Althorp, Stately home and estate in West Northamptonshire, England
Althorp is a Grade I listed stately home in West Northamptonshire, set in an estate of about 13,000 acres between Great Brington and Harlestone. The house dates to 1688 and was altered from 1788 by Henry Holland, who encased the red brick in mathematical tiles and added four Corinthian pilasters to the front. A low stone balustrade with piers runs before the facade, with a broad lawn beyond.
The Spencer family acquired the property in the early 16th century and gradually replaced the original village with a private residence. Over the following centuries the house underwent several enlargements, with the red brick facade receiving a terracotta tile cladding in the late 18th century.
The second Earl Spencer established an extensive library of 100,000 books at Althorp, making it a center of learning in 18th century England.
The property welcomes visitors during July and August, when the house, gardens and exhibition rooms are open for exploration. Those wishing to walk around the grounds should wear comfortable shoes, as the paths through the parkland and around the lake cover considerable distances.
The Doric temple inscribed with Diana's name stands across the lake from the burial island, not on it; the island itself holds her grave and is closed to visitors. The temple is viewable when the house and estate open in July and August.
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