The house was built around 1780 by a wealthy Kings Lynn merchant. It remained a family home until 1982 when it was bought by Christine and Trevor Forecast, who turned it into a well-regarded hotel. Christine also transformed the herb garden to international acclaim. The Forecasts sold the hotel to the Von Essen group in 1999, who made some significant changes. The restaurant and kitchen were expanded and a spa and swimming pool were added, along with 11 new gardens rooms, almost doubling the size of Congham Hall.
In March 2012 Congham entered into the latest chapter of its life, where Nicholas Dickinson and his team took over. Following a major refurbishment, the hotel officially relaunched in May 2013. Nicholas has spent his working life in the luxury hotel business, including the five-star country house hotel Chewton Glen and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. Taking full advantage of being closed during the covid era, five Orchard Cabins were added, making the total of rooms now 31 and the restaurant was reconfigured, launching The Samphire Kitchen, in June 2021.
Unfortunately we can not prove that Congham Hall was built in 1780 however on Bryan’s map of 1826 a building and surrounding estate is clearly marked. We think is was built by the Elsden’s who were one of the wealthy merchant families of King’s Lynn. We do know that James Elsden Everard bought the property following the death of Henry in 1834. The Everard’s effectively ran the town during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, providing several of the town mayor’s and councillors, to their own gain. Congham remained in the Everard family until 1925 when they sold the estate to Colonel F.H Hancock, who to some people who knew him was somewhat eccentric. He grew fruit, flowers and vegetables and it was he who planted the orchard which still survives today. He loved tennis, hence the tennis court and cricket, where in 1961 he paid for the building of the thatched pavilion, which stands on the ground next to Congham. In the 1970’s Congham Hall was sold to Lady Meriel Howarth and it was she who built an outdoor swimming pool.
Guests love to meander through the Congham garden, once renowned for its herb garden which was first planted in 1982. It still features many varieties of herbs which are used in our 2 AA Rosette restaurant to flavour and garnish dishes and infuse oils. Mint is provided for tea and glasses of Pimms and Rosemary is used by the spa in the Muscle Melt Massage, the soothing signature massage in our Secret Garden Spa. The gardens are constantly changing throughout the year but we always look forward to seeing the tulips in the front garden, a clear reminder that spring is upon us. The cosmos in the summer is a spectacular sight too.
Is to strive to ensure that everyone who visits Congham Hall leaves just a little bit more relaxed than when they arrived. Success in this endeavour is achieved by creating the right atmosphere, offering delicious food, providing a comfy bed, looking after the gardens, making the perfect cocktails but above all it is about every touch point being with the right people. The Congham team are united in genuinely wanting to give every guest a great time and we are lucky enough to have some wonderful people delivering this special ethos.
Enjoy the moment!
With so much to explore, we encourage you to come and stay with us for a couple of nights or more. There are many different rooms to choose from so feel free to call us and discuss your options.
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Congham Hall, Congham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1AH