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Ickworth House
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| Long Melford |
Historic buildings, antiques,
shopping, good food or fashion, the village of Long Melford
has something to offer everyone. Set in the Stour Valley the
area was much loved by John Constable who featured the River
Stour in many of his paintings.
Long Melford's origins go back to medieval times. In Tudor days
it was a busy village and continues to be so today. Hall Street
is the main street in the village and is a very long and wide
street offering ample parking on either side. Black and white
Tudor-beamed, Georgian and Victorian buildings line the street.
As you browse the shops and in particular the many antique shops
you will sense a feeling of familiarity. The reason for this
is that many featured in the TV series "Lovejoy" starring
Ian McShane, much of the series was filmed in the area.
There are two stately homes close to Long Melford. Melford Hall,
still home to the Hyde Parker family, but now owned by the National
Trust.
The parkland of Melford Hall is the setting the Long Melford
Country Fair in June, and for the "Big Night Out" on
the first Friday in November. (See entertainments
guide for details). |
Looking down the drive at Kentwell Hall
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The second local stately home
is Kentwell Hall a moated Tudor mansion. Privately-owned, it
is the home of Patrick Phillips and his family, they still live
here. Patrick bought the house in the 1970s, it had been badly
neglected and he has over the years restored it and also added
to its décor. The hall and it's grounds regularly play
host to a wide variety of events from concerts to re-enactment
days. There is also a farm with rare breeds of animals.
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| Still in regular use the grand
fireplace in the kitchen at Kentwell Hall |
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| Kentwell Hall can lay claim to
some fantastic gardens both formal and informal plus woodland
walks. |
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Close by are: The historic and
beautiful town of Lavenham, 5 miles; The charming village of
Kersey where the River Brett forms a ford across the main street;
3 miles to the south is Sudbury birthplace of another great
Suffolk painter, Thomas Gainsborough and 12 miles to the north
is the history rich cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds.
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Find out more about LongMelford at the excellent www.longmelford.co.uk
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