Words by Charlie Matthews
Travel along north Norfolk’s idyllic winding hedgerow lanes, bursting with the technicolour of rapeseed fields and bluebell dappled woodland, and you’ll discover the award-winning Wolterton Hall. Those looking for a countryside escape that’s lavished in history and homely grandeur will be suitably amazed by this stay.
Property
Wolterton Hall is a Georgian estate, renowned as one of the four 18th century powerhouses of Norfolk. Built in 1741 by Horatio Walpole, brother of Britain’s first Prime Minister, it was purchased by design connoisseurs Peter Sheppard and Keith Day in 2016, and their ambitious and opulent renovation can be felt throughout, an architectural awakening of a sleeping beauty.
If you’d ever dreamt of occupying an entire wing of an historic and stately home, the spectacular East Wing is available for both short and long stays. This seven-bedroomed house is furnished with contemporary and old master paintings, with unspoilt views of the grounds, wildlife and private lake.
With elegant, original Regency furniture reflecting the property’s important heritage, Venetian influence is also evident in light fittings and styling throughout. You’ll find it hard to resist a soiree in the iconic drawing room, with its vibrant yellow walls, crackling open fire, and huge 19th century portrait of Lady Walpole herself. A large Suzani ottoman centralises the room and is perfect for your canine companions to relax on, or to sprawl some of the endless books on offer from the library bookcase nearby.
Rooms
Spoilt for choice with bedrooms, each one boasts carefully curated antiques that surprise and delight, combined with the homely touch of sisal carpets and handpicked flowers from the gardens outside.
All bedrooms are sumptuously decorated and furnished with Colefax and Fowler fabrics, Persian rugs, and artwork curated by the owners. Whimsical chandeliers take elegant stage in the rooms, and a spiral flight of stairs take you to a particularly special dwelling – a tower with a canopy bed, proudly topped with a corona reputedly owned by Lady Annabel Goldsmith, and offering the most exquisite view of the estate.
To go the extra grandeur mile during your stay, the George III four poster bedroom is also a must for afternoon daydreaming. What’s more, the bathrooms are a marble masterpiece, paying homage to the proprietors’ design led vision with bold play on colour palette and scale. Rainfall Hansgrohe showers, freestanding cast iron baths and Hermes toiletries will have you starting every day luxuriously refreshed and invigorated.
Food and drink
A basement dining room calls for decadent feasts by candlelight, cornered by marble busts and Fortuny curtains, while the Smallbone Brasserie kitchen, with its aquamarine aga oven and statement 16th century farmhouse table, has all the sociable warmth and charm for a day well spent. With all the utensils and facilities to make a budding chef envious, you can cook to your heart’s content with Le Creuset pots and pans, or take advantage of the concierge service to book a private chef for a truly lavish meal. Using seasonal and local produce, Wolterton’s culinary team rival those of Michelin standard.
To do
Located in beautiful north Norfolk, Wolterton Hall provides peace, tranquillity, and an opportunity to appreciate the estate’s natural beauty and historical importance. Guests are free to explore over 500 acres of stunning parkland and gardens, including East Anglia’s largest walled garden.
A concierge service is available to pad out your itinerary further, with enviable activities including horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paddleboard yoga, canoeing on the private lake, croquet on the lawn, and even a private tour of the main hall by Peter and Keith themselves. Something not to miss out on and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Future plans on the estate include the build of tennis courts and a swimming pool, which will only add to this countryside utopia.
Those wanting to make day trips away from the estate can also drive to the two market towns of Holt and Aylsham with ease. Known for their antique and interior shops, you might find yourself going on a spree inspired by Wolterton Hall itself.
In a nutshell
The East Wing at Wolterton Hall manages to blend a sense of the epic with a warmth, tranquillity and welcome. To feel like you’re at home in such grand surroundings is testament of the concierge hosting and unique touches, and is an experience unlikely to be forgotten.
Factbox
Address: Wolterton Park, Norfolk, NR11 7LY
Phone: 01263 768966
Email: info@woltertonpark.co.uk
Website: woltertonpark.co.uk
All imagery credit: Wolterton Park/Wolterton Hall
