Hales Hall Estate

A 15th-Century Norfolk Estate



This dramatic medieval estate in Norfolk was built in 1478 but was recently restored and converted into a boutique rental. Set in formal gardens and surrounded by wild meadows, the main hall plus two additional dwellings accommodate up to 25 guests, making it a wonderful vacation home rental in England for large groups.



The stately Hales Hall, just outside of Loddon in Norfolk, is what remains of a Tudor mansion built in 1478 by Sir James Hobart, Attorney General to Henry VII. Unsurprisingly, it's a lavish affair. There are three residences on the estate (the main six-bedroom Hall, the Gatehouse and the Cottage), as well as nine-acre grounds with sweeping lawns, a mixed orchard, copious topiary, numerous seating areas and barbecues, a small moat, and the Great Barn, which at 184ft is the largest brick-built Tudor barn in England. 

The main Hall sleeps 14 guests and is a great space for entertaining. The ground floor has an entrance hall, two drawing rooms and a dining hall. The first floor has a music room with a mini grand piano, card table and TV, as well as a reading landing and four bedrooms. The second floor has three additional bedrooms. It's a home meant to be savored and is easily a destination in itself. We love the faithful restoration, with exposed brick walls, oak floors and claw-foot, roll-top baths. But we also love the attention to creature comforts; each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with modern amenities like rainfall showers and walk-in wet rooms.

The Gatehouse sleeps two guests. On its ground floor you'll find a large kitchen with a modern range cooker and American-style fridge-freezer, as well as a tiled rainfall shower room with underfloor heating. The living room is built around a large open fireplace, and windows offer beautiful views of the estate's grounds. The upstairs bedroom has oak floors and wooden beams, as well as an antique four-poster bed and freestanding roll-top bath set under a chandelier on a raised dais. ​​

The cottage sleeps five guests in three bedrooms, one single on the ground floor and two doubles upstairs. Each has its own character, and views of the surrounding garden and undulating farmland. Details we like include brick exterior walls with pretty climbing roses, a private walled courtyard garden, original wattle-and-daub ceilings in parts of the home, wooden beams, original wooden doors and striking tiled floors.

LOCATION

Hales Hall is located just south of the small market town of Loddon, and about 15 miles southeast of Norwich. The property is surrounded by unspoiled countryside, farms, and woodland, and is just a short drive from the Broads National Park and spectacular (often unpopulated) sandy beaches. Southwold, on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is about 17 miles away.

For a novel route to the Broads, the owners suggest taking the Reedham Chain Ferry across the River Yare. Explore the waterways on foot or take to a kayak or canoe. This is also a great region for exploring by bike.

For arts and culture (or retail therapy), the cathedral city of Norwich is within easy reach. And the region has a growing reputation for food - with great pubs and restaurants, cafes and farm shops. The market towns of Beccles and Bungay are both 5 miles away. The nearest shop is 0.7 miles away, and the nearest pub 1.9 miles.

LOCATION

Loddon, Norfolk, England, UK. Nearest airport: Norwich (15 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The garden is beautiful in summer, countryside walks and fireside comfort, meadows and woodland bursting into life in the spring, and local produce at its best in the autumn.