Houghton House, Grade I listed mansion ruins in Ampthill, England.
Houghton House is a partially preserved country mansion in Ampthill whose walls display a blend of Jacobean and Classical design features. The ground level contains open-sided Italian-style loggias, while the upper stories feature rows of large windows.
Dowager Countess Mary Herbert commissioned the house around 1615, with construction finishing in 1621. The building reflected the work of two influential architects who brought Renaissance design to English estates.
The name reflects the hilltop location where the structure was built centuries ago. Visitors can see how Italian architectural details were woven into the English country house design through the remaining loggias and window placements.
The site is reachable via Hazelwood Lane from the B530, with a small car park nearby. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths are rough and the ruins sit on sloped ground.
The ruins sit atop a hill offering views across Bedfordshire to the distant horizon. Information panels on site tell the story of what stood here for those wanting to learn more.
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