Frans has lived aboard the 1911 tjalk Grietje in the Brede Haven in Den Bosch since 1996. He bought the vessel after taking sailing courses and later rebuilt it, installing a new engine and bow thruster in 2008 and replacing and insulating the living-room roof in 2022. The ship has a fixed berth but can sail, and Frans has traveled through the Netherlands and Belgium.

Now retired, Frans says he wants to spend his time differently and travel. He plans to use a bus or camper rather than move into a house. Grietje is for sale for €295,000, buyer’s costs included, and has 30 square metres of living space.