Latest News from Somerleyton...

BBC ONE’s Antiques Roadshow visits Somerleyton Hall

BBC One’s ever popular Antiques Roadshow, filmed at Somerleyton Hall in September 2009, is provisionally scheduled to be broadcast in March 2010. Please check here for confirmation of the exact date nearer the time.

This will be presenter Fiona Bruce’s second year with the Roadshow and she says, “Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is, for me, one of those rare and very lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch. Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating. And everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the 'what's it worth? moment. The AR isn't just about antiques - it's history, beauty and drama all wrapped up in one.'

Some of Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists were on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who were invited to raid their attics and bring along their family heirlooms, household treasures and car boot bargains for inspection by the experts.

The last series, watched by an average of over seven and half million viewers, included a glass vase bought for a £1 which later sold for £36,000, rare watercolours by an important American artist found on a tip, and that maquette of the Angel of the North valued at £1million. So it’s no wonder that the team couldn’t wait to get going and unearth more treasures from around the country.

For further information press can contact:
Olwen Gillespie, Antiques Roadshow,     
antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk
Tel: 0117 974 2395

Estate Larder Survey - we want your views...

At Somerleyton we are developing our larder of locally produced foods with a view to offer a range of products to the community. Please let us know which items would be of interest to you by completing our very quick online survey - it only takes a minute!

Take the survey

Marco Pierre White visits Somerleyton and Fritton House for his ‘Great British Feast’ series.

As acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White journeys the UK to find the best ingredients and recipes for his Great British Feast, it’s no surprise that the historic Somerleyton Estate on the Norfolk/Suffolk border has become his latest port of call

Marco and his team visited Somerleyton to shoot an episode featuring wild food from the country’s larder. With the help of Estate gamekeeper, Arthur Whymark and deer warden, Mark Burrage, Marco created a new dish of Squirrel with Walnuts, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients from the estate – including a few resident squirrels of course!

Marco commented: “I was surprised to discover that squirrel is considered a delicacy in certain parts of the UK and quite widely eaten - having tried it I can see why. We tend to be squeamish about eating this small mammal but, when you think about it, it’s no different to eating rabbit.”

The Somerleyton visit and squirrel dish, cooked in the Fritton House kitchens is featured in the next episode, showing on ITV1 on 16th July. The recipe can also be found on the ITV website. Somerleyton enjoys an enviable reputation for fine food, both in terms of the Estate’s produce and the exciting menus at award-winning hotel Fritton House and the nearby gastro-pub, the Dukes’ Head.

Woodland Lodges featured in 'Grazia' magazine

We are happy to report that our Woodland lodges at Fritton lake were recently featured in Grazia magazine as this month's Hot Travel Trend!

• Read the full article (pdf, 500k)

Spooky Fund Raiser at Somerleyton

Forty fearless phantom finders were greeted by some spooky goings on at a charity haunted house night at Somerleyton Hall.

Radio Broadland hosted the event with TV psychic investigator Lizzie Falconer and historian Nick Barratt.

The intrepid ghost hunters witnessed plenty of spooky activity including slamming doors, strange lights and whispering voices heard at the historic Hall.

The honourable Hugh Crossley said, “The night was a fantastic success with everyone having a great time. Most importantly, the spooky evening raised over £5,000 for local children’s charities.”

In the press - media quotes

“The house has been beautifully restored and converted”
– Condé Nast Traveller, January 2007

“On his family’s farming estate, Hugh Crossley has turned a 16th-century inn into a relaxing, contemporary hotel and restaurant, with fresh flowers everywhere. Interesting artwork, comfy sofas, a lounge with a large fireplace and good meals using estate produce.” – The Sunday Times, December 2006 – “Ten hotels on the way up. There’s a new run in stylish, good-value boltholes”
– Financial Times How to spend it magazine, December 2006

“It has been transformed into a particularly smart boutique hotel”
– Eastern Daily Press, August 2006

“The distinctive bedrooms are luxuriously furnished to the nth degree with all of them boasting individual design and layout. But one thing they all commonly enjoy is wonderful panoramic views of the adjoining parkland. It’s an enviable pastoral setting and a jewel in the estate’s crown. I found the restaurant a quality establishment from head to toe and one that I felt very relaxed and comfortable in.”
– Norwich Evening News, July 2006

“The rooms are wonderful - the hotel has an emphasis on taking good care of its guests and this is underlined by the quality of the food offered in the bar and restaurant. An ideal location for all ages and a welcome refuge from the frantic pace of modern life”
– East Magazine, August 2006