Private
Houghton Hall is one of the grand houses of Norfolk, and was built for Sir Robert Walpole, successful 18th century politician, and known as the 1st British Prime Minister. It seems that no expense was spared in fitting out the house, and it appears in lists of the 10 grandest houses in England. The decor and contents are largely original, though the original paintings were sold off by one of Walpole’s descendants.
The state rooms are the only rooms on display, and it doesn’t take long to go round (about 1 1/4 hours), leaving the visitor to eke out the rest of his/her half-day visit by looking at the walled gardens, the modern art installations in the grounds, the model soldiers and other exhibits in the stable block, or going around the state rooms again. The state rooms are very ornate and impressive (sorry, no interior photos here).
Modern visitors enter by the tradesmen’s entrance at the back. The original grand entrance stairs at front and back were removed by an eccentric owner, the one now on the west side being a modern replacement. The award-winning walled garden is well worth a visit.
If you are wondering what is or was in the wings, the one nearer the stables was originally the kitchens and is now estate offices, and the other one was an orangery and art gallery and now is mostly used for storage.
Practical notes: As usual, ignore your post-code sat-nav while in the vicinity of the estate. Mine told me to turn right when I could see the entrance gates dead ahead. On leaving the car park later, it took me in a circle around the grounds. The real exit route is not as clearly marked as it might be…
Houghton Revisited
I visited the house again in Oct 2013 for the once in a lifetime exhibition. As well as the fine pictures from the Hermitage, I was able to see the Library (part of the exhibition but not part of the 2012 tour) the Church, and the Palladian Water Tower. The Water Tower is accessible, but is a long hike along an avenue of trees.
