Grand Houses in North Norfolk
When on holiday in North Norfolk, there are a range of grand country houses with gardens that open their doors for you to enjoy a leisurely day strolling around the beautiful interiors of the houses and their landscaped gardens.
There have been several affluent families that have made North Norfolk their home over the centuries and built luxurious grand houses amidst well manicured gardens and landscaped parkland that surround the estates. Fascinating for those who are interested in the historic interiors and the architecture of these grand houses. And also for those that are interested in all aspects of gardening; from walled kitchen gardens to well-planted beds and formal gardens with topiary bushes and hedges. A prime example is Holkham Hall.
Holkham Hall located just off A149, 2 miles west of Wells-next-the-Sea along the coastal road. Set in a great park landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, this Palladian mansion was built for Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, to showcase the treasures that he had acquired on his Grand Tour. The house was probably designed by William Kent and was built from 1734 to 1759. The house is built of dun-coloured stone, and the main central block of state apartments has four wings with a central portico.
Holkham is famous for its works of art. The interior is lavish and rich with the alabaster marbled entrance hall and staircase with a gallery that leads to the Saloon of dark red velvet and gold furnished by Kent with Ruben’s painting of The Return from Egypt as its dominant theme. There is a long library with a fine collection of 18th Century books acquired by Thomas Coke in Italy whilst on his Grand Tour in 1715. The house is full of splendid rooms to wander through, taking in this grandeur and style of an Italian palace in this very English countryside setting.
The house and parkland are open to the public from May to September, Sunday to Thursday. There is also a tearoom to enjoy afternoon tea and cakes, as well as a nursery and garden centre for you to buy plants. Holkham Hall has numerous events across the year; from Antique Fairs, Country Shows to a variety of Musical Nights that offer an evening of entertainment in the grounds where you can bring along food and drink, a blanket or chairs to sit on whilst enjoy a concert under the stars. North Norfolk and Holkham are easily accessible by car from Norwich and there is a range of quality hotel accommodation to stay at when holidaying in the area.
