9 Church Walk in Aldeburgh, Suffolk has been awarded a Grade II listing on the recommendation of Historic England.

The single-storey modernist house, built in the 1960s, was designed by notable architects HT (Jim) and Elizabeth (Betty) Cadbury-Brown for the acclaimed composer, arranger and conductor Imogen Holst, daughter of composer Gustav Holst.

In 1952 Imogen Holst was invited to assist composer Benjamin Britten who was working on his latest commission, the opera Gloriana, a work marking the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Imogen accepted and became Britten’s musical assistant, then later Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival.

Imogen occupied a series of lodgings and rented flats in Aldeburgh until 9 Church Walk became her home. In thanking the Cadbury-Browns for the house, which was built on their land, Holst wrote, “... my immense perpetual gratitude for the loveliest house in the world. I think of you both every night of the year and send blessings in your direction for having enabled me to get on with my work in such heavenly quiet and solitude and comfort.”

Imogen’s rent consisted only of a crate of wine for the Cadbury-Browns at Christmas and a steady supply of Aldeburgh Festival tickets. She lived at Church Walk until her death in 1984.

The house features innovative design elements including a soundproofed music room where Imogen Holst worked, and thoughtfully positioned windows framing views of the parish church. It has many original features, including built-in shelving, Imogen’s personal items such as her writing desk and Gustav Holst’s oak music cupboard where she stored her father’s manuscripts.

9 Church Walk is now owned by Britten Pears Arts and is available as a holiday rental, allowing visitors to experience the special atmosphere of this artistic haven. It is also open to the public every year for Heritage Open Days.

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive at Britten Pears Arts said, “It’s wonderful to see this important and historic property being recognised in this way. Imogen Holst is such a key figure in British music history, and we want to ensure that her remarkable impact and legacy continues to be recognised. The Grade II listing of her house will help us to continue to tell her story on a national and international scale.”

The National Heritage List for England is held and managed by Historic England on behalf of the Government and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It identifies the buildings, sites and landscapes which receive special protection so they can be enjoyed by current and future generations.

Find out more about Historic England's Missing Pieces Project, where you can add your own photographs and memories from 9 Church Walk, as well as many other properties on the National Heritage List for England.

With thanks to Historic England.