See inside the famous house which moved up a hill as it goes on the market for £1.9m

The timber framed three storey mansion dating from1590 was moved all in one piece, and was lowered on to new foundations with chimneys then rebuilt. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

The 16th century Grade II listed Elizabethan mansion is found just south of the market town of Sudbury and is considered to be “the oldest and largest property to be moved in one piece in the UK”.

The three-storey manor, which was built in 1590 by Sir Thomas Eden, who was the High Sheriff of Suffolk, shot to fame after its owners decided to bravely move the house half a mile away after it was “cruelly” sandwiched between new developments.

48 years ago the timber framed mansion was moved all in one piece and lowered on to new foundations, with chimneys then rebuilt at its current home at the top of Ballingdon Hill.

Ballingdon Hall was moved half a mile up a hill in Sudbury in 1972 by its owners. Picture: JOHN ROSS (Image: Picture: JOHN ROSS)

Rob Twitchett, agent for Nicholas Percival, said: “The house was jacked up by 12 to 15ft and supported by two huge bailey bridges. The timber framed 170-tonnne house was then rolled on 26 wheels and pulled by two tractors.

“To reduce the weight of the building five large brick chimneys were taken down along with the inglenook fireplaces and the interior walls were dismantled.

“At the time the property enjoyed considerable notoriety, featuring in national newspapers and television, including Blue Peter.

Inside the famous Ballingdon Hall in Sudbury, which dates back to the 16th century. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

“It was estimated around 50,000 people visited the site to view the property during the move and at the time was considered to be the oldest and largest property to be moved in one piece in the country.”

Once safely installed in its new location the owners carried out an extensive programme of refurbishment, using only authentic Elizabethan oak and bricks.

The owners have lived in the house for more than 60 years, but have decided it is time to move on.

Ballingdon Hall is believed to date from 1593 and was built by Sir Thomas Eden. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

Ballingdon Hall boasts 11 bedrooms, six bathrooms and four receptions, along with stunning unbroken views across the Stour Valley and more than 20 acres.

Contact the agents Nicholas Percival for any further enquiries about the property.

Ballingdon Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan manor house with views across the Stour Valley. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

The famous Ballingdon Hall has now gone on the market for �1.9 million in Sudbury. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

In its day, Ballingdon Hall was considered the �chief Baronial residence� in the neighbourhood of Sudbury. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

Ballingdon Hall was originally built by Sir Thomas Eden, High Sheriff just south of the town of Sudbury, Suffolk. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

Some 48 years ago the beautiful mansion of Ballingdon Hall was sandwiched between new developments just south of the town of Sudbury. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)

Inside Ballingdon Hall in Sudbury, Suffolk, which dates back to the 16th century and was moved half a mile up a hill after being sandwiched between two new developments. Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL (Image: Picture: NICHOLAS PERCIVAL)