Pictures of Somerleyton Hall

a Historic Building in the town of Somerleyton, in the county of Suffolk

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About Somerleyton Hall

Somerleyton Hall, a splendid Victorian residence of palatial proportions was the creation of Sir Morgan Peto, a clever ex-bricklayer turned railway contractor. He bought what was originally a 17th century house in 1844 when he was only 33, and he then set about bringing it up to date.

It was intended the house provide the inspiration for what was to come, but by the time it was finished, Peto and the sculptor John Thomas, who had been employed to turn the house into a Jacobean Mansion had produced between them an impressive property showing a combination of Victorian, Italian and French styles.

The use of soft, pale Caen stone gives Somerleyton its typical French look, the stone was chosen by Thomas for the ease with which it carved. There is much ornamentation carved on the building, with the most elaborate addressed to the stone connecting screen between the wings in the French Renaissance style - this is in sharp contrast to the Italian looking tower on the opposite side.

To the naked eye the inside of the hall seems somewhat sombre in contrast to the softness of the exterior. Here there is much use of oak panelling, particularly in the 17th century parlour. The richly decorated staircase, hall and dining room all have some original features, but it is the Victorian rooms that are the most impressive. The Victorian entrance Hall has dark oak woodwork relieved by marble panels, Minton floor tiles, and standing beneath the painted dome a stuffed polar bear mingles with elegant statutory!

Sadly, Sir Morgan was not to live out his dream, in 1863 owing to the failure of his business he was forced to sell and the house was bought by the Crossley family, who later became Lords of Somerleyton.

Today, this fine historic home remains in the hands of the Crossley family, the estate is owned and run by Lord Somerleyton, grandson of the original purchaser Sir Francis Crossley, a wealthy carpet manufacturer. All its lavish architectural features remain intact, but the house has been redecorated, and as one would expect, at times new pieces of furniture have been acquired.

Somerleyton Hall is surrounded by lovely pastoral grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll alongside beautifully manicured lawns dotted with ancient trees. There is a rich variety of shrubs and plants, with lots of bright flower borders. The most delightful feature is the yew hedge maze of 1846, this has been keeping visitors to the hall entertained for over 150 years, particularly children who seem to relish getting caught up in its ever decreasing circles!

The gardens have splendid garden statutory and Victorian greenhouses alive with charming flower displays. There is a beautiful walled sunken garden, and a 300 foot long pergola.

For visitors wishing to eat "al fresco" there is a pretty shaded picnic area close to the car park, otherwise for refreshment try the delightful Loggia Tea-Room which serves light lunches and afternoon teas.

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Recommended towns & villages near Somerleyton Hall

	Somerleyton (0.7 miles, 1.1 km) Found nestling in a corner of the north-east Suffolk countryside is the charming, tranquil village of Somerleyton... Information | Pictures (70) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Gorleston-on-Sea (4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE) Quieter than its near neighbour, Gorleston has a prestigious Blue Flag beach which is especially attractive to families... Information | Pictures (121) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Lowestoft (4.4 miles, 7.0 km, direction SE) This is now a sunny holiday resort but for many years fishing played an important part in the history of the development of Lowestoft... Information | Pictures (328) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Toft Monks (4.6 miles, 7.3 km, direction SW) This is a village whose charm is equalled by its quaint name. It is ideally situated close to the beautiful Norfolk Broads in a picturesque region famed for its great pubs, restaurants and attractive shops in pretty market towns... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Reedham (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NW) Reedham is ideally placed for cruising the waters of the Broads National Park, exploring the North Norfolk and North Suffolk coastlines and for discovering the historic city of Norwich... Information | Pictures (39) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Somerleyton Hall

	Fritton Lake Country Park (1.6 miles, 2.5 km, direction N) .. Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels
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Hotels near Somerleyton Hall

Hotels near Somerleyton Hall  Cottages near Somerleyton Hall  Bed & Breakfast near Somerleyton Hall

	Caldecott Hotel Fritton, Norfolk, England (2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction NW) Caldecott Hotel is a 400-acre country estate with scenic views, spa and leisure facilities, and a golf course. Redwings Horse Sanctuary is also located within the estate.... More info and book online..  Price from £55.00
	The Courtyard, Laurel Farm Lowestoft, Suffolk, England (2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction SE) Just 3 miles from Lowestoft beach, the Courtyard at Laurel Farm has en suite bedrooms with luxury Hypnos beds. Set in a rural location, the Norfolk Broads are 1-mile away.... More info and book online..  Price from £90.00
	Premier Inn Lowestoft Lowestoft, Suffolk, England (2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction SE) Lowestoft Premier Inn is just north of the town centre, close to Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and the sea, and very convenient for a journey on the A12.... More info and book online..  Price from £44.00
	Fairways Bed & Breakfast Lowestoft, Suffolk, England (3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction SE) In scenic Oulton Broad, Fairways Bed & Breakfast is just 2 miles from Lowestoft town centre. This 4-star gold guest house offers full English breakfasts, free parking, and bright and cosy rooms with W... More info and book online..  Price from £55.00
	Winelodge Suites Lowestoft, Suffolk, England (3.5 miles, 5.7 km, direction SE) Situated in the Oulton Broad area in Lowestoft, this stylish and modern accommodation offers flat-screen TVs. Winelodge Suites has its own contemporary Wine Bar and Restaurant and free parking.... More info and book online..  Price from £20.00