The House

Are there parking spaces?

Our drive allows space for up to 3 cars. Please don’t park on the road, we don’t want angry neighbours.

Do you have a coffee machine?

You can enjoy your morning coffee on the sun-soaked deck, as we provide ground coffee in the starter pack. Don’t forget the cafeteria and Gaggia espresso machine.

What's your Wi-Fi speed?

There’s no need to worry about the connection here. We usually get around 18Mbps download speed at the house, which means you can stream a full episode of Breaking Bad or The Real Housewives on the TV with no interruptions. (Not forgetting those zoom calls too).

How's the mobile coverage?

There is a limited signal inside the house and there is not a landline on the property. But Vodafone and EE work well outside (you’ve just got to hope the rain stays off, or bring a trusty umbrella).

Please check with your provider below using our postcode NR12 8TP: EE O2 Vodafone Three

Is Backwater accessible for disabled users?

There is a ramp to the front of the house that enables wheelchair access to the raised ground floor of the house. The sliding doors on the property have low thresholds so the rear decks are also accessible.

On the ground floor, there are two bedrooms and a reasonably accessible bathroom with a wetroom-style shower. There is a step down to the jetty, therefore this is not accessible for wheelchair users and none of the edges to the deck or ramps has guarding.

Are there supermarkets near Backwater?

If you would prefer to stay cuddled up — Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose will all deliver here.

If you want to drive to get your essentials there are local branches of the supermarkets, all within a 20-minute drive. There is also a well-stocked local supermarket, named Roys, just over a mile away from the house.

What home entertainment is available at Backwater?

Inside the house, there is a Samsung 49-inch Ultra HD Smart TV with a Sonos soundbar for all your movie nights in. There is also Freesat. There is also a Sonos sound system in the kitchen, living room and veranda for you to enjoy your favourite playlists.

What is your bedroom layout?

Backwater has four bedrooms: two doubles, a twin (that can be converted into a double) and a small twin room.

The house can hold 8 people, with enough space to spare.

The master bedroom has a king-sized bed and an ensuite with a walk-in shower. While the main bathroom serves the two bedrooms on the ground floor.

Could you recommend any local caterers?

Of course! If you’re looking for bespoke catering focused on French and Italian classic cuisine, we recommend FoodAmour.

The Garden Kitchen Cafè is ideal for locally-sourced meals. Plus, you can test out your favourites at the local Hoveton Hall where they have a gorgeous outside seating area (and delicious gluten and dairy-free cakes too).

Private dining services can be provided by Chef2Dine4, a local dining experience headed by a professional chef, Avril Read.

Can we bring our pets?

As much as we love animals, we don’t allow pets in the house or the curtilage of the property.

Is there a BBQ available?

When the weather is perfect for a BBQ, you’ll find one available on the west deck.

Things to do

Can I fish from the deck?

As long as you have a rod license from the Environment Agency, you can fish from the deck of the house.

Is there a canoe available?

At the house, we have a 2 to 3 person Canadian canoe available from Spring until Autumn for the use of guests. If you’re looking for extra space, there are plenty of local canoe hire places in the locality.

How far is the beach?

There are plenty of beaches nearby that you can find in around 30 minutes.

Winterton-on-Sea is a great choice for some fresh air or a brisk walk, with dunes and, if you’re lucky, you’ll find the seals in the Winter. Sea Palling has great doughnuts and fish and chips! Plus, if you’re looking for a swim this is your best choice, however, always be careful when it comes to taking a dip. The local village, Happisburgh, is great for a day out. There is a long beach, lighthouse and a children’s adventure playground for them (and you) to enjoy.

Can I swim in the lagoon?

We do not recommend swimming in the lagoon as it’s difficult to get out of the water and there are lots of invisible obstructions like weeds and lilies. Further up the River Bure, there are places where wild swimming would be ideal — but we recommend this for experienced swimmers only.

You can find all the updated information here: [https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/outdoor-swimming][0]

Can I moor my rental or my boat at Backwater?

There is room for you to moor up alongside the house along the east deck or the jetty, but please bear in mind that weeds may snag on the propeller.

The Practical Stuff

What are provisional bookings and yellow dates?

These are bookings that are currently placed on hold due to various circumstances. This could be due to a photo shoot or a maintenance day. We often operate a waiting list for our yellow dates, in case these become available for our guests to book. Please contact us to find out more.

Can I pay by credit card?

Unfortunately not. We operate exclusively via bank transfer and do not have card payment facilities.