Old Stables & Tack Room
Reimagining Equestrian Grandeur: The Stables of Houghton Hall
During the rebuilding of Houghton Hall, Sir Robert Walpole constructed the impressive Stables between 1733 and 1735, opting for Yellow Snatterscham stone, a striking contrast to the main house's grey Whitby stone. He, a frequent hunter at Houghton, had aimed to garner support from the Norfolk gentry by investing in such lavish stables to showcase his wealth and quality horseflesh. Today, the Stable block houses the Café, Model Soldier Museum, Gift Shop and W.Cs
Old Stables & Tack Room
Setting a new standard for stable design at Houghton Hall
The interior of this imposing building features superbly constructed brick vault ceilings supported on timber pillars, meticulously planned to house eighty horses of varying quality, with separate stalls for the most valuable and shared accommodations for coach horses, reflecting the hierarchy of its equine occupants; dark timber partitions, stone pillars, and Diocletian windows characterize the stalls, while adjacent areas cater to the storage of feed, harnesses, and tack, setting a new standard for stable design at Houghton Hall.
Stable Block Delights
Whether you wish to indulge your equestrian interests and explore the rich history of the Georgian Old Stables and Tack Room, or are intrigued by the captivating military dioramas at the Model Soldier Museum, the Stable block offers something for everyone. Enjoy a light lunch or beverage at the Café, which has outdoor seating and marvel at the mesmerizing James Turrell's 'Raemar Magenta' lightscape. Indulge in artisanal treats at the gift shop or take a leisurely stroll to soak in the ambiance. We look forward to welcoming you.
Then on to the Stables cafe and shops - all of which were fantastic. Had a wonderful, good value lunch and were tempted by many items in the shop.
Every element, house, stables and gardens were outstanding. The staff were amazing, informative, passionate and super friendly,
The approach to the house is through the massive stables where the cafe is housed. In fact I enjoy the stables on a sunny day better than I do the house.
Wonderful stable block, good value cafe, could have sat there all day people watching, watching the house martins, swift’s swallows flying around.
The stable block itself offers an interesting contrast to the house. It follows the same classical proportions but with less opulent materials. (Although the horses did live in wood-paneled luxury!)
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See & Do at Houghton Hall
Gift Shop
The Stables Café
The Walled Garden
Gift Shop
The Stables Café
See & Do at Houghton Hall
