Apethorpe Hall, Oundle, Northants


Apethorpe Hall is a Grade I listed country house of exceptional importance.  Dating from the late 15th century, Apethorpe Hall has entertained Tudor and Stuart royalty, notably Elizabeth I and James I.  The house contains one of the most important Jacobean interiors to remain in the country.  It was the principal seat of the Mildmays and Fanes, Earls of Westmorland, for over 350 years. 

The house was built in the late 15th century for Sir Guy Wolston, who served as constable of the nearby royal castle at Fotheringhay, Esquire of the Body to Edward IV, and sheriff as well as MP for Northamptonshire.   The courtyard front of the East Range. Built in 1622-4, this range houses the Long Gallery on the first floor. Below it was an open arcade, which was glazed in during the 19th century. 

In 1551 the property was acquired by Sir Walter Mildmay, soon to become Chancellor of the Exchequer.  He rebuilt the South Range to provide a state apartment suite, where Elizabeth I was entertained in 1566. 

Sir Francis Fane, who had married Mildmay’s granddaughter, remodelled the state rooms and added a long gallery in 1622-24 at the express order of James I for his ‘more commodious entertainment.... and princely recreation there’. The King provided oak trees for the purpose from Rockingham Forest. 

The house was clearly a favourite of the early Stuart monarchs.  There were at least thirteen royal visits – more than to any other house in the county – between 1566 and 1636, and it is said that it was at Apethorpe that James met George Villiers, his favourite, later to become Duke of Buckingham.

Magnificent State Rooms including Great Chamber, Withdrawing Chamber, the King’s Room, the Duke’s Room and the Long Gallery all with original plaster ceilings and fireplaces recently restored. Unique Roof Walk. 15th century Great Hall with Minstrel’s Gallery.

About 48 other rooms on ground, first and second floors and an Orangery all in need of further restoration. Estimated total GIA about 51,000 sq ft (c.4739 sq m).

Period landscaped gardens, dating from various centuries, 3 bed Gardener’s Cottage, extensive walled kitchen gardens with greenhouses, part walled parkland with C18th Dovecote. Extensive 16th to19th Century Stable block (est. GIA 13,000 sq ft /1208 sq m) with 3 bed House, Granary and former groom accommodation.

In all about 45.3 acres (18.3 hectares)

Price: £5 million

Contact: 01865 733300















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