When you think of Norfolk’s military heritage the first person that probably springs readily to mind is Burnham Thorpe’s naval hero Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson (we are, after all, proudly known as ‘Nelson’s County’).

But nestled in the popular market town of Hingham near Norwich is the former home of arguably one of the British Army’s most revered generals.

Sir William Ironside – whose exploits in the Boer War are said to have inspired the character of Richard Hannay in John Buchan's The 39 Steps series of novels - lived at Southernwood House from 1937 until his death in 1959.

Knighted in 1919 and receiving a peerage in 1941, Sir William attended the Royal Military Academy before joining the Royal Artillery in 1899. Proficient in seven languages, he served as an intelligence officer in the Second Boer War, at one stage reportedly joining a German military expedition to southwest Africa disguised as a Boer driver.


During the First World War he fought in the battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele and also commanded a machine gun corps on the Somme. In September 1918 he went to northern Russia, followed by commands in Persia (now Iran) and India.

He returned home in 1936 and at the beginning of the Second World War was chief of the imperial general staff. He was promoted to field marshal in 1940 and commanded the British home defence forces, helping clear the way for the evacuation of Dunkirk.

Sir William’s former home is now on the market with estate agents Savills for a guide price of £1,250,000.

'We’re very lucky to have the privilege of showing a lot of wonderful houses,' says property agent Tom Clayton. 'But once in a while you see something truly special that has a fascinating history and an important place in the local community.'

Grade II* listed and dating from the 1700s with modern additions, Southernwood House sports a blue plaque to commemorate the notable career of its one time owner.

'It’s a gem of a house,' says Tom. 'The ground floor comprises a spacious drawing room complete with Inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove, formal dining room, study and family room which could be a snug or perhaps a playroom, along with two cloakrooms, utility room, shower room and a modern kitchen/diner. The latter has been cleverly incorporated into the property from former outbuildings, linked via a glass walkway and contrasting perfectly with the older aesthetics of the house. There’s even a hidden wine cellar.

'To the first floor are four bedrooms served by two family bathrooms. Two further bedrooms on the second floor provide ample space for family or guests.

'Usefully the current owners have also erected an office/summer house in the grounds which could be used to work from home, an artist’s studio/hobby room or just a pleasant spot to enjoy the wonderful gardens, which, given the town centre location, are surprisingly spacious and have a lovely country feel.'

Southernwood House is listed with Savills Norfolk for a guide price of £1,250,000. For more information visit savills.com or call 01603 229229.