History

The Oaksmere has a long and illustrious history. The Cornwallis family were responsible for the construction of the Dower House, part of historic Brome Hall, back in 1574 during the reign of Elizabeth I. This now forms the Tudor wing of the present hotel, with its original beams and period charm.

In more recent times, our building owes much to the work of Reverend George Paterson, the Rector of Brome and Oakley churches between 1848 and 1888. With the patronage of Lord and Lady Kerrison, the Revd. Paterson was able to build Brome Rectory in 1850, which now forms the Victorian heart of The Oaksmere. Lord Kerrison was was widely acclaimed for his ‘long and distinguished military career, combined with his high regard for horses’. In many ways he was a progressive, presenting an anti-slavery petition to parliament in November 1830, and we like to think he’d rather like what we’ve done with the place…

The Hasted family acquired the property in the 1970’s, converting it to a country hotel and naming it The Oaksmere. Fraser Duffin more recently purchased the building and grounds, and after comprehensive renovations, has created The Oaksmere as it is today, a relaxing luxury retreat that celebrates the food and culture of our fabulous Suffolk and Norfolk borders countryside setting.