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Norfolk has many historic
houses, stately homes and halls. Listed below are some of the most
popular ones, but there are references to many more under our towns
and villages section.
Sandringham
Sandringham
is probably Norfolk’s
most famous country estate, and covers an area of 600 acres. Bought
by Queen Victoria in 1862 for the Prince of Wales, the original
house was knocked down and the present mansion was built. The house
has always been a particular favourite with the Royal Family, and
both George V and George VI died within its walls. The house and
gardens are open to the public when the Royal Family are not in
residence.
Museums that were old stables and coach houses now display family
possessions. These include many vehicles, from the first car owned
by a British monarch, to a half scale Aston Martin.
Blickling Hall
Blickling
Hall dates from the early 17th century, and the whole estate covers
an area of 4,777 acres. Owned by the National Trust, Blickling
Hall has a fine collection of furniture, pictures, tapestries, a
shop, restaurant and tea-room, and a secret garden.
Holkham Hall
Holkham
Hall is considered one of the finest stately homes in the country.
It was built by Thomas Coke (first Earl of Leicester), in the mid
18th century. Since then, seven generations of Earls of Leicester
have lived in the hall.
There is a stunning marble hall and magnificent state-rooms, and
the 3,000 acre park is home to roughly 800 fallow deer. The deer
park is open every day apart from Christmas day, with free unlimited
access. As well as wandering around the house and park, visitors
can also look at the stables, coach house, a working pottery and
a museum of vehicles, with rural and domestic bygones.
Oxburgh Hall
Oxburgh
Hall was built by the Bedingfield family in 1482, and is now a National
Trust property. It is a well kept and elegant moated manor house,
with a magnificent Tudor gatehouse, and is available to hire for
private functions.
Felbrigg Hall
Felbrigg Hall stands within 1,750 acres of ground, and still contains
its original 18th century furniture, with gothic style library and
a fine collection of paintings. There is a 500 acre wood, with many
walks leading to the lakeside.
Houghton Hall
Houghton
Hall is a fine example of palladium architecture. There is a park
with rare white deer, walled gardens, museum, tea-room and gift
shop.
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