East Suffolk Council
Modernist home of celebrated composer gains special heritage status
The former home of eminent composer Imogen Holst has been granted special protection following an application by East Suffolk Council’s Heritage team.
The modernist, single-storey property, in Church Walk, Aldeburgh, has been Grade II listed in recognition of its architectural and historic interest.
Imogen Holst arrived in Aldeburgh as Benjamin Britten’s musical assistant, and later went on to become Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival.
Designed by Aldeburgh neighbours Jim and Betty Cadbury-Brown, and built from 1962 to 1964, the property still contains furniture belonging to Imogen and her composer father, Gustav Holst.
Photos © Historic England Archive
Now owned by music education charity Britten Pears Arts, and available as a holiday let, Nine Church Walk can also be visited by the public for Heritage Open Days each year.
Following a visit from a member of East Suffolk Council’s Heritage team in September 2023, an application was made to Historic England for the building to be recommended for listing by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Principal Design and Heritage Officer, Robert Scrimgeour said:
“It was apparent to the Heritage team that Holst’s house was of special architectural and historic interest, by virtue of its intact, unaltered interior; interesting design by well-respected modernist architects; and association with a nationally eminent composer with very strong links to Aldeburgh, including Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears and the Aldeburgh Festival.
“The Heritage team concluded that this special house, with its unique associations, represented a very special survival in the centre of the thriving seaside town of Aldeburgh, and deserved recognition and future protection. It was on this basis that the team submitted the house for listing and is very pleased at the outcome.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said:
"The listing of 9 Church Walk celebrates an architecturally significant modernist home and a significant piece of musical history. The property tells the story of Imogen Holst's contribution to British music and her connection to the Aldeburgh Festival, which continues to enrich our cultural landscape today.”
For more information on the property and Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project, inviting people to share pictures and stories of places on the National Heritage List for England, visit the Historic England website.