The Grandest of Settings
A Family Home When you first see it, Althorp will take your breath away. Not simply because it’s one of the most beautiful stately homes in England, but because it brings 500 years of history to life before your very eyes. Home to the Spencer family since 1508, Althorp showcases one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics. The walls are thickly hung with iconic works by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Rubens, and Van Dyck, while outside, 550 acres of glorious, private and timeless parkland have provided the playground for nineteen generations of Spencers. Discover more about the exclusive opportunities available to experience this magnificent yet warm family home for yourself.
LEFT AND BELOW: THE GREAT ROOM BOTTOM: TREASURES FROM THE ALTHORP COLLECTION
LEFT AND BOTTOM: THE LIBRARY BELOW: PAINTERS’ PASSAGE
The Ultimate Location If location is everything, Althorp has it all – secluded lakeside retreats, formal lawns lined with ancient oaks, and an array of picturesque villages, farms and golf clubs scattered about the surrounding countryside. Secure amidst Althorp’s idyllic private parkland, you would be forgiven for thinking that urban life was a million miles away. In fact, the House is a mere 10-minute drive from the M1, within an hour’s drive from major cities such as Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham and Leicester, and less than an hour-and-a-half from London – or just 30 minutes if you take advantage of our private helipad. It’s little wonder guests find Althorp so easy to get to – and so hard to leave.
LEFT: THE VIEW FROM THE DEER PARK
Home From Home It may be the long-standing seat of the Spencer family, but for the duration of your stay, Althorp House will be exclusively yours. And that doesn’t just include the sumptuously furnished state apartments, bedroom suites and 550 acres of parkland; you will receive the dedicated services of the family’s resident staff too – from a personal butler and housekeeper to Earl Spencer’s personal chef. Whether you are with us for a few hours or many days, you and your guests will be the beneficiaries of a tradition of five centuries of the very highest standards of hospitality.
LEFT: THE SOUTH DRAWING ROOM NEXT PAGE: THE MARLBOROUGH ROOM SET FOR DINNER
LEFT: THE SUNDERLAND ROOM BELOW: THE BILLIARD ROOM BOTTOM: THE LIBRARY
The Grandest of Settings Whichever way you look through its elegant Georgian window panes, the view at Althorp is guaranteed to make an impression. Once the scene of courtly balls, political meetings and even a secret marriage, each intriguing room in the house now provides an inspirational backdrop for an array of present-day events – whether it’s a banquet for two-hundred in the breathtaking Picture Gallery, a relaxed afternoon tea by the fire in the Library or a major board meeting in the regal surroundings of the Great Room. Large, atmospheric, spaces such as the Saloon with its grand oak staircase, or the mighty Marlborough Room with its ornate chandeliers and silverware, provide a dream setting for civil ceremonies or champagne receptions, while the smaller, more intimate Ante or Sunderland Rooms make perfect areas to relax post-meeting – or a comfortable after-dinner retreat for parties of all sizes. Whatever you choose, please know that you will not only be surrounded by history, but will also be looked after to the highest of modern standards.
LEFT: THE MARLBOROUGH ROOM SET FOR DINNER
LEFT: THE PICTURE GALLERY BELOW: AFTERNOON TEA IN THE ANTE ROOM
From Dusk to Dawn Whether you choose to spend the night amidst the elegant furnishings of the India Silk Bedroom or the opulent décor of the King William Bedroom, an overnight stay at Althorp is unparalleled. Steeped in history, many of Althorp’s guest suites have been graced by kings, queens and statesmen for over five centuries; from Charles I in the 1630s, through to Sir Winston Churchill in the lead-up to the Second World War. The Oak Bedroom witnessed the secret wedding ceremony of the 1st Earl Spencer to his childhood sweetheart, Georgiana Poyntz; the King William Bedroom hosted King William III’s stay in 1695, and the Queen Mary Bedroom was stayed in by Queen Mary and King George V when they visited Althorp in 1913. More recent guests of Lord Spencer have included presidents Mandela and Gorbachev. Your stay will become a part of the everevolving story of this most loved of English historic homes.
LEFT: THE KING WILLIAM BEDROOM
LEFT: THE PRINCESS OF WALES BEDROOM BOTTOM LEFT: THE GEORGIANA SUITE BELOW: THE QUEEN MARY BEDROOM BOTTOM: THE OAK BEDROOM
A World of Possibilities The sheer beauty and scale of Althorp make it a venue you and your guests will remember forever. Its versatility make it perfect for private and business events - as well as for a mixture of the two. Naturally, Althorp offers a variety of traditional country pursuits, such as archery, falconry, riding, and shooting (clay pigeon and game). With one of England’s most experienced gamekeepers managing an equally acclaimed shoot, there really is no better place to perfect your skills in this most classic of English rural sports. The cricket pitch and croquet lawn are also available for those who enjoy other quintessentially English pursuits. From helicopter rides to hot air balloons, Althorp provides a world of possibilities.
To discuss your requirements, please contact us. Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ Telephone: +44 (0) 1604 770107 events@althorp.com www.spencerofalthorp.com