HEATHER

Welcome to Heather

Houseboat of character, docked in Hoveton by the River Bure on the Norfolk Broads Waterways.

Heather is cared for by a partnership of friends and family. Our aim is to preserve the distinctive style of the houseboat and enable future generations to enjoy her charms.

Explore the riverside, browse the shops and places to eat and drink ~ and much more beyond monumental Wroxham Bridge.

Andrew, Timothy and Christopher

9 October 2011

Detail of the After bulkhead, gleaming with fresh coats of wood stain


Heather is composed chiefly of tropical timber, principally wonderful teak. Some of the original teak hull and decks of the Dutch work barge were reclaimed and integrated into the upper works of the new houseboat; undertaken by the boat builders, at Ernest L Woods yard, at Horning in the late 1920's.

The picture above shows some of the tongued and grooved teak boards flanking the mahogany panelled door. Heather's teak may have origins in Indonesia, or the Dutch East Indies, as this large group of islands was known in the nineteenth century. Elephants were known to transport the teak from the forests down to the saw yards. As with most aspects of the houseboat, it is a mystery!

With thanks to Nigel Royall Esq.

If anybody can help us uncover her hidden history, we would love to hear from you.

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King's Head Staithe, Hoveton, pictured from Wroxham public Parish Staithe