The House from a 1779 print
An 1825 engraving of the Hall from "Neale's Views of Seats"
Built / Designed For: Sir Thomas Smith
House & Family History: Hill Hall features some of the earliest external Renaissance architectural detail in the country, plus rare period wall paintings of mythical and biblical subjects. The Smith family owned the House until 1925. Edith Wharton briefly considered purchasing Hill Hall after the Smiths put the House on the market, but she ultimately decided against it. Hill Hall was converted to a women's prison in 1952; it was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1969. The remains of the House have been converted into private houses. The Estate is owned and managed by English Heritage.
Garden & Outbuildings: The Park was landscaped in the late 18th century, with late 19th century-early 20th century gardens installed beside the House.
Architect: Thomas Smith
Date: 1569-75Architect: Richard Kirby
Date: 1569-75Architect: Reginald Theodore Blomfield
Date: 1909-12Architect: Philip Tilden
Date: 1927-28John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. I, 1824.
Country Life: XX, 18, 1906. XLI, 448, 472, 496 plan, 1917.
Title: Burke's & Savills Guide to Country Houses, Volume III: East Anglia
Author: Kenworthy-Browne, John; Reid, Peter; Sayer, Michael; Watkin, David
Year Published: 1981
Publisher: London: Burke's Peerage
ISBN: 0850110351
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II
Past Seat / Home of: Sir Thomas Smith (Smyth), 16th century; Sir William Smith (Smyth), 18th century; Smith family here until 1925. Charles Hunter (tenant of Smith family), early 20th century. Sir Robert and Lady Hudson, early 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association
Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family
Ownership Details: Hill Hall has been divided into private houses, but parts remain open to the public by prior arrangement. English Heritage maintains the Park.
House Open to Public: Limited Access
Phone: 01223-582-700
Historic Houses Member: No