The after well or more properly the ‘veranda’ is often mistaken as the front of the houseboat ~ people often ask where the steering wheel is. Veranda is an exotic word, derived from the Hindi and Portuguese for railing and was commonly used in Colonial countries. The multi functional space is perfect for dining, where three or four people can sit comfortably. At night time, principally in summer the veranda provides additional sleeping accommodation.
It is thought
that the gentleman (presently unknown by name) who commissioned the houseboat in the 1920’s, specified that there should be sheltered space for painting on
an easel. Certainly it is ideally suited for this purpose, raised just above water
level with panoramic views.
Canopy maker
and upholsterer, Annie Davies has made a series of neat blinds for each of the
six window panels of the canvas type screens. The studded blinds will help prevent
damage from over exposure to sunlight, which can degrade the plastic window
material.
The tired pine
wood boarded ceiling (sometimes known as overhead) was stripped of paint
and stained dull brown in the 2000s at Stalham. Previously, in the fifties this space was made into a 2
berth cabin. In an effort to ease maintenance, much of the inside was covered with laminated hardboard, including the overhead. Over the summer the overhead has been repaired and given coats of ivory coloured satin paint.
There are further joinery repairs, painting and decorating to complete on the veranda. A set of traditional folding wood and canvas deck chairs are
also being renovated.
Timothy
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