The Farmhouse, Nether Hall Estate Pakenham, Suffolk

This magnificent Grade II listed farmhouse dating from the 17th century sits proudly within 500 acres of the beautiful Nether Hall Estate, comprising of extensive parkland, woodland, a lake and ponds. The exceptional accommodation provides every indulgence and luxury for a truly special gathering of family and friends and can also accommodate shooting parties.

Once one of five farmhouses which served the estate during the 19th century, today this impressive, three-storey, timber framed building has been transformed into an exceptional holiday home with exquisite attention to detail at every turn.

Expertly designed interiors by The Design Consultancy (and featured in both 25 Beautiful Homes February 2024 and the Design section of Good Housekeeping Magazine May 2023) blend seamlessly with the property's abundance of characterful features.

Guests can spread out or gather together and enjoy the seemingly endless reception rooms both inside and out. The light and airy drawing room with its roaring open fire, oak flooring from the estate woodland, and tasteful, comfortable furnishings boasts garden and parkland views; the charming dining room, with more estate views will more than do for those celebratory dinners in front of an feature electric wood burning stove for extra ambience.

The kitchen will satisfy even the keenest of chefs with a large induction hob, double ovens, two dishwashers, wine fridges, Nespresso coffee machine, Belfast sink, breakfast bar and cosy underfloor heating; with the washing machine and tumble dryer neatly out of the way in the utility room along with double Belfast sinks, an American style fridge freezer and under-counter freezer (in addition to a large larder fridge in the kitchen).

When it's time for some entertainment, choose from relaxing in the snug to enjoy the 55 inch Smart television; or head downstairs to the movie themed cinema room where you can immerse yourselves in a blockbuster via the wall mounted 75 inch 4k Smart television including Apple TV and Sky Sports. The snug provides a comfy sofa bed and is located next to a spacious wet room, ideal if anyone in the group requires ground floor sleeping accommodation. If you need to catch up on some emails, a useful study area is provided along with a house safe.

Upstairs on the first floor are four of the seven wonderful bedrooms, where there will be little squabbling as each room has been furnished with Hypnos cashmere mattresses and luxurious goose feather and down bedding. All four bedrooms have a Smart television and their own stunning en-suite bath or shower rooms which have been beautifully designed with finishing touches, underfloor heating, fluffy towels and sumptuous toiletries. Climb the stairs to the second floor where the remaining three bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms are equally as impressive, although head space can be limited in some areas here.

Enjoy the outdoors in all weathers in The Retreat, a timber framed, undercover seating area complete with an open fire and log stack, which also acts as a link from the main house to The Greenhouse, a calming garden room. The Greenhouse, aptly named as it was built on the site of the original greenhouse, is an absolute joy and has been cleverly designed with a feature wall of greenery and mirrors, creating an orangery feel. Open the sliding doors when the weather is mild or slide them closed and let the heat from the sunshine penetrate through the glazing and just enjoy. The Greenhouse also benefits from a walk-in shower/wet room with twin marble wash basins and beautiful curved shower area. On sunny days, the Vinehouse patio is the place to be, this lovely, large terrace sitting under an oak pergola invites you to enjoy an al-fresco lunch or just rest back on the sun-loungers and contemplate. Everyone will love The Pit Stop, an activities room where guests can make use of the gym equipment; and tournaments of table football await, along with a 50 inch Smart television and a drinks fridge for those post-match beers.

The superb facilities continue outside with a heated swimming pool (up to 28°C, available mid April-late October) and a pavilion with seating and sun loungers, alongside The Pool House, which features a kitchen area, 50 inch Smart television, indoor Jacuzzi, electric sauna, fully equipped gym, shower room and WC. There is also a treehouse/playhouse plus small climbing frame, slide and swing for our younger guests to enjoy; an outdoor table tennis table and croquet set; a pétanque/boules court; along with a charcoal barbecue and pizza oven for getting every minute of fresh air available; or bring your rackets and enjoy a game of tennis on the all-weather tennis court or squash court suitable for squash, badminton and racquetball.

You could lose yourself in around 100 acres of parkland and grassland, grazed by a beef suckler herd, lake and ponds; and productive arable land growing a variety of crops. Take a wander down to the lake with its jetty and small rowing boat; this is a magical spot with wildlife galore, and includes use of a charming Shepherd's Hut during the summer months. The Farmhouse on the Nether Hall Estate is perfect for a special gathering of family and friends and can also accommodate shooting parties. The Old Ballroom (c1200 sq ft) adjoining the Hall is available for dinners, functions, retreat events, conferences etc. on prior request.

Previous estate owners include the Pakenham/Lord Longford family in the 13th century, and the Greene family in the 19th century (who established the Greene King brewery in nearby Bury St Edmunds).

Nearby Thurston Railway Station provides regular services to and from London in under 2 hours.


Additional Information:
Heated swimming pool - access to the outdoor pool is mid-April to end of October. Guests have exclusive use of the pool and the pool pavilion, the owner may occasionally wish to use during the guests’ stay, but only at specific times to be agreed with the guests. The pool is 12m long x 5m wide x 1.4m deep.
The sauna can accommodate 12-14 guests with approximately 40 feet of benching. The Jacuzzi can accommodate up to 10 guests (1.4m x 1.4m spa pool).
A shepherd's hut, located by the lake, available from May to October.
Extensive parkland and woodland with tracks and paths to explore. Please note some areas of the estate are not accessible during the shooting season (October–January).
Stabling for guests' own horses and all weather menage available by prior arrangement (small additional charge). Up to two horses/ponies.
An additional charge for use of The Old Ballroom Hall and adjoining courtyard.
Within walking distance of village pub and post office/shop.
Biomass heating system.
There are areas with low headroom on the second floor.
All blinds are black-out.
All goose feather and down bedding. Non feather can be provided on request.
Travel cot and high chair available on request. Please bring your own linen for the travel cot. Sorry, no stair gates due to width of staircases.
Ground floor sofa bed with an en-suite, available on request to accommodate up to 16 guests
Hairdryers in all bedrooms other than bedroom seven.
Use of an additional chest freezer is available on request.
A separate ice-making machine is available (in addition to the American fridge freezer ice making facility).
Four user Netflix account. The televisions have music and radio channels and there is also the option of using Apple Airplay to stream music from guests' own iOS device to the television. Apple iOS devices can be screen mirrored to all televisions. Sky Sports and Apple TV provided in the cinema room.
The main house, The Greenhouse/Garden room/The Pit Stop/The Pool House are served by a Starlink network WiFi system; average speeds c200Mbps with ten access points around the property.
Please refrain from smoking in the main house along with The Greenhouse/Garden room, The Pool Pavilion and The Pit Stop/activities room. Thank you.
Two Zappi 7kw electric vehicle charging points provided at cost, located on the side of The Pit Stop, by the car park.
Sorry, no pets.
Sorry, no Hen or Stag parties.