Centuries-old manor blending historical essence with a millennium's backdrop, featuring a medieval moat, a sparkling pool, and a lively party barn.
Hempnalls Hall, a Grade II-listed manor house, stands proudly in mid Suffolk, boasting a rich history that spans over a thousand years. The manor, adorned with a fine, 16th-century, crow-stepped red-brick gable end, offers a glimpse into the past while providing modern comforts for its current owners[1].
The origins of Hempnalls Hall can be traced back to the Domesday period, where it was held by Robert Malet[2]. Over the centuries, the manor has been under the ownership of several notable figures and families. Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's brother-in-law, Sir Charles Brandon, and William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, are among those who have claimed Hempnalls Hall as their own[2].
In the 1400s, Sir John Fastolf of Caister Castle owned the manor, and Sir John Paston, author of the Paston Letters, succeeded him[2]. The Clere family likely built the present Hempnalls Hall in the 17th century[1], while Edward Venn, a London tea broker, acquired it in 1828[1]. The manor was also held by the Wroth, Goate, Clarke, and Matthew families in the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries[2].
The current Hempnalls Hall, standing on 10 acres of gardens, woodland, paddocks, and flower meadows, has been the home of its current owners since the 1990s[1]. They have continued the restoration efforts initiated in the 1980s[1].
The manor house features entrance and rear halls, three reception rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room, five bedrooms, and three bath/shower rooms[1]. Outbuildings include a one-bedroom coach-house annexe, a party barn, games room, swimming pool, garaging, a further large barn, stabling, and stores[1].
Despite its long and storied history, comprehensive details on the manor's ownership history from the Domesday Book to the present day are not easily found in the available search results. Further research in local historical records, county archives in Suffolk, or specialized historical texts on Suffolk manor houses would likely provide a more complete picture of Hempnalls Hall's provenance over the centuries[2].
Currently, Hempnalls Hall is for sale for the first time in 23 years, with a guide price of £1.95 million[1]. This historic manor house offers a unique opportunity for someone to become a part of its long and rich history.
[1] Savills. (2021). Hempnalls Hall. Retrieved from https://www.savills.co.uk/property-search/property/hempnalls-hall-hempnalls-heath-suffolk-ip14-5jq-hempnalls-heath-suffolk-ip14-5jq
[2] Suffolk County Council. (n.d.). Hempnalls Hall. Retrieved from https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/archives/archives-and-local-studies/archives-and-archives-research/archives-research/historic-buildings-and-monuments/listing/hempnalls-hall-hempnalls-heath-ip14-5jq
The historic manor house, Hempnalls Hall, has been under the ownership of various renowned figures such as Sir John Fastolf, Anne of Cleves, and William de la Pole, indicating a lifestyle steeped in aristocracy and history. Presently, this financial investment opportunity comes in the form of a property listing with a guide price of £1.95 million, offering a unique chance to become a part of its rich history. The property includes a home-and-garden with outbuildings like a coach-house annexe, party barn, games room, swimming pool, and stabling, complementing a modern lifestyle while maintaining its historical charm.
