Hilborough Hall is a significant and architecturally distinguished country home, set within 11 acres and with fine views over neighbouring parkland. The existence of a house on the site can be recorded back to the early 17th century, with the existing hall built in 1779 for Ralph Caldwell, then the agent of Holkham Hall, which clearly provided some of the inspiration including the use of gault brick, and much of the external detailing.....

Described by Nikolaus Pevsner as a ‘strong puritanical block', the house has a fascinating history not least to have been the home of Arthur Wellesley MP, in the mid 19th century, who became the second Duke of Wellington on the death of his father in 1856. The wealthy Mills family were later owners, with Betty & Charlie Mills' life at Hilborough documented in the biography ‘The Lady at the Hall'. The couple were renowned as extravagant and generous hosts, with the house thriving from royal visits and famous guests with photographic evidence of the exceptional and extensive formal and kitchen gardens.

To further heighten the notability of this small part of Norfolk, Hilborough Church, nestled within the park opposite the house and directly in view of the Hall, was presided over by Horatio Nelson's father and his family for almost two centuries, as rectors, with family members buried in the churchyard. The Nelsons left for Burnham Thorpe shortly before the Admiral was born.

The Hall
With a wonderful presence, approached over a long drive, the house stands tall and proud amongst the rural surroundings. The splendour continues internally, with Adamesque decoration, reputedly by William Ivory who was involved in additions and remodelling of Blickling Hall. The principal south and west facing wing hosts the formal entertaining rooms, with a brilliant flow to the layout no doubt enjoyed by drinks parties with the Duke and Mills' guests. The tall sash windows throughout provides pleasing formality and copious amounts of natural light, a hallmark of this architectural period. Of particular note is the exceptional drawing room, running the width of the house at around 12m x 5m, with distinctive decorative plaster work on the ceiling and open fireplace. A fine entrance hall, again with welcoming fireplace, leads on to the formal study, a morning room and staircase hall, with a wonderful dining room further into the house. Beneath the Georgian wing is an original cellar, of around 1500 square feet, barrel vaulted with wine storage, and great scope to be utilised in many ways.

The service wing of the house, linked via wide halls, hidden doors and openings, provide a succession of rooms including kitchens, sculleries and store rooms, with the ground floor as a whole of considerable scale and we draw your attention to the floor plans for an explanation of the accommodation layout.

The bedrooms are spread over the first and second floor, together with a first floor apartment. There are fourteen bedrooms in the main house, served by six bathrooms. These include the principal bedroom, with adjoining dressing room with fitted cupboards and en suite bathroom, and an array of double bedrooms mostly with feature fireplaces and all with delightful views out over the gardens, park and countryside beyond.

A first floor apartment provides a further four rooms and bathroom, which could be used by a housekeeper, nanny or relative, or simply incorporated into the main house. There are elements of the house that are now in need of renovation, refurbishment or improvements. It is important that all interested parties discuss the condition of the house with the selling agent prior to viewing, to understand the levels of work required to return the house to its original glory.

Outside
Hilborough Hall is approached through wrought iron gates on pillars, over a long driveway sweeping through woodland and along the edge of the neighbouring park, before opening out to the house with a gravelled parking and turning area. There are points along the driveway that spur off to storage areas and to the courtyard behind the house.

The gardens are predominately lawned, with an expanse to the west, south and east. The lawns to east stretch away from the house through an avenue of yew, leading to areas of woodland and a former formal pond. The framework of the gardens remain, however much of it is overgrown but not beyond taming particular with the Yew which will regenerate after considerable pruning. Within the hall are photographs of the gardens during their pomp, to provide inspiration of how the 11 acres could be restored. The backdrop of the hall are areas of woodland, with impressive mature trees including oak, beech, lime and firs.

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