A historic stately home and estate has been sold in what is likely to be the most expensive sale of its kind in Norfolk’s history.

Wolterton Park, which includes 500 acres of land and a Grade I listed 19-bedroom country house in the north Norfolk countryside, has been bought by Richard Ellis and his family.

Although the sale price has not been disclosed, Wolterton had been listed for sale with a guide price of £25 million. 

North Norfolk News: Wolterton Hall was built between 1727 and 1742 for Horatio Walpole, brother of Britain’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Wolterton Hall was built between 1727 and 1742 for Horatio Walpole, brother of Britain’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole. (Image: Graeme Taplin)READ MORE: Theatre boss to take the stage after 13-year break

Tom Goodley, director at Norwich-based real estate agent Strutt and Parker, said it was “the most significant property sale in Norfolk for a long time".

Mr Goodley that although other large estates have sold for a comparable amount, he believed this would be “the most significant sale” of a property without commercial farmland in Norfolk’s history. 

North Norfolk News: A sitting room inside Wolterton HallA sitting room inside Wolterton Hall (Image: Chris Horwood)Wolterton Hall was built between 1727 and 1742 for Horatio Walpole, brother of Britain’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole.  

After it had been uninhabited for 27 years, it was brought back to life by Peter Sheppard and Keith Day, who bought the property in 2016 and set about restoring the main house and five estate cottages. 

North Norfolk News: Former owners of Wolterton Hall, Peter Sheppard (left) and Keith Day, in one of the sitting rooms at the manor. Former owners of Wolterton Hall, Peter Sheppard (left) and Keith Day, in one of the sitting rooms at the manor. (Image: Ella Wilkinson)READ MORE: North Norfolk campsite named best in the country

They have sold the property to undertake a new project in London. 

Mr Sheppard said: “We could not be more pleased that Wolterton, which we have had the privilege of owning and restoring, has gone to such good owners.”

Mr Ellis and his late wife Lesley set up Norfolk Country Cottages in 1992 and grew it into one of the largest self-catering cottage agencies in the UK – Original Cottages – before selling in 2022.

He has three sons, a daughter and five grandchildren and can trace his family roots in Norfolk back to 1708. 

Mr Ellis said: “We were presented with an incredible opportunity to take the renaissance of Wolterton Park forward as the next era for our family.

"We plan to inject our combined energy, experience and investment to complete the vision laid out by Peter and Keith and are pleased to be keeping on all of the great team here."