Suffolk is one of the most beautiful counties in England and has some of the most beautiful houses. From Tudor properties to Georgian, there are several historic buildings in Suffolk to visit and explore. They showcase Suffolk's history but are also part of its future.
Ickworth House
Ickworth House is a Georgian mansion built in an Italian style. It is set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside close to the historical town of Bury St Edmunds. It was in the Hervey family for 500 years but is now a National Trust property. Ickworth is famous for its Rotunda, the building of which was started by the eccentric Earl-Bishop in 1795. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the work completed 46 years later.
The house, with its rotunda and two wings, is stunning inside and out. It boasts beautiful Georgian interiors with a hint of the Italian style in the marble pillars and sculptures. There are also several paintings by famous artists such as Gainsborough.
Visitors can see how it felt to live in the house during a later period. As of 3rd March 2012, Ickworth House is launching its 'Ickworth Lives' project which sees the basement of the Rotunda converted to its early 1900's condition. There will be details and exhibits about the people who used to live and work there, as well as re-creations of working life at Ickworth.
Ickworth has extensive grounds and gardens, the Earl-Bishop's love of Italy extended to the Italianate gardens, where visitors can take a peaceful stroll. The entire estate is 1800 acres; with both rolling fields and ancient woodlands, it provides visitors with beautiful walks through the Suffolk countryside.
Visitors can stay at the Ickworth hotel in the East Wing of Ickworth House, the Hotel is four star and family friendly.
http://beta.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth/
Melford Hall
Melford Hall, in the village of Long Melford, is easily recognisable because of its multiple turrets which give the house a majesty. Yet it also has the warmth of a well loved family house. It has been the home of the Hyde-Parker family for over 200 years. In 1942 the house was almost destroyed by fire but the family brought it back to life. They work with the National Trust to continue its conservation.
The house has been the canvass for changing tastes over the years and visitors can see the different styles, Grecian, Medieval and even Scandinavian, in the architecture and interiors. The house doesn't have the 'frozen in time' feel that a lot of preserved old houses do. It is still lived in and very much alive.
Melford Hall was also made famous by its association with children's author Beatrix Potter; she was related to the family and often stayed with them. She painted several water colours there and visitors can see these as well as her room. They can also buy Beatrix Potter gifts from the shop and can read her books on the lawns of Melford Hall. With the Beatrix Potter association Melford Hall is a particularly good house to visit with young children.
There are also beautiful walks throughout the Melford Hall estate and the village of Long Melford.
http://beta.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall/
Somerleyton Hall
Somerleyton Hall is an impressive Tudor-Jacobean mansion near the Suffolk/Norfolk border.
The original house dates as far back as the 1200's and has been constantly added to and renovated over the years; most famously in 1843 by John Thomas, Prince Albert's favourite architect. The house is still lived in by the current family, the Crossleys, but a large part is open to visitors, including the library, ballroom and dining room. These rooms are conserved in their traditional Tudor-Jacobean style, with dark panelling and sumptuous fabrics. But there are a few modern twists such as the beautiful portrait of the current Lady Somerleyton, which, it is rumoured, caused Lord Somerleyton to fall in love with her as soon as he saw it.
The Somerleyton grounds include a pleasure garden and maze. The estate is 5000 acres in total and includes Fritton Lake, Fritton Hotel and the Duke's Head pub as well as beautiful and expansive parkland. There are also several woodland lodges on the estate, near to Fritton Lake, where visitors can stay and explore the nearby countryside.
Kentwell Hall
Kentwell Hall has been described as "a little great house." Visitors will see why; with its moats and acres of land, it has the aspects of a great house but on a smaller scale. Kentwell Hall is another family home and it has the air of being lived in and not just an immense museum.
The current family, the Phillips, took over the house in 1970 when it had been left abandoned; slowly they have nursed the house back to health and restored it to its former glory. They have also been instrumental in making it a wonderful visitor experience by recapturing its Tudor origins. Kentwell Hall is particularly famous for its re-creation days, which include the World War Two and Victorian eras as well as the Tudor era.
Kentwell also boasts beautiful gardens, which include ancient yews as well as modern touches like the wildlife pond.
Also on the estate is a rare breeds farm which provides entertainment for young and old alike.
Visitors can stay in the Hall Barn, a timber framed barn on the Kentwell estate.
Victoria Richman - An experienced, versatile writer with particular focus on the topics of conservation and travel.
