In the charming village of Lavenham, Suffolk, there is a house that has attracted a lot of attention. It’s a unique and tilted building called the Crooked House.
This old building, which is recognized as a Grade II site, is thought to have been built around the year 1395.
It’s a bright orange color and has been delighting both visitors and locals for hundreds of years.
A Historic Treasure
The Crooked House used to be a part of a hall house from the medieval times.
It was constructed at a time when Lavenham was among the richest towns in England, all because of its booming wool industry.
The wooden structure of the house, similar to many other buildings from that time, was put together fast to satisfy the rich merchants who wanted to show off their new wealth.
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The wood that was used didn’t get enough time to dry out, and as it got older, it started to bend and twist, which made the house look really unique and crooked.
Throughout the years, the Crooked House has had a variety of uses. It started out as a home for a merchant and a place where weavers worked.
When the wool trade started to go down, the house changed a lot. It became an art gallery, then an office for an estate agent, and now it’s a popular tea room that everyone loves.
Inside the Crooked House
Walking into the Crooked House feels like traveling to the past.
The inside still has a lot of its original details, such as the huge wooden frame and the old oak doors that have fancy carvings on them.
The house features cool leaded windows, brick walls that are visible, and there’s even a strange painting in the bathroom that looks like a camel.
The first floor, which is now a tea room, has two spacious reception areas that feature warm and inviting fireplaces.
The ancient oak staircase takes you up to a spacious living room with a high ceiling on the first floor.
The ground level features a stunning reception area with high, arched ceilings made of warm, honey-colored wood and a striking inglenook fireplace that really catches the eye.
The main bedroom has a fancy four-poster bed and a cool roll-top bathtub sitting on a raised platform.
The Crooked House has a nice garden in the back that faces west. It’s completely surrounded by walls and features a brick patio, colorful flower beds, and some small ponds for wildlife.
Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin
Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin, also known as the Crooked Men, discovered their love for the house when they visited it back in 2018.
They have turned it into their home and have held events like dinner parties and their wedding celebration there. They see the Crooked House as more than just a place to live; it’s a part of history that’s alive.
They think of themselves as guardians of the home, making sure it stays cherished and valued.
Lavenham: Best-Preserved Medieval Village
Lavenham is one of the most well-kept medieval villages in England, featuring about 340 historic buildings and a lovely village square that is highlighted by the Guildhall.
Lavenham was the place that inspired the nursery rhyme “There Was a Crooked Man,” and it’s also where Jane Taylor, the author of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” used to live.
The famous artist John Constable attended school in Lavenham.
Lately, the village was featured in John Lennon’s movie “Apotheosis” and also served as Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter films.
