Broadland Cottage ~ in keeping with the area or not?

Classic boats and customs are being neglected, but similarly, this is no different to 'architectural murder.' In spring, a pair of traditional flint and brick cottages adjoining Stalham Dyke, were sanctioned for demolition, despite a wave of local protest. The charming, but unused Broadland Cottage, on Station Road in Hoveton St John, is also under threat. It is near to one of Heather's mooring bases, in the bay, next to the oak tree at the King's Head. You can find the partly boarded up cottage close to Hoveton's commercial centre. It is set back from the road; next to Massingham Brothers Butchers and opposite SMT Garage and Wroxham Angling & Gift Shop. Broadland Cottage is under serious risk of being pulled down and replaced by a comprehensive new development. The proposal is for retail units, residential flats and a wine bar.

The cottage was built of Norfolk red brick during the nineteenth century. Slightly arched windows and decorative brick mouldings add grace to the building. It is a genuine specimen of Broadland architecture ~ basically a grander version of Toad Hole Cottage at How Hill, Ludham. The cottage is of supreme importance historically, because it predates most of the development following the Broads tourism revolution of the late 1800's. Old maps show a maze of dykes, fen and market gardens encircling the cottage. Later on, Broadland Cottage became part of George Smith & Sons establishment. The company launched the first passenger excursion boat tours in the area. By the late twentieth century, the cottage was part of the Broads Hotel complex. It was occupied up until a few years ago.

The cottage is scheduled for demolition. It is not a listed building, nor does is lie in a conservation area. Some buildings on Station Road are now considered beyond the scope of repair and are being completely redeveloped. Broadland Cottage is different. It could be saved and used as a family home, or run as a small distinctive business. This would aid the much needed rejuvenation of Station Road.

Old buildings should be cherished. They evolve through time, though carefully blend into the landscape. The fate of Broadland Cottage is arguably only part of the insensitive development that has consumed the precious Broads wetlands in recent decades......

To help save Broadland Cottage, you can propose that it be listed as a heritage asset. Please notify English Heritage:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/online-application-form/

''You have to give this much to the Luftwaffe: when it knocked down our buildings it did not replace them with anything more offensive than rubble. We did that.'' HRH Prince Charles ~ Speech made at the Mansion House, London, December 1987

Chris and Andrew

Something old, something new, something borrowed

Heather's crew like to take a modest approach in presenting the houseboat. Although we are very proud to maintain a characterful vintage boat, on the colourful Broadland waterways. However, we don't like to dwell in the nostalgic past for long and look out for new ideas and objects to add to Heather's inventory. We hope to add to this revolving collection and establish a varied mix of objects.

In September, several personal objects from the 1950's will be displayed on board. These will relate to Heather, the Broads and our families from both North Yorkshire and further afield. There will also be a display of  literature about the Vintage Boat Association ~ a nationwide organisation which Heather is affiliated to. This year marks the twenty fifth anniversary of it's foundation.

(Top) The lavatory (heads) door has always swung open at inconvenient times. Amongst the interesting items at Royall's Boatyard Reception is a range of hand knitted door stops, along with other creative gifts. In June, we purchased the woollen male mallard duck, lovingly made by Sara Royall. The proceeds from the knitted items go to the Alzheimer's Society. The duck does an admirable job as a doorstop, but he needs a name ~ suggestions welcome.

(Middle) To commemorate the approximate anniversary of Heather being hired as a holiday home; Matthew Nicholson has recreated the 1950's pennant badge of Turner's Boatyard at Horning. This flag was used during Dennis George's ownership, when Heather berthed at the once vibrant mooring base. Matthew based his design on the pennant, as it appeared with other boat hire yards in Blakes Holidays brochures. The pennant is similar to the famous Hunter's Fleet version. It also reflects the Netherlands and of course the UK colours. 

(Bottom) Following his successful Open Studios exhibition, Thomas Coulby, kindly presented us with a charming sketch that he drew whilst on board in May.

The houseboat will be on view over the weekend of 14th and 15th of July, in Hoveton & Wroxham. On display will be information about the Vintage Wooden Boat Association. Why not come and find out about the interesting role of the Association and soak up the riverside atmosphere? You might be inspired to rescue a vintage boat!

The Crew