A distinguished Edwardian country house, meticulously preserved, that was erected for the heir to the substantial empire of Thomas Cook's fortunes.
In the picturesque village of Great Ryburgh, Norfolk, stands a testament to architectural grandeur and historical significance - Sennowe Park. This Georgian country house, a marvel of its time, was likely constructed around 1791-92 by Thomas Wodehouse, the youngest son of Sir Armine Wodehouse of Kimberley Hall.
The roots of Sennowe Park's ownership trace back to 1755 when the manor of Sennowe was inherited by Mary Bacon, Thomas Wodehouse's aunt. She resided primarily in London and conveyed the Norfolk land to Thomas in 1778, with the arrangement officially taking effect after her death in 1791.
The original Georgian house, characterised by a regular box form with five window bays, a low hipped roof, and a central bow, was built on a virgin site, with no substantial earlier building on the estate at the time.
Fast forward to the Edwardian period, from 1905 onwards, and Sennowe Park underwent a significant remodeling by Norwich architect George Skipper for Thomas Albert Cook, grandson of the founder of the Cook travel agency. This remodeling blended the original Georgian fabric with Edwardian luxury, resulting in the magnificent and well-preserved country house known today as Sennowe Park.
Throughout its history, Sennowe Park has been a hub of activity and innovation. Thomas Wodehouse, the house's builder, was a lawyer who later became a gentleman of the Privy Chamber to George III. His eldest son, Edmond, inherited the estate in 1805 and later entered politics as a county MP for Norfolk.
In the late 19th century, Sennowe Park was purchased by Cook, a banker with an interest in shooting, carriage driving, and sailing on the Broads. Cook commissioned extensive works of improvement to the estate, including alterations designed by Decimus Burton to the house itself and the addition of an elaborate ironwork trellis on two sides of the house.
In 1899, Foster put the estate on the market and it was sold to Bernard le Neve Foster. Foster was a director of a hat-manufacturing firm and conducted agricultural experiments and pisciculture at Sennowe Park.
During the early 1820s, Sennowe Park was offered for rent, with advertisements describing it as a well-arranged mansion house with extensive grounds and facilities. The estate was described as a 'highly important residential and sporting estate' with 'two long, beautiful carriage drives... fruit gardens, extensive glass houses, orchards etc'.
The new building at Sennowe Park was executed in a Wren-like combination of red brick and Clipsham stone. By 1796, the house was furnished and can be seen depicted on Thomas Faden's map of Norfolk published in 1797.
Sennowe Park has also been a place of hospitality and generosity. Col Smith, a former tenant, was known for generously entertaining the local poor and tradesmen during Christmas. George Skipper, the local architect who transformed Sennowe Park in the Edwardian era, was born less than 10 miles away in East Dereham.
Today, Sennowe Park stands as a well-preserved Edwardian country house, a testament to the vision and craftsmanship of its builders and the passion of those who have called it home. Its story is a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and community spirit, waiting to be discovered by those who venture through its doors.
The Cook family, with their stake in the banking sector, saw an opportunity to invest in the real-estate market and commissioned George Skipper, a renowned Norwich architect, for a significant remodeling of Sennowe Park in the Edwardian period.
The historical narrative of Sennowe Park highlights its transformation from a Georgian country house into a blend of Georgian fabric and Edwardian luxury, which today is a prominent example of real-estate investment history.
