And he has certainly succeeded in that. The Phoenix 58 has a cockpit that seats six at the stern and a bow cockpit for four. The interior has been styled by Struik and Hamerslag, best know for its work in the superyacht industry.

The result is a narrowboat with Gebo hatches, Cantelupi lighting, Oceanair blinds, a cherry wood interior and very smart simulated teak decking.

It's quite unlike anything else you'll see on the inland waterways.

It's also priced in similar fashion, at around £225,000.

This is about £100,000 more than a traditional narrowboat of the same size.

"Times and tastes have changed, " said Fawkes. "We have created something that takes the concept of canal boats to a new level."

They reckon the boat is so unusual they've registered it with the Patent Office. The Phoenix 58 is targeted at those who might like a luxury alternative to a waterside apartment or a weekend cottage in the country.