Althorp, English country house and heritage estate in Northamptonshire, England
Description
Althorp is a country estate in Northamptonshire covering more than 5200 hectares of farmland, woodland and formal gardens surrounding a central manor house. The main residence holds Grade I listed status and sits within parkland that includes an ornamental lake with an island, bordered by mature trees and open meadows.
History
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.
Culture
The second Earl Spencer established an extensive library of 100,000 books at Althorp, making it a center of learning in 18th century England.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
A small temple in the classical style stands on an island in the middle of the lake and has served as a burial site since 1997. The spot is surrounded by trees and visible across the water, though visitors cannot reach the island itself.
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Althorp, Garden Temple
434 m
Althorp, Falconry Or Hawking Tower
590 m
Althorp, Stables
111 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6813 6480
358 mAlthorp, West Lodges (South)
633 mAlthorp, Gates And Railings To South Avenue
180 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6795 6515
277 mAlthorp, Gardeners House
635 mAlthorp, Wall And Gates To North East Of The Gardeners House
601 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6770 6560
672 mAlthorp, West Lodges (North)
628 mAlthorp, Garden Screen East Of South Front
53 mAlthorp, Gateway To Grass Walk At Sp 6842 6462
573 mAlthorp, Ha Ha On North And West Of Garden
87 mDairy Cottage
365 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6885 6472
808 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6815 6464
503 mAlthorp, Wall And Gates Attached To South East Of The Gardeners House
691 mAlthorp, Garden Screen To West Of North Front Of Stable
127 mAlthorp, East Lodges (North)
980 mAlthorp, Garden Screen West Of South Front
53 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6797 6520
272 mAlthorp, Planting Stone At Sp 6575 6508
584 mAlthorp, Gatepiers And Gates At Sp 6744 6520
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176 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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