A spectacular house once owned by one of Henry VIII's wives comes to the market
Penny Churchill looks at Beachampton Hall, a country house steeped in history and royal connections.


Grade II*-listed Beachampton Hall sits in an idyllic landscape next to the Great Ouse in Buckinghamshire. Previously known as Hill Farm, the stone-gabled house stands on high ground on the south bank of the river beyond Beachampton’s delightful 14th-century village church, three miles from Stony Stratford and 6½ miles from Buckingham.
Sensitively restored in the past 13 years by its current owner, who plans to embark on another project, Beachampton Hall is for sale through Savills Country Department at £3.5m.
Set in 33 acres of landscaped gardens and paddocks, it comes with outbuildings, stabling, an outdoor school and fishing rights on the river. An additional 30 acres of paddocks are available by separate negotiation.
The house as it stands was essentially built in the early 1600s, though the hall was once part of a larger manor house, remains of which are incorporated in a charming summerhouse in the grounds.
This house was owned by Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII; she may never have lived at Beachampton Hall, but the property was listed as part of her extensive dowry when she married the King. Queen Anne of Denmark certainly visited early in the 17th century, surveying the grounds from a balcony overlooking the river.
Over the centuries, influential owners of Beachampton Hall estate have included the Marquess of Salisbury, the Cecil family and a former Lord Mayor of London, whose crest is engraved on the window of the first-floor Great Chamber, now the drawing room.
The main house offers some 6,700sq ft of living space, including a large reception hall, five reception rooms, a bespoke fitted kitchen/breakfast room, a master suite, five double bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Beachampton Hall is for sale via Savills at £3.5m — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
England’s best views: Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire
Simon Jenkins chooses Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows as one of his favourite views
-
You've almost certainly been making cups of tea wrong for years
We drink tea every day, but are we doing it correctly? Who decided on the rules and do they really matter? Jonathon Jones reveals all.
By Jonathon Jones Published
-
Myddleton House: The place that 'will help you learn what true gardening is' is open to everyone, and just 30 minutes from central London
E. A. Bowles created a horticultural playground in the gardens of Myddleton House that was years ahead of its time, and continues to influence even today. Isabel Bannerman takes a look.
By Isabel Bannerman Published
-
Soft tones and a sense of place: A Mayfair duplex that breaks the modern mould
A new designer-led residence at 60 Curzon in Mayfair reminds us that everything new doesn't necessarily have to look it.
By James Fisher Published
-
'The very best North Yorkshire has to offer': The £25 million Kirkham Estate
With 1,103 acres and on the market for the first time in a century, we've got a new frontrunner for the sale of the year.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
The reality of 20 years of house price rises in Britain, from the places that have had a charmed life to the spots where it's a struggle to move back home
At first glance the ups and downs of the property market seem to even out over time — but dig in to the numbers and you'll see wild regional variations which paint a very difference picture. Annabel Dixon analyses new research which tells the story.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic Yorkshire hall, meticulously restored to its former 18th-century magnificence
Womersley Park is a masterpiece and one of Yorkshire's great historic houses. And it could be yours.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Rowing past dreams: An idyllic riverside home with a boathouse, croquet pitch and Olympic pedigree
The Manor in Long Wittenham is a perfect Thames-side getaway. Comes with a free boat.
By James Fisher Published
-
A bucolic Sussex home that's 'like stepping into a fairytale', yet just 30 minutes from central London
Felmere House is a playground for nature and only 30 minutes from London.
By James Fisher Last updated
-
Magnificent mansions across the Home Counties, from £3 million to £14 million, as seen in Country Life
A waterside dream home and a house and estate with over 1,100 years of history make our round-up this week.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
Vibrant colours and exquisite taste make this three-bedroom London townhouse sing
On Kennington's West Square, this Grade II-listed home is a monument to the discerning eye.
By James Fisher Published