Apethorpe

A grand hall in Northamptonshire built between 1470 and 1480, Apethorpe was an informal retreat for Tudor and Stuart monarchs including Elizabeth I, Henry VIII, James I and Charles I. A cross between a palace and hunting lodge, it was well equipped for ...

Apethorpe Hall in Northamptonshire, a favourite haunt of King James I, was compulsorily purchased by the government for £3m. English Heritage planned to spend a further £4m restoring the Grade I listed mansion, then recoup the public's money by selling it.

They are some of England's grandest homes. But while Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace are familiar to any tourist, the sudden emergence of a new contender – Apethorpe Palace in Northamptonshire – is ruffling feathers in heritage circles.

Apethorpe Hall, the favourite stately home of James I, has been saved by a French baron who wants it to “regain the place in British history it deserves”. Professor Jean Christophe Iseux, or Baron von Pfetten, spent £2.5 million on the stately home ...

Originally built between 1470-80 by Sir Guy Wolston, the 48-bedroom hall was a favourite retreat of King James I and where he indulged in 'commodious entertainment...and princely recreation' with the Duke of Buckingham. Apethorpe has also played host ...

Jean Christophe Iseux, Baron von Pfetten - a French professor and diplomat dubbed the 'Red Baron' for his links to the Chinese Communist government - has splashed out £2.5million for Apethorpe Hall near Oundle, Northamptonshire. The grade I listed ...