The Country House Podcast16 Sep 2025

Somerleyton Hall with Lord & Lady Somerleyton | Ep. 91

This week Geoff 'goes it alone' (Rory's on holiday) and visits Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk, where he's joined on the podcast by Hugh and Lara Crossley, Lord and Lady Somerleyton. The seat of the Crossley family since the late 19th century, Somerleyton has a fascinating story to tell.

Aside from the theatrical Jacobethan/Italianate architecture and the usual story of the rise and decline of the estate's fortunes in the 20th century, Somerleyton Hall - and the dedication and vision of the current Lord and Lady Somerleyton - also embodies the revival of country houses in recent decades. In particular, Geoff talks with Lord and Lady Somerleyton about the ongoing diversification of estate revenue streams (including the implementation of some unique new elements).

In this episode, we gain an insight into Lord and Lady Somerleyton's ongoing self-awareness in their role as stewards and custodians, and their personal recognition of their perceived position of privilege and responsibility in the local community and as overseers of an extensive working estate.

Please do tune in to learn more, and like and share if you wish. Comments and thoughts are always welcome.

If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website.

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