A distinguished Edwardian country house, crafted for the heir to the immense income of Thomas Cook's empire.
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Sennowe Park, a picturesque Georgian-Edwardian country house nestled in the heart of Great Ryburgh, Norfolk, has a rich and layered history. While the often-cited date for the house's original construction is 1774, stronger circumstantial evidence suggests it was built around 1791-92 by Thomas Wodehouse, the youngest son of Sir Armine Wodehouse of Kimberley Hall, Norfolk.
In the late 18th century, the manor of Sennowe was inherited by Mary Bacon, Thomas Wodehouse's aunt. Although Mary lived in London and did not reside at Sennowe, she conveyed her Norfolk lands to Thomas upon her death in 1791, enabling him to develop the property.
The original house took the form of a regular box, five window bays deep with a low hipped roof. The new building at Sennowe Park was executed in a Wren-like combination of red brick and Clipsham stone, with the central front door set in a projecting and faceted bow that rose the full height of the building.
In the early 20th century, Sennowe Park underwent a significant transformation under the guidance of the Norwich architect George Skipper. This Edwardian remodeling preserved and incorporated the Georgian fabric of the original structure while exemplifying the luxurious architectural tastes of the period. As a result, Sennowe Park became one of Britain's most magnificent and well-preserved Edwardian country houses.
Thomas Albert Cook, a banker who purchased the property, was a man of diverse interests. He was an avid shooter, a skilled carriage driver, and a sailor on the Broads, owning a Broads cruiser, Madge, which he purchased in 1910.
George Skipper, a local architect born in East Dereham, less than 10 miles away from Sennowe Park, was instructed to transform the estate. His work at Sennowe Park is quintessentially Edwardian and opulent, with references stretching from Mesopotamia to the Art Nouveau.
The estate was described as a 'highly important residential and sporting estate' with 'two long, beautiful carriage drives... fruit gardens, extensive glass houses, orchards etc.'. Over the years, the house has had various tenants and owners, including Col Smith, Joseph Scott, Col Fitzroy, and William Budd.
In 1887, Sennowe Park was sold to Bernard le Neve Foster, a director of a hat-manufacturing firm. Foster conducted agricultural experiments and experiments in pisciculture on the estate. In 1899, he put the estate on the market.
Sennowe Lodge was offered for rent early in 1822, with advertisements describing it as a well-arranged mansion house with extensive facilities and exclusive sporting opportunities. Foster's sale of the estate marked the beginning of a new chapter in Sennowe Park's history.
Thomas Wodehouse, the original builder of Sennowe Park, was a lawyer who later became a gentleman of the Privy Chamber to George III. Today, Sennowe Park stands as a well-preserved Edwardian country house, a testament to the architectural and historical significance of Norfolk.
References: 1. Sennowe Park - British Listed Buildings 2. Sennowe Park - Historic England 3. Sennowe Park - Norfolk Hidden Gems
- Investing in real-estate, Thomas Albert Cook, a banker, purchased Sennowe Park, transforming it into one of Britain's most magnificent Edwardian country houses.
- When traveling through Norfolk, lifestyle enthusiasts can explore Sennowe Park, a stunning example of Edwardian architecture, that offers insights into the region's rich history of finance and property development.
