Protected historical status conferred upon the contemporary dwelling of the renowned musician Imogen Holst, earning a Grade II listing.

Nine Church Walk, a modernist bungalow in the picturesque town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk, has been listed as a Grade II building by Historic England. This significant property, built between 1962 and 1964, was the home of composer Imogen Holst until her death in 1984.

Imogen Holst, the daughter of renowned composer Gustav Holst, lived and worked in this architecturally distinctive house, designed by the duo Jim and Betty Cadbury-Brown, who are known for designing the 1951 Festival of Britain's Southbank site. The house was commissioned by Imogen herself.

Nine Church Walk was a gathering place for some of the greatest musical minds of the 20th century. During this period, Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, and Eric Crozier, among others, visited the house, exchanging important musical ideas and laying the foundations of the Aldeburgh Festival. In fact, Imogen Holst later became the artistic director of the festival, a mainly classical music event.

The property houses original features, including built-in shelving systems, curtains with recessed tracking, and Holst's personal items such as a writing desk and coloured glass panel. It also features a soundproofed music room, an innovative feature for the time, where Holst worked. The windows of Nine Church Walk are positioned to frame views of the parish church.

The house is a testament to the rich legacy of Imogen Holst and her peers. The original furniture, including pieces that belonged to Gustav Holst, adds to the historical significance of the property. Notably, the oak music cupboard in the house stored Holst's father's manuscripts.

In 1952, Imogen Holst was invited to assist composer Benjamin Britten on his opera, Gloriana, a work which marked the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This collaboration further cemented her place in the musical world.

Today, Nine Church Walk is owned by music education organization Britten Pears Arts and is available for holiday rental. The listing of the house preserves not only its architectural merit but also the rich legacy of Holst and her peers. Sir Chris Bryant, the heritage minister, stated that the significance of Nine Church Walk extends beyond its architectural merit.

For more information about Nine Church Walk and the Britten Pears Arts organisation, visit their website at https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/. The house continues to stand as a symbol of musical innovation and a testament to the enduring influence of Imogen Holst and her contemporaries.

Protected historical status conferred upon the contemporary dwelling of the renowned musician Imogen Holst, earning a Grade II listing.