About this property
Queen Hoo Hall is a largely unaltered Elizabethan country house set in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside. Dating from the late 16th century, Queen Hoo Hall retains an abundance of period character, including original mullioned windows, oak staircases, historic fireplaces and architectural detailing of exceptional quality. Surrounded by mature gardens and enjoying far-reaching rural views, this rare and historic residence offers a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of England’s architectural heritage, while remaining within easy reach of London.
About the Property
The principal residence extends over three floors, offering elegant and beautifully proportioned accommodation, rich in character and filled with natural light. Throughout the house, a wealth of period features has been carefully preserved, including leaded lattice windows, stone mullions, exposed timbers, original fireplaces and rare historic wall paintings.
The reception rooms are particularly impressive and include a magnificent dining room with stone flooring, an inglenook fireplace and a distinctive tower bay window. The spacious drawing room, formerly the Great Hall, is centred around a remarkable stone fireplace and provides an exceptional principal entertaining space. A charming music room enjoys attractive views across the formal gardens, while the characterful kitchen/breakfast room features bespoke cabinetry, a walk-in pantry and views over the surrounding grounds.
The upper floors provide five well-appointed bedrooms and four bathrooms, including an excellent principal suite with dressing room and en-suite facilities. Several of the bedrooms benefit from dual aspects, affording beautiful views across the gardens and grounds, while a number also retain rare Elizabethan decorative features, further enhancing the home’s historic significance and appeal.
Gardens & Grounds
The grounds are a particular highlight of the property, extending to approximately 17 acres. Of this, around five acres comprise formal gardens, with a further twelve acres laid to paddock and meadow.
Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the Hall, arranged as a series of distinct outdoor “rooms” enclosed by clipped hedging and historic Tudor brick walls. At their heart lies the celebrated Knot Garden, an elegant centrepiece featuring formal parterres, sculpted topiary and ornamental planting, all set against the striking backdrop of the manor house.
Further features of the grounds include extensive lawns and terraces, the historic Peto stone seat, mature specimen trees, formal and natural ponds, an orchard, and a productive kitchen garden with greenhouse. Beyond the formal gardens, paddocks and meadows provide a picturesque rural setting and further enhance the sense of space and seclusion.
A sweeping driveway serves the estate, offering generous parking and turning areas, while also providing access to the extensive range of garages, workshops and stabling.
Garden Cottage
A substantial and self-contained family home set within the grounds, providing exceptional ancillary accommodation for multi-generational living, guests or staff. Well proportioned throughout, the property comprises a welcoming living room, formal dining room, fully fitted kitchen and a large utility room. A particular feature is the impressive double-height family room, complemented by a separate home gym.
The accommodation further includes four double bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering comfortable and flexible living space. The cottage also benefits from its own private garden, providing a secluded outdoor area separate from the main house.
The Bothy
The Bothy is a delightful single-storey cottage situated within the outbuilding complex. Well presented throughout, the accommodation extends to two bedrooms, a family bathroom, a fitted kitchen with dining area and a spacious dual-aspect sitting room centred around a log-burning stove.
In addition to the Garden Cottage and the Bothy, there are also substantial outbuildings, including garaging, stabling and workshop facilities.
Local information
- Location: Set within approximately 17 acres of beautifully maintained Hertfordshire countryside, Queen Hoo Hall is an exceptional Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor house of outstanding architectural and historical significance. Occupying an elevated position with glorious southerly views, the estate combines a remarkably preserved Tudor residence with extensive formal gardens, paddocks, meadows, secondary accommodation and substantial outbuildings. Located on the edge of the highly sought-after village of Tewin, the property enjoys a rare combination of rural seclusion and excellent accessibility. The village offers a thriving community atmosphere with a village store, café, post office, pubs, church, primary school and sports clubs, while Welwyn North station provides fast services to London King’s Cross in approximately 20 minutes. Dating from around 1570 and reputed to have hosted Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Hoo Hall has been carefully preserved and sympathetically restored over many decades. The house retains an extraordinary collection of original features, including rare Elizabethan wall paintings, a notable Tudor staircase and historic brickwalled gardens. Its rich history, exceptional craftsmanship and remarkable state of preservation make it one of the region’s most important private residences.
Additional information
- History – Dating from around 1570, Queen Hoo Hall is one of Hertfordshire’s most remarkable surviving Elizabethan manor houses. Grade II* listed and set within approximately 17 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and grounds, the house has benefited from a succession of sympathetic custodians who have preserved its historic character and architectural integrity. Most notably, the current family acquired the property in 1986 and undertook extensive conservation works, including the careful restoration and re-pointing of the original brickwork using traditional lime mortar. Renowned for its exceptional state of preservation, the house retains a wealth of period features, including rare Elizabethan wall paintings, a notable Tudor staircase, mullioned windows and historic garden walls. The gardens themselves have long been admired, having been opened to the public on selected occasions over the years. With its rich architectural heritage, fascinating provenance and remarkably unspoilt setting, Queen Hoo Hall represents a rare opportunity to become the custodian of an important historic country house.
- Directions: From London (A1(M)) Leave the A1(M) at Junction 4 and follow signs for Hertford (A414). Continue on the A414 before taking the exit towards Tewin. Follow local signs through the village of Tewin and continue onto Queen Hoo Lane. Queen Hoo Hall will be found along this picturesque country lane, set within beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. From Welwyn Garden City Take Hertford Road (B1000) towards Tewin. Proceed through Tewin village and follow signs for Queen Hoo Lane. Continue along the lane until you reach Queen Hoo Hall. By Rail The nearest stations are Welwyn North and Welwyn Garden City, both offering regular services to and from London King’s Cross. From the station, Queen Hoo Hall is approximately a 10–15-minute drive.
- EPC Rating: E
- Tenure: Freehold
- Council Tax Band: H
