Houghton Hall is situated in North Norfolk and one of the most extraordinary grand country estates I have ever seen – opulent, lavish, elegant, and with an amazing walled garden.
Houghton Hall for built for Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of the UK, between 1722-37. Four architects were involved: ‘..Colen Campbell, who drew up the original plans; William Kent, who was responsible for the design of the interiors; James Gibbs, who is believed to have designed its distinctive cupolas, and Thomas Ripley, who supervised much of the work..’.
The State Rooms have been described as ‘exuberant’, and are the most opulent and lavish I have ever seen.
The Stable Block was built on a grand scale to accommodate c.80 horses between 1733-35.
Houghton Hall is surrounded by 1,000 acres of land – farms, deer park, and park lands which were redesigned in the 18C by Thomas Bridgeman. The Mediaeval Church remains within the grounds, but the village was moved outside the gates during the redesign.
You may be interested in
The Guardians of Houghton Hall
This looks a great spot and ironically just been seeing a portrait of Walpole at Hampton Court.
It is absolutely astoundingly opulent, and elegant, and the Walled Garden (post to come), a mere 5 acres, is on a matching scale!
Look forward to the walled garden!