NHER 2775 (Building record) - Letton Hall

An important country house designed by Sir John Soane in 1783 to 1789, his first private house.
Brick with stone dressings and slate roof.
Main block is square, 3 bays and 3 storeys, with basement, originally with lower services to the west.
The entrance façade was altered in the 19th century by replacing the porch and extending the library.
Deep central porch with Doric columns.
Above the 1st floor balustrade, the arch of Soane's recessed central bay is just visible.
19th century extension on the east façade with a large Venetian window which formerly led to a conservatory.
The services are now around a courtyard to the west.
Interior has a fine hall staircase, and original plasterwork and chimney pieces in several rooms.
The walled gardens are probably by Soane.
Stables are of about 1880, three sides are attached to the 18th centruy walled garden. Giant pilasters and open pediment, with single storeyed side wings.
Thatched garden house with stained glass windows to north of hall is dated 1882, when Edward Boardman designed a new formal garden layout.
See (S1), (S2) and (S3) for further listing details.

1970s or 80s. Alan Carter Norwich Survey.
See (S4), which includes (S5).
T.E. Miller (NLA), 19 April 2006.

(S6) notes that Soane designed a number of houses in East Anglia during the 1780s, a period when his mature and refined Neoclassical style was developing. Letton was the first country house designed by Soane, and the outbuildings are an early example of the axial arrangement he later used at other country houses.
See (S6).

The Hall is now used as a Christian conference centre.
S. Spooner (NLA) September 2005.

Hall is grade II*, walled garden and garden house are each grade II.
E. Rose (NLA), 11 July 2005.

Soane largely reused bricks from the earlier demolished building.
Information from (S7).
E. Rose (NLA), April 2008.

Publication (S8).
D. Gurney (HES), 20 December 2011.