Houghton Hall
Norfolk’s Houghton Hall was the home of Robert Walpole, Britain’s first prime minister, who in the 1720s commissioned it to be built on the location where family dwellings he inherited once stood. So unique is this country house it’s of key significance to England’s history of Neo-Palladian architecture, standing as a testament to James Gibbs and Colen Campbell who were pivotal in its construction. 
Neo-Palladian style was inspired by the influential 16th-century Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. In character, temple fronts, Venetian windows and symmetrical designs create an imposing and formal exterior, which, in fact, belies a more extravagant interior decor. This one, no less, was designed by William Kent.
Almost unchanged since the early 18th century, the house was planned with Walpole’s art collection in mind, and, due to his lavish spending habit, the walls were furnished in paintings by Rembrandt, Poussin, Van Dyck and Velásquez. Unfortunately, later, his indebted grandson had to sell them all to Catherine the Great of Russia.
With a focus on contemporary outdoor sculpture, the current resident, Lord David Cholmondeley, continues his forbear’s collecting tradition and love of art. The Houghton Arts Foundation was set up in 2015 and sculpture is at its core. The aim of the Norfolk-based charity is for Houghton to become a centre to support great contemporary art within a preserved, historic setting.
My first visit was in May 2025, and, although I ran out of time, I was captivated by this deeply emotive place, eager to return again.
One thousand acres of parkland surround the house with an award-winning five-acre Walled Garden brought to life by Julian and Isabel Bannerman. Combining imagination, sympathetic restoration and a profound understanding of nature’s sensitivity, it is wondrous, a feast for garden lovers, art lovers and serenity seekers alike. 
Wandering through the grounds, you'll discover avenues of fruit trees and cascading wisteria, while contemporary sculptures surprise you like happy accidents. Richard Long’s Houghton Cross and Jeppe Hein’s Water Flame make up part of the permanent collection and bring fascinating, thought-provoking juxtapositions.
Myth, the works of world-renowned British sculptor Stephen Cox, is a retrospective, the largest the artist has ever shown, displayed across the grounds and interiors. Using traditional techniques, he carves natural materials – stone and marble. While the pieces evoke and chime with the hall’s traditional elements, the abstract forms they take are in dramatic contrast. 
The first commission was ‘Skyspace: Seldom Seen’ by James Turrell in 2000. Here he has framed the changing sky, like a moving image. 
Added later on are works by Anya Gallacio, Zhan Wang, Stephen Cox, Jeppe Hein, Rachel Whiteread and Phillip King.
In 2017, British sculptor and Turner Prize winner Richard Long’s series of stone and slate pieces were part of a major solo exhibition. From a distance in certain light the work looks like pools of glistening water. 
These solo exhibitions were followed by artists Damien Hirst (2018), Henry Moore (2019) and Anish Kapoor (2020). This year from 2nd May to the 4th of October they have a major exhibition of sculpture by the celebrated post-war British artist Lynn Chadwick.
Images by Niki Jones