Imo’s modest retreat with its rich musical legacy—now officially recognised
Composer Imogen Holst’s home in the East Suffolk coastal town of Aldeburgh has secured Grade II listed status from Historic England.
The charming bungalow created by Jim and Betty Cadbury-Brown outshines many of Aldeburgh’s 20th-century bungalows, easily elevating Imo’s modest Suffolk sanctuary to des-res status.
In recent years Britten-Pears Arts have offered the location up as a rentable destination for a reasonable rate. The introvert’s paradise complete with original nick-nacks isn’t so much a holiday let as a creative retreat.
Acclaimed composer, arranger and conductor Imogen Holst, daughter of composer Gustav Holst assisted composer Benjamin Britten on his then latest commission, the opera Gloriana, a work marking the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. She later assumed the role of Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival. Their sometimes tempestuous relationship was the subject of Mark Ravenhill’s critically-acclaimed RSC play Ben and Imo.
Imogen had a number of different digs in Aldeburgh until 9 Church Walk became her home. The deal seemed delightfully sweet and a reflection of the appreciation the town had for one of his key residents. Imogen’s rent such as it was extended to a crate of wine for the Cadbury-Browns at Christmas and a steady supply of Aldeburgh Festival tickets. Tidy.
