Heritage Open Days: Imogen Holst’s House
A special opening of the home of composer, conductor, and educator Imogen Holst. Open for timed entry to explore her one-bed bungalow which offers a fascinating glimpse into her life and work.
Imogen Holst’s bungalow was designed and built specifically for her by modernist architect HT ‘Jim’ Cadbury-Brown in a corner of his garden, reflecting the architect’s own Japanese-influenced house opposite. Imogen moved from a flat in Aldeburgh High Street to Church Walk in September 1962. She paid her ‘peppercorn rent’ to the Cadbury-Browns each year in the form of wine, a book written by her or tickets to the Aldeburgh Festival, delivered with an effusive note of gratitude for her ‘most wonderful house’. Imogen cherished her home and remained there for the rest of her life.
The bungalow was comfortably (if sparsely) furnished, but packed full with Imogen’s music manuscripts, printed music, books and papers which now form part of the archive at The Red House, Aldeburgh; cared for by Britten Pears Arts.
This opening is part of Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture. Why not combine your visit to Imogen Holst’s house with a visit to Britten and Pears' home, The Red House, Aldeburgh?
Read more about Imogen Holst.
Main photograph: Imogen Holst at Church Walk by Edward Morgan.
Image gallery
Parking is not available at the property or on Church Walk. There are public car parks nearby including at Aldeburgh Church, where visitors are asked to make a donation to the church in the box by the entrance. Please note that there are no toilets or refreshments available. The house is on one level and there is a step into the entrance of the house. The rooms and corridors are small and narrow and may be too small for a wheelchair. Please contact us for more information about your visit.
