Milden Hall
A much-loved and lived-in Grade II* Georgianised 16th-century hall farmhouse
The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9NY
Parking is available close to house entrance. Some shallow gravel. One step to house entrance. Limited wheelchair access, ie to parts of ground floor only of house and barns. For those using walking aids, ie walking stick, much of the tour is at ground level and one set of stairs are fairly shallow.
Spacious downstairs toilet in main house, but no handrails or large levers. Wheelchair-friendly toilet usually available near barn – if this is critical contact us.
The Hall is part of an environmentally-friendly 500-acre working farm, which the family have farmed for over 200 years – the seventh generation is now apprenticed!
Research by the family has revealed the revealed the various owners of Milden since Walter the Deacon in the Domesday survey of 1085, and the de Meldyngge family who built the Norman Castle (now Scheduled Ancient Monument earthworks), through wealthy absentee landowners and charitable families to modern day with mysteries, sad tales, strange co-incidences and much-loved characters.
The imposing Georgian façade of the late Tudor Milden Hall appears to have altered little since the mid-18th century. When viewed from the carriage sweep to the north-east of the house, few clues hint at the building’s earlier origins. The twin cross-wings and unusually well-preserved array of sash windows, including three fine Venetian windows and one trompe-l’oeil, seem at first sight to possess the perfect symmetry expected of Georgian architecture. Close inspection, however, reveals a number of discrepancies. The Georgian grandeur of the front elevation is but skin-deep, and was designed simply to disguise the outmoded proportions of the timber-framed Tudor house that lies within. Features include a very fine staircase with slender balusters, and an embellished arch; cellars, cornices and fireplaces – and half the house remains late Tudor with small rooms, linen-fold panelling and a pantry with old bricks. The walled garden hosts copper beech, tulip and Judas trees and a productive vegetable garden.
Milden Hall is said by architectural historians to preserve one of the finest late 16th and 17th century farmyards in the country, consisting of two large, aisled barns and two cartlodges, one of which contains a first-floor granary. They variously house grain, self-caterers, and the beginning of a modest farm museum.
The Hawkins family are enthusiastic local historians, natural historians and conservationists. They have an eclectic collection of ancient Suffolk maps, books, prints, postcards, art (including an interesting collection of Harry Becker pictures), and field-walked artefacts from the Stone Age to World War II. The farm retains ancient wildflower meadows, species-rich hedges and ponds alive with wildlife. Guests may feel overwhelmed by the infectious enthusiasm that the Hawkins have for Milden Hall and every man and beast who has ever inhabited the house and surrounding countryside!
Tours include seasonal refreshments and sometimes optional lunch, supper (home-grown) and Suffolk wine-tasting.
Please note that Milden Hall is NOT in the town of Mildenhall which is 25 miles further north. It is close to Lavenham, Suffolk.
Instagram: @mildentudorbarnandbunkhouse
Tours that are scheduled will be listed below. If none are scheduled yet, please check back later, or find other tours you might enjoy on our tours listing page here.
Parking is available close to house entrance. Some shallow gravel. One step to house entrance. Limited wheelchair access, ie to parts of ground floor only of house and barns. For those using walking aids, ie walking stick, much of the tour is at ground level and one set of stairs are fairly shallow.
Spacious downstairs toilet in main house, but no handrails or large levers. Wheelchair-friendly toilet usually available near barn – if this is critical contact us.
Your whole approach to life is inspirational – you have done amazing things with Milden Hall and have created an earthly paradise ….
Thank you for a lovely day at your home and magnificent barn (what a treasure the barn is). My friend and I both thought it was one of the most interesting and enjoyable visits we have done. Thanks again for your hospitality. Fascinating history and family, I loved hearing all about it.
We had a fantastic morning at Milden Hall. It was informative, interesting and funny. They are a charming couple who know how to keep their guests entertained. It was fascinating to hear about the long history of the family, house and barns. We really enjoyed it and tea and cake was most delicious.
Kay and I so enjoyed our visit to your Barn yesterday, and I know the other members felt the same way. Best visit we've had was a common comment. Thank you and Christopher so much for a lovely day.
Getting here
The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9NY