1. Schwimmhaus

This elegant houseboat, designed by German architects Confused-Direction, is ideal for those looking for a compact, stylish and environmentally friendly floating home. Built using reclaimed wood from an old farmhouse and other sustainable building materials, the green roof adds to the eco-friendly appeal.

As with most architectural designs coming out of Dubai, this houseboat is simply stunning. The 220-square meter home was cleverly designed by Dubai-based architectural firm X-Architects. Set on two catamaran beams, this two-story structure is practically encased solely in glass windows, allowing sunlight to flood the interior. It'll take the average person more than a few bank loans to get their hands on the swish fittings and up-market features of this chic and spacious floating home, even if it's just to rent for a week!

The term "really cool" takes on new meaning with this amazing houseboat, developed specifically for the Arctic winter. Inspired by the Inuit practice of turning their hunting boats upside down for winter shelter, the builders of this unique structure -- Covey Island Boatworks -- took the idea to a new level by creating a prefabricated, highly insulated home that can endure harsh climates. Equipped with solar, wind and marine power systems, this self-contained unit can be placed virtually anywhere. The interior is cozy and compact and contains all the modern conveniences most people crave.

4. Floating Solar House

Environmentally conscious, UK-based Kingsley Architects have reinvented caravan holidays with these unique and eco-friendly solar-powered houseboats. Apparently, the ingenious design enables the structure to be totally self-sufficient for up to a year at a time. It can also be docked at a floating home community to utilize their power, fresh water and sewage treatment facilities. Similar in design to a campervan, this 75-square meter houseboat has an open kitchen and living area space, with enclosed sleeping areas in the back.

This completely unique design, by Russian architect Vladimir Plotkin, was created for the 2008 Archstoyanie Summer Festival in Russia, where the theme was Noah's Ark. A rather odd-looking structure, the giant disc-like living space is suspended above a floating platform and is accessed via ladders. The interior is very compact, but by no means claustrophobic. The lattice walls ensure constant ventilation and the large portholes provide ample natural light.

6. Cosmic Muffin

This extraordinary home certainly gets tongues wagging. Once owned by Howard Hughes, the 1930's Boeing 307 Stratoliner was converted into a houseboat, and is now a famous tourist attraction in Fort Lauderdale. Surprisingly roomy inside, it houses a small sleeping area and bathroom at the rear of the aircraft, while the main hull is dedicated to living space that features a large bar area and even a PC workstation.

7. Indian Luxury Houseboat

This beautiful houseboat is an ideal holiday home for those wishing to explore Southern India without having to change hotels on a regular basis. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury houseboat is fully air conditioned and even has a Jacuzzi onboard. All the crew are English-speaking and there is a chef aboard to whip up amazing gourmet meals. What a wonderful way of seeing the rural area of Kerala!