Fairhaven Garden’s Thatched 19th Century Boathouse – Restoration Completed - Norfolk Broads

The £35,000 restoration of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden's19th century boathouse, one of the last traditional thatched boathouses on the Broads, has been completed. Fairhaven Garden trustees and staff and individuals and organisations who have contributed to the public appeal to save the boathouse, gathered in the garden on Monday, August 18, to celebrate the project’s successful conclusion.

Fairhaven Garden Boathouse 18.8.14

Just over £30,000 has been raised for the boathouse project, with more donations welcome. Supporters include New Anglia LEP, Geoffrey Watling Charity, John Jarrold Trust, The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich and Fairhaven Primary School, who ran a special ‘funraising’ day. Individuals have also contributed to the appeal by sponsoring sheafs of local Ranworth reed, sedge, or hazel brotch pins for the roof and buying ‘boathouse cakes’ in the tearoom.

Louise Rout, garden manager with Lord Fairhaven, 18.8.14

Louise Rout, Manager, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported our appeal to restore the boathouse and our contractors A & R Kelly who have done such a fantastic job. We have wanted to restore the boathouse for a number of years and have gradually been raising funds. It’s a dream come true today to see the restored building, which will last at least another 50 years before re-thatching is required.”

“Our key aim at Fairhaven is to preserve the garden for future generations, and it is wonderful that the boathouse’s future is now secure. We would very much like to hear from organisations and individuals who could help contribute further donations towards the project, or support our autumn tree planting campaign.”

Donations can be made online at www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/fairhaven or in person at Fairhaven Garden, School Road, South Walsham NR13 6DZ, t. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day and closes 4pm in the winter), also open Wednesdays until 9pm from May to the end of August. Entry is adult £6.10, concessions £5.60 and child £3.60 (under 5 free).