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

15 October 2011

New Houseboat Narrative


HEATHER

National Small Boat Registration No: 1440

Heather is a surviving traditional houseboat, laying on the Broads waterways since the early twentieth century. On her doorstep are 200 miles of rivers, part of the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads ~ the largest protected wetland in the UK.

Originally a dumb flush decked work barge built in the Netherlands using Indonesian teak; the boat is believed to have been first launched around 1900 and propelled manually by the use of oars.

She was later converted 'yacht fashion' into a pleasure houseboat for a gentleman artist in the 'golden 1920's' by Ernest L Woods at Horning. The decks of the barge were recycled to make the original cabin.

Heather became a holiday hire boat in the 1950's, laying at Turner's Boatyard, near the Ferry in Horning, for approximately thirty years.

The Houseboat is in the process of being conserved and restored. The all over awning sometimes covering her is necessary to protect the boat from the elements.

This curious boat reflects the heritage of the Broads landscape. She will be on display for guests to board (by arrangement) and see her simple panelled cabins. 


HELP HEATHER
  • Did you stay on board or know Heather when she was let at Turner's Boatyard? We would really like to hear your memories.
  • We are seeking essential period objects to complete the authentic appearance of the houseboat, including an original enamel, multi~fuel 'Courtier' stove or similar, oil lanterns and furnishings.

Please contact Andrew or Chris

ENQUIRIES

EMAIL: houseboat-heather@live.co.uk

The narrative or 'squit' as we say in Norfolk took ages to complete.

Updated on 14th February 2012







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