The floating playground that Ivan and Cat Epperson enjoy cost nearly $1 million, but they can't put a price tag on the pleasure it gives them.

The 106-foot houseboat, called No More Pocket Change, has lavish lodgings that include mega-beds, wet bars, grills, plasma televisions and icemakers throughout the multi-storied vessel. "When you buy a show boat, all you got to do is bring your clothes and groceries on," says Cat, 76.

Almost every weekend, the Eppersons, who live in Norcross, and their friends and family are aboard. It's the fourth houseboat for the couple, both of whom work in the blueprint business.

Landlubbers can view No More Pocket Change April 27 as part of the Buford Lanier Woman's Club 10th annual Home Tour.

The tour runs from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and raises money for charities and scholarships. In addition to the houseboat, participants can also tour four homes on dry land in the northern part of Gwinnett County.

Custom designed by Sumerset, the houseboat is part of the company's Elite line. The amenities on the houseboat make it easy for them to entertain, says Ivan. Their houseboat can accommodate as many as 200 people.

With help from Ivan, Cat will cook up a mess of fried fish, or put on a low-country boil. Their guests will pour a few drinks, turn up the music, put on a movie and enjoy themselves.

No More Pocket Change was a 2007 showboat at the Atlanta Boat Show. The Eppersons bought it a year ago. From the furniture to the pillows to the rotating, disappearing plasma television that rises in the living room, everything is decorated and color-coordinated to a fare-thee-well.

Cat loves the houseboat's galley, as the kitchen is called. Decisions about counter tops, wall colors, stereo speakers and ceramic tiles were left to the professionals.

They like what they found on board. There's a coffered ceiling and judge's paneling in the salon, the central entertainment area, as well as beveled mirrors and a wine chiller nearby. The front-loading washer and drier are useful, as is the trash compactor.

Cat appreciates the smart, little touches throughout. A dumb waiter simplifies getting food from the galley to the sun deck, where a hot tub awaits.

Two fireplaces make the place cozy. Cedar-lined closets keep their clothes smelling fresh. And rope lighting on the hand rails "makes this place light up at night like a floating casino," says Ivan, 72.

In the master bathroom, there are two shower heads and two sinks. The bed has storage underneath.

A hydraulic platform makes it easy to get two jet skis into the water. The couple's grandchildren enjoy the water slide as well.

"We love coming up here," Ivan says. "It's made for us."

IF YOU GO

The ticket for the home tour is a booklet with driving directions to each of the homes. Tickets can be bought at the Ace Hardware in Buford on Hwy. 20 near Buford Highway. They are $18 in advance. On the day of the tour, you can buy tickets for $20 at the houseboat, which will be in the Lanier Harbor Marina off Buford Dam Road. For more information, see: www.bufordlanierwomansclub.com