Courteenhall House

The original estate at Courteenhall was a possession of St James's Abbey at Northampton.^[1] At the Dissolution of the monasteries it was bought by the Ouseleys. The estate came into the possession of the Wake baronets in the 18th century.^[a] The Wakes had farmed in Northamptonshire since the mid-13th century.^[2] On the advice of Humphry Repton, Sir William Wake (1768–1846) built a new house, on higher ground to the north west of the Ouseley's house. His architect, also a recommendation of Repton, was Samuel Saxon, who had trained in the office of Sir William Chambers.^[b][1] The house was built between 1791 and 1793.^[5] Courteenhall remains the private home of the Wake family but is occasionally open for events, or for private hire.^[6]

The house is of three storeys and seven bays, with a hipped roof. It is built of local limestone ashlar.^[5] The architectural style is neoclassical and Pevsner repeatedly references the sophisticated and refined style of the design.^[1] The interior follows a typical 18th century pattern, with entrance hall, drawing room, dining room and library.^[1]

The house is a Grade I listed building.^[5] The stable block, with attached coach houses, stables and a barn, is also listed Grade II*.^[7] The stables have been attributed to John Carr.^[1] The surrounding garden and parkland, notable for its trees, is designated Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.^[8] The park was laid out by Repton.^[1]