Historic manor combines centuries of past with modern amenities such as a swimming pool and a party barn, featuring a medieval moat.
Hempnalls Hall, a Grade II-listed dwelling nestled in mid Suffolk, has a rich and intriguing history that spans several centuries. The manor house, boasting over 3,500 sq ft of living space, is situated 3/4 miles from the ancient village of Cotton and 7 miles north of Stowmarket.
The manor's origins can be traced back to the Domesday period, where it was held by Robert Malet. Over the following centuries, Hempnalls Hall changed hands numerous times, with the Clere family likely building the present structure in 1606.
One of the most notable owners was Sir John Fastolf, a military leader and courtier, who spent a fortune on the upkeep of Hempnalls Hall in the mid-1400s. Fastolf, who served as a model for Shakespeare's Falstaff, acquired the manor house during his time.
Following Fastolf, Sir John Paston, author of the Paston Letters, succeeded him at Hempnalls Hall. Henry VIII's brother-in-law, Sir Charles Brandon, later acquired the property but stripped it of materials.
The manor house saw a period of dereliction after the Second World War, serving as a grain store for 30 years. It was not until the 1970s and 1980s that successive owners undertook an extensive programme of restoration on Hempnalls Hall.
In 1828, Hempnalls Hall was acquired by Edward Venn, who owned the property for several generations. The front elevation of the manor house boasts fine panelled plasterwork from the 1980s restoration.
The current owners have been in possession of Hempnalls Hall since the 1990s and have continued the restoration of the house and grounds. The manor house features three floors, including entrance and rear halls, three reception rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room, five bedrooms, and three bath/shower rooms.
The manor house also includes a range of outbuildings, such as a one-bedroom coach-house annexe, a party barn, games room, swimming pool, garaging, a further large barn, stabling, and stores. The manor house is currently on the market with a guide price of £1.95 million.
For a more comprehensive timeline of Hempnalls Hall's ownership, it is recommended to consult Suffolk county archives or local history centers, British History Online or Victoria County History for Suffolk, Land Registry records for recent ownership, and historical texts specific to the Hempnalls area.
William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, was born at Hempnalls Hall in 1396, adding to the manor's historical significance. Hempnalls Hall offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Suffolk and its grand manor houses.
The manor's significant history includes ownership by military leader and courtier, Sir John Fastolf, who invested a fortune in its upkeep. Future owners may find interest in the financial aspects of Hempnalls Hall's restoration, as well as its impact on the home-and-garden landscape, given the extensive restoration works in the 1970s and 1980s, and the ongoing maintenance by the current owners. The manor's rich lifestyle history, combined with its real-estate value, makes it an unique investment opportunity for history enthusiasts and property buyers.
