Houghton Hall, English country house in Houghton, England
Houghton Hall is an 18th-century country house in Houghton, in the northeast of Norfolk county, composed of a central Palladian block with four corner towers and two side wings. The interiors contain gilded salons, carved woodwork, and a large dining hall with high ceilings and wall paintings.
Britain's first prime minister commissioned the construction of this house in 1722, with work continuing until 1735. The original art collection was later sold, but the family retained the estate to the present day.
The name comes from the Saxon term for a rise or hill, referring to the gentle elevation where the estate stands. Visitors today also see a herd of white deer in the park, kept for centuries as part of the aristocratic tradition.
Most visitors reach the house from King's Lynn in about 20 minutes by car or taxi. The paths in the park are mostly wide and level, while the main building has steps at the entrance.
The basement contains a rare Georgian era grotto built with shells and crystals as decoration. This artificial cave was a popular retreat for social gatherings during that period.
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