"We Turned a Beloved Family Film House into Our Dream Home – Neighbors Aren't Fans, But We Love It!"

Table of Contents

1. Transformation of The Crooked House
2. Local Reaction to Changes
3. The Historic Experience Offered
4. Community Involvement
5. Future Plans for The Crooked House
6. Frequently Asked Questions

The owners of a house in a village renowned for its appearances in cherished family films have renovated their home, despite facing criticism from neighbors.

Tourists travel from around the globe to admire the centuries-old wooden structures in Britain’s best-preserved medieval village.

Lavenham is famous for its ancient houses and for featuring in the wizarding world as Godric’s Hollow, the home of Harry Potter’s parents.

In addition to admiring the picture-postcard streets, visitors can now enjoy a “historic experience” at the 600-year-old Crooked House.

Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin purchased their uniquely tilted home for £400,000 during the pandemic. The iconic orange property was built in the 14th century and is the most photographed residence in the village.

The couple aims to breathe life into The Crooked House’s 600-year history through immersive tours and dining experiences, although some locals express concerns about the changes.

The historic experience includes a 75-minute theatrical tour of the house, guided by Oli and Alex, who refer to themselves as “the Crooked Men.” Visitors will “time travel together through six centuries and four historic rooms.”

Alternatively, the house hosts award-winning black-tie dinners, offering “an immersive, sociable experience that brings to life the 600-year story of our ancient home.”

Sixteen guests will enjoy a Champagne reception followed by a home-cooked three-course meal.

The Crooked House’s invitation for guests to engage with its history has received mixed reviews from some of Lavenham’s residents.

One villager commented: “The Crooked House used to be a tea shop many years ago, but it now appears to have turned into an upscale restaurant with prices to match.

“Few villagers can afford to dine there – and for locals, it’s no big deal to eat in a house that is six or seven hundred years old.

“Customers are told that they are helping to preserve a historic building, which may be true, but it also benefits the owners, who frankly don’t seem to engage much with the village.

“I’m sure they enjoy living there, but they seem to expect others to help fund it.”

Oli and Alex shared with The Sun: “We have a very positive relationship with our community here in Lavenham and are proud to be part of a vibrant and happy village.

“We support local organizations and frequently participate in and sponsor village events, such as the Garden Festival, the village Halloween trail, and upcoming activities.”

They added: “We love residing in our 600-year-old home and finding ways for the Lavenham community and everyone to share in its story.

“Everything we do here helps us to protect and preserve this special place for the future – a home we are devoting our lives to safeguarding for generations to come.”

The couple previously informed The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B) that they intend to use the proceeds from the dinners and tours to maintain the building.

The next project will involve removing the 1960s concrete render from the back wall, which is trapping moisture and causing the ancient oak frame to deteriorate.