed," Sam said. "Since Covid, life has got really expensive and I realised I was living to pay the bills. When I split from my partner, I had a bit of equity from the house, so I decided to use all my savings to build my off-grid pirate ship."
Council Investigation and Community Hopes
The pirate ship has been in place for seven months, with Sam living there since January. He informed the council about the structure in January and is now urging planning officers to visit the site in person. Sam fears the council may demand demolition but is determined to fight for his home, especially as he needs an official address for his daughter to stay with him.
Sam aims to turn the site into a community centre for outdoor activities, envisioning a wellbeing hub called the Connection Club. He has equipped the area with archery sets, throwing axes, fishing rods, and canoes, hoping to attract people of all ages to enjoy nature. "I want to share this experience with others – it could really benefit the community," he added.
A spokesperson for Wyre Forest District Council stated: "This property is currently part of an active investigation case. As details of ongoing cases are confidential, we are unable to provide a comment at this time." Sam remains hopeful that the council will see the value in his project and grant retrospective planning permission, allowing him to preserve his unique home and community vision.
