A magnificent Norfolk manor house, which served as the iconic backdrop for the beloved BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!, has been listed for sale with a price tag of £3.5 million.
Lynford Hall, located in the village of Mundford near Thetford, became a familiar sight to millions of viewers. Its central courtyard was transformed into the French town square of Nouvion, while the exterior famously doubled as René Artois’s café. For about a decade, film crews were a regular feature at the estate, capturing some of the show's most memorable moments.
A Storied History Spanning Five Centuries
The story of Lynford Hall is a rich tapestry woven over more than five centuries. Its origins trace back to an early hall constructed around 1500. The estate's first significant metamorphosis occurred in the early 18th century when James Nelthorpe purchased it, replacing the original structure with a new residence set within beautiful ornamental gardens, plantations, and waterways.
The Nelthorpe family retained ownership until 1805. The property then changed hands several times before being acquired by Sir Richard Sutton. He brought in the renowned architect Charles Robert Cockerell to remodel the house and expand the surrounding parkland.
The Birth of a Neo-Jacobean Masterpiece
The estate achieved its grand, present-day scale in the mid-19th century following its sale to Stephens Lyne-Stephens, who was widely considered the richest commoner in England at the time. He made the dramatic decision to demolish the existing house and commission the stunning neo-Jacobean mansion that stands today.
Designed by William Burn, the new hall was built between 1857 and 1862. Although Stephens Lyne-Stephens died before its completion, his wife, the French ballerina Pauline Duvernay, resided at Lynford until her death in 1894.
The 20th century saw the Hall take on new roles. During the Second World War, the government requisitioned it for use as a hospital and a base for American forces. Later, the Forestry Commission converted it into a training school. From the 1960s onward, it returned to private ownership, evolving into a hotel, a popular event venue, and a sought-after filming location, cementing its place in Britain's cultural heritage.
A Project for a New Custodian
Now re-advertised by agent Tim Philips for £3.5 million—a reduction from its initial 2022 listing of £5.25 million—the house's immense scale represents a significant opportunity. However, the next owner must be prepared for extensive refurbishment. The property currently relies on a temporary sewage system, and the east wing, which was destroyed by a fire a century ago, has never been rebuilt.
On a positive note, planning permission is already secured for major extensions, which could include new function spaces, leisure facilities, and retail areas. The main house contains ten bedrooms, with a further 29 bedrooms arranged around the very courtyard made famous by 'Allo 'Allo!. The British Comedy Society honoured this legacy with a blue plaque in 2019.
Beyond its starring role in 'Allo 'Allo!, the Grade II-listed mansion also appeared in the classic BBC series Dad's Army whenever a stately home setting was required, further securing its legendary status in British television history.
