Melford Hall, Long Melford
Perhaps most famous because Beatrix Potter was a relative and often stayed here in the 1890s. I found that connection interesting, but not as interesting as the sixteenth century paintings in the hall. The family was gentry rather than nobility, and the house itself is quite charming. It used to belong to the Abbot of Bury St Edmund until the dissolution, when the Freehold was granted to a local lawyer. Since tehn only two families have owned it (for 250 years each).
The Parker family have a strong naval connection, and there are many paintings of ships there, which would make my husband green with envy.
On today's lightning visit we toured the house and had a cream tea but did not penetrate to the gardens. They look charming and I will be glad to go back.The house is only open after 1pm, as is kentwell Hall (just up the road) where they do Tudor Recreations every summer.
Somehow or other I managed to miss out on seeing this lovely property until this visit. The late opening and my lack of a National Trust membership are both to blame. I'm very glad to add this to my list of regular visits.