This magnificent Queen Anne house dating from 1702 is set in delightful rural Northamptonshire.
Reputed to be the pattern for Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park', the hall's beauty is matched by the magnificence of the gardens and views, and by the excellence of the picture, furniture, and porcelain collections it houses.
As the Hall is approached over the Mitchell Bridge built in about 1765, the architectural splendour of the house emerges from the surrounding trees.
The identity of the original architect remains a mystery, but the house also underwent development during the 18th Century, including the addition of the East and West Bows in the Adam manner, and interior features, such as notable wrought iron work and extremely unusual Rococo papier mâché wall decoration.
The Statue Walk The Mitchell Bridge
The Woolavington collection of sporting pictures at Cottesbrooke is possibly the finest of its type in Europe, and includes paintings by Stubbs, Ben Marshall, and many other artists renowned for works of this genre from the mid 18th century to the present day.
Contrast the compact Dutch Garden with the elegance of the view of the Ladies' Lake down the Oak Avenue, and you gain some impression of the variety to be enjoyed within the grounds. The remarkable 18th century landscaping of the Park, its vistas and lake, are by an unknown hand.
Development of the formal and wild gardens surrounding the house has largely been undertaken during the present century and continues today. Fine old cedars, speciment trees, herbaceous borders, water and wild gardens are among the many features that make a visit to Cottesbrooke Hall a unique experience.
Location
Off the A50 Northampton to Leicester road through the village of Creaton, or, off the A508 Northampton to Market Harborough road through the village of Brixworth, or, from Junction 2 of the A14 through the village of Haselbech.
Further Information and Opening Times
Visit the Cottesbrooke Hall web site.