Alas, that dream has evaporated after the family, from Hertfordshire, discovered they cannot get planning permission to allow them to stay in the property overnight.

Despite appeals to the Broads Authority and the Planning Inspectorate, which adjudicates in such cases, they have failed in their efforts to overturn the ban.

The bedroom at the boathouse in Horning (Image: John Atkins/Broads Authority)

The family bought the boatshed in 2023.

The property, on a dyke of the river Bure, was originally built in 2012, with space for boats below and a bedroom, living room, kitchen, utility room and bathroom created in the traditional 'sail loft' space above.

The living room at the Horning boathouse (Image: John Atkins/Broads........

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