Norfolk Broads Forum

In a disheartening turn of events, the owner of a cherished antique houseboat, Chris Moffatt, finds himself compelled to abandon a mooring he had used for seven years. The abrupt eviction unfolded near the River Bure, just north of Hotel Wroxham, leaving Moffatt disheartened and convinced he was unfairly coerced into vacating his cherished spot.

Challenges and Controversies in Wroxham Mooring

Moffatt, the co-owner of the beloved Houseboat Heather, shared his perspective on the ordeal, emphasising the challenges he faced since mooring there in 2016. Expressing a sense of being "bullied off" his mooring, Moffatt sheds light on the inherent disapproval of houseboats in the area, stating, "People in the area don’t seem to like houseboats at all."

A Misunderstood Presence

Despite the longstanding tradition of houseboats in the region, Moffatt perceives an unwarranted stigma surrounding them. "Houseboats have been here for years, but it seems like they're seen as some sort of con, despite us diligently meeting our obligations," he explained.

Commercial Ventures and Local Disapproval

Moffatt sustains his livelihood through self-employment and sells natural bird food such as wheat, corn, and fish. Operating from a nearby food truck situated on the mooring, his endeavour takes a philanthropic turn by providing sustenance for the local water birds. However, his altruistic efforts faced a setback when the truck, containing essential food supplies, was damaged.

Unfortunate Setback for Local Wildlife

Expressing disappointment over the incident, Moffatt highlighted the many bird species in the area, emphasizing his dedication to supporting them. "There are so many flocks of birds here, so it’s disheartening when efforts to contribute positively are met with destructive tendencies," he lamented.

Legal Actions and Hotel Wroxham's Dilemma

The eviction took a formal turn when Hotel Wroxham received a letter from Argola Holdings, the landlords, in June. The letter, facilitated by legal firm Howes Percival, asserted that Moffatt was allowing his houseboat to moor permanently, allegedly utilizing power from the hotel. The directive was clear: "Please arrange for the boat to be removed."

Hotel Wroxham's Perspective

Wendy Timewell, the owner of Hotel Wroxham, expressed regret over the departure of Houseboat Heather. "We loved the quirky and quaint Houseboat Heather and were truly sorry to see it go," she stated.

A Frustrated Houseboat Owner's Dilemma

Moffatt, who relocated to another Wroxham site by the end of June, remains frustrated and saddened by the entire episode. Describing the situation as "ludicrous and really unfair," he expressed his primary goal of preserving the houseboat until a potential sale, questioning its worth amidst the ongoing challenges.

In the face of adversity, Moffatt's story stands as a testament to the intricate dynamics between maritime enthusiasts, local establishments, and the challenges faced by those choosing a houseboat lifestyle.