I was just looking at the thread about derelict bases and remembered this place.
On my travels around Norfolk over the years I often passed this huge crumbling wall and derelict gatehouses, always wondered what it was.
It was only later that I read it was a headquarters building for RAF special opps and, I thought had some involvement with the USAAF.
Several years ago we organised a round Norfolk bike ride with the scouts to raise some money, we passed the place and it’s grounds full of crumbling war time huts.
Eventually I went back and cheekily drove up the drive, what a place, all ruinous and as I found out, designed by Charles Barry of Houses of Parliament fame, the number of surviving huts was quite incredible.
So, I just ‘Googled’ to have a look and can’t believe whats happened to the estate and house, the transformation is incredible.
However, this restoration seems contraversial for a number of reasons, check it out, you’ll see what I mean.
What worries me is that the numerous wartime huts and buildings have probably been demolished, does someone up in ‘Carrot County’, said with fondness, have any info on whats happening up there.
I bet Mr Moggy knows.
By: MIZPAH - 8th June 2007 at 17:06
Bylaugh Hall was the headquarters for 2 Group and later for 100 Group.
There was an airstrip in the grounds for communications aircraft even though you can see Swanton Morley airfield from the grounds of the Hall.
Caution is needed with comments on present owner as a Google will show an interesting web site in addition to that of the Hall itself!
By: Pete Truman - 8th June 2007 at 13:46
Oops, you missed the graffiti on the old door.
If any of you go for a look, the best view is off the back road from Sparham to Swanton Morley, thats where a lot of the Nissen huts are/were situated and the only place you can see the house properly from a public road.
What with the close proximity of Swanton Morley airfield, it must have been a hive of activity during the war, presumably there are pictures of it in those times somewhere.
By: Moggy C - 8th June 2007 at 12:21
Privately owned stately home set in acres of woodland and gardens.Creative and forward thinking company. The home was built by Charles Barry in 1850. Then in 1950 it was stripped bare and abandoned to the elements. It has now been brought back to life. The main building acts as a cultural and business centre surrounded by a complex of luxurious properties suitable for holidays or any other form of family or business meeting. Each combines modern comforts with the style and elegance of the past. Already nine properties near to the hall and one secluded in the grounds of the estate are completed.The home is a quiet retreat, away from the busy crowds. The main hall is a perfect conference venue, whether it is for training sessions, product launches or team building. The restaurants cater either for a meal for two or a full banquet for your entire company or party.
And a trail of court actions and bad debt. 🙁 Not a very glorious chapter in the old place’s history.
No I have never scoped the place out.
Yes it’s on the list now.
Looks like a Nissen over to the right.
Moggy
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June 8, 2007 at 11:20 am