Project Description
Flixton Hall
Set within the rural landscape of the Flixton Hall Estate near Bungay, Suffolk, this project forms part of a long-term masterplan to re-establish one of the county’s historically significant country estates. The proposals focus on the refurbishment and extension of the remaining structure of Flixton Hall, carefully balancing heritage sensitivity with contemporary architectural interventions.
Once a prominent country house with origins dating back to the early 17th century, much of the hall was demolished in the mid-20th century following decades of decline. Only fragments of the original structure survived, leaving behind a reduced single-storey building set within an expansive historic landscape. The project reintroduces the residential use to the hall while reinstating the architectural presence and landscape character of the wider estate.
Picking up an original design from a previous architect, Paul Robinson Partnership has lead on the new revised application to restore the Hall, and secure planning permission in March 2026. This milestone marks the next stage of the project, with detailed technical drawings now being prepared for construction.
Client
Private Client
Location
Flixton, Bungay
Sector
Residential
Design Team
Robert Burr, Simon Nicholas
Design Approach
The design builds upon the surviving footprint and historic layout of the hall, retaining its two-wing form arranged around a central courtyard. A new first-floor addition re-establishes the scale of the building, while carefully placed contemporary interventions provide a clear distinction between historic fabric and new architecture.
At the centre of the proposal, a glazed contemporary element sits between the existing gables, bringing natural light deep into the plan and creating a modern architectural focal point. New bay windows reinterpret traditional forms, while flat-roofed rear extensions introduce additional living spaces without competing with the historic composition of the building.
Internally, the ground floor retains the principal historic rooms while introducing modern living spaces connected to a terrace overlooking the gardens. The new first floor provides a series of bedrooms and leisure spaces, including a gym and games room overlooking a double-height swimming pool.
Aerial View of C19th Building (approx 1940’s)
Landscape and Estate Restoration
The proposals extend beyond the hall itself to re-establish elements of the historic estate landscape. Formal gardens will be reinstated with terraces, lawns and gravel carriage routes, reconnecting the hall with its historic setting. A recovered historic statue has been returned to its original position, restoring an important focal point within the garden layout.
The wider estate strategy includes the restoration of tree-lined approaches, historic pathways and water features, alongside ecological enhancements such as meadow planting and wetland habitat management.
