Listed Building: HIGH HALL (433496)

NETTLE STEAD TM 05 SE 2/125 High Hall 9.12.55 - II* House, probably c.1620-30 for William Foorth. Fragmentary C16 core; and alterations of c.1930 by H. Munroe Cautley, A.R.I.B.A. The main block is unusual for C17 in being of double-pile form and 3 storeys with attics. Red brick in English bond. 2-span plaintiled roof, some ends being hipped with gablets. C17 chimneys of red brick with triple octagonal shafts, much restored C20. A number of original windows have ovolo-moulded mullions and transomes of brick, most also have moulded pediments; fragments of the original plasterwork remain, this being used at all the openings in imitation of dressed limestone. Fine original entrance porch of brick, now 2 storeys high; the 3rd storey has been removed. Tuscan pilasters in plaster frame the round-headed doorway, which was probably open until insertion of C20 boarded and battened aoor. The inner doorway has an original door, framed with sunk panels, with good ironmongery. The main parlour has complete C17 wainscotting, and an open fireplace of plaster simulating sconework, with carved oak pilasters and arcaaing above. Moulded plasterwork to ceiling beams and cornice. The "new" hall and several other rooms have good open fireplaces; 2 chambers have moulded plasterwork. The additional block behind is primarily a staircase tower, with a second parlour. The staircase has 7 flights, with channelled newels (formerly with ball finials) and widely-spaced turned balusters. The C16 timber-framed and plastered range, to which the main building was attached, is underbuilt in C17 brick; further major alterations to this range, in false half-timbering, c.1930. For further details, East Anglian Miscellany, 1922, No.6257. Suffolk Houses: Sandon: 1977. Listing NGR: TM0860650248