Historic properties

Lodges in Holkham Park

Whether they have the appearance of a folly, or a more traditional cottage, lodges have been built at Holkham by a succession of Earls. Many were built at routes into the park, giving a sense of entry and also security, while others were statement pieces.

The first, Triumphal Arch, was built to impress. Built in 1757, before the hall was finished, it stands resplendent at the southern end of the avenue and completed the approach to the park. Designed by William Kent, it was inspired by the triumphal arches of ancient Rome and visitors to Holkham would have been in no doubt as to the wealth, classical education, taste and status of the owner.

Palmers lodge, ‘a simple but elegant’ building, was built 1787 on the south-east boundary of the park. Also built in classical style, it was a double lodge consisting of a living room with basement kitchen and wash house on one side, and one room on the other side of the drive, with the two parts being linked by a classical-style arch and colonnades.

Church Lodge was built 1786 by Samuel Wyatt, around the time that the church was repaired. A two storey building, it has a quirky polygonal section, reminiscent of octagon cottages on the estate.

Cuckoo Lodge, built in 1828, is well outside the park boundary, just south of Wells. With an appearance akin to a dolls house, it is unlike any other Holkham lodges. Until 2021 the lodge was still off-grid.

South Lodge dates back to 1847 and was designed by S. S. Teulon to replace a previous building. South lodge is in two, single storey parts, flanking the south gate entrance to Holkham Park.

Golden Gates Lodge was built in 1851 by William Burn. He was instructed to provide ‘one sitting room, small scullery and pantry and two fair sized sleeping rooms, all to be upon the ground floor.’ The result is a very pretty cottage, reminiscent of a ‘gingerbread house’. The gates next to which the lodge stands, were gilded a couple of years later, giving it its modern name. East Lodge in 1862 follows a very similar design.

Many of our lodges house estate workers but some are available as holiday lets. Visit Norfolk Cottages to find out more.