A significant Georgian country house.

Description

Hilborough Hall is a significant and architecturally distinguished country home, set within 11 acres and with fine views over neighbouring parkland. The existence of a house on the site can be recorded back to the early 17th century, with the existing hall built in 1779 for Ralph Caldwell, then the agent of Holkham Hall, which clearly provided some of the inspiration including the use of gault brick, and much of the external detailing.

Described by Nikolaus Pevsner as a ‘strong puritanical block’, the house has a fascinating history not least to have been the home of Arthur Wellesley MP, in the mid 19th century, who became the second Duke of Wellington on the death of his father in 1856. The wealthy Mills family were later owners, with Betty & Charlie Mills’ life at Hilborough documented in the biography ‘The Lady at the Hall’. The couple were renowned as extravagant and generous hosts, with the house thriving from royal visits and famous guests with photographic evidence of the exceptional and extensive formal and kitchen gardens.

To further heighten the notability of this small part of Norfolk, Hilborough Church, nestled within the park opposite the house and directly in view of the Hall, was presided over by Horatio Nelson’s father and his family for almost two centuries, as rectors, with family members buried in the churchyard. The Nelsons left for Burnham Thorpe shortly before the Admiral was born.

The Hall
With a wonderful presence, approached over a long drive, the house stands tall and proud amongst the rural surroundings. The splendour continues internally, with Adamesque decoration, reputedly by William Ivory who was involved in additions and remodelling of Blickling Hall. The principal south and west facing wing hosts the formal entertaining rooms, with a brilliant flow to the layout no doubt enjoyed by drinks parties with the Duke and Mills' guests. The tall sash windows throughout provides pleasing formality and copious amounts of natural light, a hallmark of this architectural period. Of particular note is the exceptional drawing room, running the width of the house at around 12m x 5m, with distinctive decorative plaster work on the ceiling and open fireplace. A fine entrance hall, again with welcoming fireplace, leads on to the formal study, a morning room and staircase hall, with a wonderful dining room further into the house. Beneath the Georgian wing is an original cellar, of around 1500 square feet, barrel vaulted with wine storage, and great scope to be utilised in many ways.

The service wing of the house, linked via wide halls, hidden doors and openings, provide a succession of rooms including kitchens, sculleries and store rooms, with the ground floor as a whole of considerable scale and we draw your attention to the floor plans for an explanation of the accommodation layout.

The bedrooms are spread over the first and second floor, together with a first floor apartment. There are fourteen bedrooms in the main house, served by six bathrooms. These include the principal bedroom, with adjoining dressing room with fitted cupboards and en suite bathroom, and an array of double bedrooms mostly with feature fireplaces and all with delightful views out over the gardens, park and countryside beyond.

A first floor apartment provides a further four rooms and bathroom, which could be used by a housekeeper, nanny or relative, or simply incorporated into the main house. There are elements of the house that are now in need of renovation, refurbishment or improvements. It is important that all interested parties discuss the condition of the house with the selling agent prior to viewing, to understand the levels of work required to return the house to its original glory.

Outside
Hilborough Hall is approached through wrought iron gates on pillars, over a long driveway sweeping through woodland and along the edge of the neighbouring park, before opening out to the house with a gravelled parking and turning area. There are points along the driveway that spur off to storage areas and to the courtyard behind the house.

The gardens are predominately lawned, with an expanse to the west, south and east. The lawns to east stretch away from the house through an avenue of yew, leading to areas of woodland and a former formal pond. The framework of the gardens remain, however much of it is overgrown but not beyond taming particular with the Yew which will regenerate after considerable pruning. Within the hall are photographs of the gardens during their pomp, to provide inspiration of how the 11 acres could be restored. The backdrop of the hall are areas of woodland, with impressive mature trees including oak, beech, lime and firs.

Location

The small village of Hilborough is situated in an unspoilt part of southwest Norfolk known as Breckland. A walk through the village will lead to the local pub, serving traditional food. The area is famous for its unspoilt open countryside, wide open skies and large areas of Forestry Commission woodland which provide excellent opportunities for walking and riding. Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in England extending to about 47,000 acres. The picturesque market town of Swaffham (where the television series Kingdom with Stephen Fry was filmed) lies about six miles to the north and has excellent shopping including a Waitrose supermarket, banking, pubs and restaurants doctors surgery and golf club.

The town provides primary and secondary education, with private education further into Norfolk with Greshams and Beeston Hall, whilst Thetford Grammar and Culford School are to the south.

There are regular trains to London King’s Cross from Downham Market (about 18 miles) with an approximate journey time of 1 hour 28 minutes. There are also trains to Cambridge from Downham Market with an approximate journey time of 31 minutes. Cambridge is approximately 44 miles by road.

Square Footage: 16,511 sq ft


Acreage: 11.31 Acres

Directions

The postcode for the property is IP26 5PW, the What3words code for the entrance gates is: engulfing.easily.pace.

Additional Info

A courtyard hosts a partially built coach house, and further storage buildings, both permanent and temporary which could be utilised and adapted in many ways.

At the entrance to the drive is the remains of a lodge cottage, with footings and walls of a partially completed replacement. The planning consent for the enlargement of the original cottage can be found under ref 3PL/2015/1228/F and allows for a two storey, three bedroom dwelling, with kitchen/dining room, sitting room and study.

Agent's note
The property has now been cleared of all contents.

Services
Mains water and private drainage.

Local Authority
Breckland Council
Council Tax Band H

Viewings
Strictly by appointment with Savills. If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.