An opulent stately home in the U.K. that has won awards for its stellar restoration has come to the open market for the first time in history for £25 million [US$31.8 million].
The palatial property, known as Wolterton Park, has stood in the Norfolk countryside since the first half of the 1700s, according to the listing with Strutt & Parker, which listed the home over the weekend.
It was built for Horatio Walpole, the brother of the country’s first Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole and godfather of Horatio Nelson—the famed Royal Navy commander for whom Nelson’s Column in London’s Trafalgar Square was built to commemorate—who regularly stayed at the stately home.
Wolterton Park remained in the family hands for centuries, until it was bought by owners, Peter Sheppard and Keith Day, in 2016, following three decades of the building being uninhabited.
“People say it a lot but it really was a sleeping beauty, and for that we are fortunate,” said Sheppard, whose upcoming coffee table book “The Book of Wolterton” will document the house’s transformation. “The house had been completely shut-up for 30 years, which meant much of it was perfectly preserved and ripe for restoration. There was nothing that needed ripping out as so many houses of this age do.”
Christopher Horwood
Their work has been recognized by the U.K.’s Historic Houses Association, which awarded Shepard and Day the 2022 Restoration Award, and by the Georgian Group, which announced them as winners of its Restoration of a Georgian Country House award that same year.
Today, the house oozes well-to-do historic charm, with eight, grand state rooms serving as the centerpiece of the property.
The so-called Saloon is the largest and most magnificent of them, with ornate cornicing and plasterwork, an impressive fireplace, three full-height sash windows and a south-facing balcony that looks out over the surrounding landscape, according to the listing.
Other rooms feature original paneling, crisply carved fireplaces, secret doors, walls hung with linen and marble floors.
Christopher Horwood
The house also boasts a library with two secret cocktail cabinets; a stylish kitchen; a butler’s kitchen; a flower and china room with access to the silver safe; and a bathroom with a champagne fridge.
Plus there’s two separate wine cellars—one for red wine and port, one for white wine and champagne; a home cinema; and a tunnel that leads from the house to the stable block.
“Wolterton Park is one of the finest stately homes of not only Norfolk, but arguably England, and a rarity in that it exists in private ownership,” said listing agent Tom Goodley, head of Norfolk agency at Strutt & Parker. “This sale marks the first time the estate has come to the open market in the property’s history, only exchanging once prior in a private capacity.”
The seven-year restoration “has been the best project of our lives,” Sheppard said. “It has been a challenging journey at times, but it is incredibly rewarding to have restored the Hall and its buildings to their original beauty.”
We are thrilled to unveil the winners of the highly anticipated 2023 Travel Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate and recognize the exceptional properties that go above and beyond, providing outstanding dog-friendly experiences.
This year’s awards featured a range of categories, and the winners were selected based on their commitment to delivering unforgettable stays for both two-legged and four-legged guests.
Best Waggy Tail Welcome – Bearslake Inn, Devon
Bearslake Inn in Devon, a Grade II-listed former longhouse situated in the heart of Dartmoor has truly earned its title as the winner of the Best Waggy Tail Welcome category. From the moment guests and their furry friends step through the doors, they are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable stay. The inn’s dedication to creating a pet-friendly environment is evident in every detail with dogs being offered fabulous treats in the bar doggie hamper, blankets, and bowls as well as cuddles. But best of all is its fabulous location in Dartmoor – a paradise for pets.
Best in Show – The Mole Resort, Devon The Mole Resort in Devon, luxury dog-friendly, eco-lodges set on a 125-acre estate in Devonshire countryside has captured the hearts of pet owners with its exceptional dog-friendly offerings earning it the prestigious title of Best in Show. This resort truly loves dogs, believing they are part of the family and ensuring that every canine guest receives a wonderful welcome pack including plant-based treats, hemp toy and blanket, a dog bowl, there’s even a dog washing station for dogs after busy days of walks on the magnificent estate. The Mole Resort stands as a shining example of excellence in dog-friendly travel.
Most Luxe Property – Fowey Hall, Cornwall
Fowey Hall, a grand, family and dog-friendly luxury hotel in Cornwall with fabulous sea views has redefined luxury in the world of pet-friendly travel, earning the esteemed title of Most Luxe Property. This exquisite hotel sees pets as very much part of the family and offers a lavish retreat for pooches guests offering them a five-star experience with cosy beds, snuggly blankets, tailored dog packs, their own afternoon tea as well as A La Bark dinner. Fowey Hall sets the standard for pet-friendly luxury, providing a truly indulgent experience for all.
Best for Pet Perks – Homewood Hotel & Spa, Somerset
Homewood Hotel & Spa stands out as the Best for Pet Perks, going above and beyond to pamper furry guests with special amenities and services. Describing themselves as ‘dog mad’ pet perks they offer include a fabulous doggie agility course, vegan cheesy popcorn on arrival, plush bed, toys, doggy sitters, doggy robes and towels and even bespoke hampers for doggie birthdays! This delightful hotel ensures that pets are treated like royalty. With a focus on creating memorable moments for both pets and their owners, Homewood Hotel & Spa sets a high bar for pet-friendly hospitality.
Best Gourmet Getaway – The Retreat at Elcot Park, Berkshire
The Retreat at Elcot Park, a beautiful Regency hotel in Berkshire, once home to Percy Shelley, tantalizes taste buds and pampers pets with its culinary excellence, earning it the title of Best Gourmet Getaway. This super stylish hotel offers sensational food from breakfast to supper, including a sumptuous breakfast buffet, afternoon tea and delicious supper menus. Guests can savour delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients while their furry companions enjoy special pet-friendly treats. This retreat provides a symphony of flavours that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.
Best for Walks – Cromlix, Perthshire
Cromlix, a historic mansion and Estate in Perthshire owned by Kim and Andy Murray has been recognized as the Best for Walks, offering an array of stunning walking opportunities that delight both humans and their canine companions. There are 34 acres of private grounds and woodlands, including a Rhododendron walk to the loch, a walk around the kitchen gardens and there’s even a running trail for active dogs. With picturesque trails and breathtaking vistas, this property invites guests to explore the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It’s a haven for adventurers seeking memorable walks in a dog-friendly environment.
Most Breathtaking View – Luccombe Manor Country House Hotel, Isle of Wight
Luccombe Manor Country House Hotel has captivated guests with its awe-inspiring vistas, earning the esteemed title of Most Breathtaking View. This hotel is perched on the cliff edge in Shanklin with sweeping views across Sandown Bay. You can see East Sussex in the distance, with its stunning natural surroundings, which makes Luccombe Manor a sanctuary for dog lovers seeking the beauty of the great outdoors. The hotel is super dog-friendly with directors Clare and Steve, who have 10 dogs between them, believing that their furry guests create a lovely atmosphere.
We are proud to partner with these exceptional properties, showcasing their dedication to creating memorable and inclusive stays for all guests. The 2023 Travel Awards winners embody the essence of what it means to be dog-friendly, and their commitment to excellence sets the standard for the industry.
“We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Travel Awards, recognising the properties that have truly excelled in offering exceptional dog-friendly experiences,” says Co-founder Karen Hanton at PetsPyjamas. “These awards showcase the dedication of our partners to ensuring that pets and their owners can enjoy unforgettable stays together. We congratulate all the winners for their outstanding contributions to the world of dog-friendly travel.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 Travel Awards and look forward to another year of providing pet owners with unparalleled travel experiences.