Delve into the histories of a selection of Norfolk’s country houses, with a special focus on those still in private ownership
Enjoy marvellous architecture such as Arts & Crafts aesthetics at Voewood House, the rare moated design of Mannington Hall, and the grandeur of Sennowe Park – Edwardian home of Thomas Albert Cook
Discover fine examples of neo-Palladian architecture and beautiful gardens of Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall
“Andrew was outstanding. He knows his subject extremely well and puts over the information brilliantly, [and] above all, he is happy to engage with participants individually which enhances the trip enormously. It was a privilege to gain entry to private homes, all the couples who invited us in were delightful and the refreshments laid on were a bonus”
ACE customer on Country Houses of North Norfolk 2025 led by Andrew Taylor
This tour will consider the histories of the owners and families who have shaped these great estates, exploring their art collections and architecture. Throughout, we will enjoy the hospitality that many of these fine Norfolk country houses were originally designed for, and have continued to offer during the course of their illustrious lives.
Both Holkham and Houghton showcase the work of William Kent, the eminent architect of buildings, landscapes and interiors who pioneered the Palladian style in 18th century Britain. A particular hidden treasure at Holkham Hall is its Library, and we look forward to a special opportunity to view some items from the collection of rare books and manuscripts compiled by the Earls of Leicester. Still in the ownership of the Coke family, the Holkham estate is a superlative example of a thriving rural enterprise building on its rich heritage and outstanding coastal location.
Houghton Hall was constructed in the 1720s to house Walpole’s great collection of Old Master paintings, later sold to Catherine the Great. The estate is home to the Cholmondeley family who have since commissioned a number of contemporary sculptures by artists including James Turrell, to stand in the 18th century parkland designed by Charles Bridgeman.
Our tour also examines other eras famous for country house construction in north Norfolk. Hindringham Hall is a moated Tudor manor house originally built for Martin Hastings, a courtier to Henry Fitzroy, illegitimate son of Henry VIII, using reclaimed stone from local dissolved monasteries.
Voewood House is an exquisitely restored Grade II listed Arts & Crafts home designed to a rare ‘butterfly’ pattern and boasting unique interiors as well as lovely grounds. Appropriately for a cultural tour, Sennowe Park was built in the Edwardian era for Thomas Albert Cook, grandson of travel and holiday pioneer Thomas Cook, and is still a family home to his descendants. We look forward to enjoying refreshments served in the elegant Winter Garden following our exclusive tour with the owner. At Sheringham Hall, meanwhile, we will admire its elegant Regency architecture alongside wonderful parklands landscaped by Humphrey Repton who described it as ‘my favourite and darling child in Norfolk’.
This tour will be based at the four-star Pheasant Hotel, a comfortable and relaxing country house hotel close to Holt and Blakeney in the heart of North Norfolk.
Andrew Taylor
Andrew Taylor works as a rare book dealer, researcher and cataloguer at Voewood House in Norfolk.
Our Tour Director is Andrew Taylor, BD, MA, a lecturer and experienced tour leader with expertise in the architecture and art collections of the English country house. He studied at the University of St Andrews, UEA and Birkbeck, University of London, and also works as a rare book dealer, researcher and cataloguer at Voewood House in Norfolk. A resident of North Norfolk, Andrew looks forward to taking an ACE group behind closed doors as we explore this handpicked selection of private houses.
5
£1995
CHNO-26
This tour is fully booked.
Please contact the office on 01223 841055 to be added to the waiting list.
Included: accommodation based on sharing a classic twin or double bedded room, four breakfasts, four dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, classic double room for single use supplement £225, superior double room for single use supplement £290, deluxe double room for single use supplement £370.
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