In the picturesque village of Lavenham, Suffolk stands a house that’s caught the eye of many—a quirky, crooked home known as the Crooked House.
This ancient Grade II-listed building is believed to date back to 1395.
It is painted a vibrant orange and has been charming visitors and locals alike for centuries.
A Historic Treasure
The Crooked House was originally part of a medieval hall house.
It was built during a period when Lavenham was one of the wealthiest towns in England, thanks to its thriving wool trade.
The house’s timber frame, like many buildings from that era, was built quickly to meet the demands of wealthy merchants eager to display their newfound prosperity.
However, the wood used was not given sufficient time to dry, and as the timber aged, it twisted and contorted, giving the house its unique, crooked appearance.
Over the centuries, the Crooked House has served many purposes.
It began as a merchant’s residence and weaver’s workshop.
As the wool trade declined, the house transitioned through various incarnations, including an art gallery, an estate agent’s office, and most recently, a beloved tea room.
Inside the Crooked House
Stepping inside the Crooked House is like stepping back in time.
The interior retains many of its original features, like the massive timber frame and old oak doors with intricate carvings.
The house also boasts leaded windows, exposed brickwork, and even a peculiar wall painting in the bathroom depicting what appears to be a camel.
The ground floor, currently used as a tea room, includes two large reception rooms with cozy fireplaces.
The old oak staircase leads to a vaulted living room on the first floor.
The floor has a beautiful vaulted reception room with honey-colored timbers and an impressive inglenook fireplace.
The master bedroom features a four-poster bed and a roll-top bath on a raised platform.
Outside, the Crooked House offers a fully enclosed west-facing garden with a brick terrace, flower beds, and shallow wildlife ponds.
Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin
The current owners, Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin (aka the Crooked Men), fell in love with the house during a visit in 2018.
They’ve made it their home and have hosted events like supper clubs and their wedding reception there.
They view the Crooked House as more than just a home; it’s a living piece of history.
They see themselves as caretakers of the house, ensuring it continues to be loved and appreciated.
Lavenham: Best-Preserved Medieval Village
Lavenham is one of England’s best-preserved medieval villages, with around 340 listed buildings and a charming village square dominated by the Guildhall.
Lavenham inspired the nursery rhyme “There Was a Crooked Man,” and Jane Taylor, who wrote “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” lived here.
The famous artist John Constable attended school in Lavenham.
More recently, the village appeared in John Lennon’s film “Apotheosis” and was used as Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter movies.
