Althorp

Althorp House is a sprawling country estate in Northamptonshire, about ten kilometres north-west of Northampton, held by the Spencer family since 1508. Its Tudor origins were transformed in the late 18th century by architect Henry Holland into the Georgian neoclassical manor standing today, housing a notable collection of Old Masters including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Reynolds. The estate gained worldwide recognition as the childhood home of Diana Spencer, who was buried in 1997 on a small island in the ornamental lake following her death in Paris — a site visible from a lakeside memorial path but deliberately kept inaccessible to visitors. Althorp opens to paying visitors on selected summer days, offering guided access to the state rooms and grounds.