Holdenby House

SP66NE HOLDENBY

7/216 Holdenby House 02/11/54 II*

Country house. c.1583 for Sir Christopher Hatton rebuilt 1873-5 by R.H. Carpenter and W. Slater and extended 1887-8 by W.E. Mills. Squared coursed lias with ashlar dressings and slate roof. U-shaped plan. South front is 2 storeys with attic. 8-window range of 2- and 4-light stone mullions with transoms. Windows 3, 4 and 5 a fragment of Holdenby Palace of 1583; 2 window ranges to left, set back are c.1887-8, remainder mainly 1873-5. Projecting porch has double pilasters flanking arched entrance at ground floor and detached twin columns at first floor flanking a 3-light stone mullion window, reputedly from Holdenby Palace and re-erected from elsewhere. Ashlar gable parapets and dormers with pediments. Tall circular ashlar stacks with linked caps some probably c.1583. Right gable has C16 blocked opening with 4-centred head. North front with projecting wings is mainly C19 with central porch similar to that on the south front. Carriage arch datestone 1659 and walls one attached. Interior: Entrance hall in centre of north front has C19 panelling and marble fireplace, probably c.1583 structure; billiard room and boudoir to left of entrance have C19 moulded cornices; marble fireplace in the boudoir is decorated with musical instruments. Ball-room in south front has large marble fireplace with swags of grapes, this room incorporates part of original structure. Garden hall, south front has C19 stair with turned balustrade. Library c.1583 has original panelling re-set; dining room to left of library has late C19 moulded cornice and fireplace. Holdenby Palace was demolished in 1651 by Captain Adam Baynes with the exception of part of the offices incorporated into the present house in 1873. Two gate arches also remain to the east. (Buildings of England : Northamptonshire, p.261) Surrounding Site scheduled as ancient monument.

Listing NGR: SP6927767774