Boughton House

Historic Houses & Building

England's Versailles

BOUGHTON HOUSE is the Northamptonshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT, and his Montagu ancestors since 1528. A 500 year old Tudor monastic building gradually enlarged around seven courtyards until the French style addition of 1695, which has lead to Boughton House being described as `England's Versailles'. The house contains an outstanding collection of 17th and 18th century French and English furniture, tapestries, 16th century carpets, porcelain, painted ceilings and notable works by El Greco, Murillo, Caracci and 40 Van Dyck sketches. There is an incomparable Armoury and Ceremonial Coach. Beautiful parkland with historic avenues, lakes, picnic area, gift shop, adventure woodland play area, plant centre and tearoom. Boughton House is administered by The Living Landscape Trust, which was created by the present Duke of Buccleuch to show the relationship between the historic Boughton House and its surrounding, traditional, working estate. For information on the groups visit programme and educational services, including fine arts courses run in conjunction with Sotheby's Institute, please contact The Living Landscape Trust. Our newly developed Internet website gives information on Boughton House and The Living Landscape Trust, including a `virtual' tour, together with full details of our schools' educational facilities (Sandford Award winner 1988, 1993 and 1998). Silver award winner of the 1st Historic House Awards, given by AA and NPI, in co-operation with the Historic Houses Association, for the privately-owned historic house open to the public which has best preserved its integrity, character of its architecture and furniture, while remaining a lived-in family home. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES SUMMER: Easter - end Sept: Sat & Sun, 2.30 - 5.30pm. Closed Mon - Fri except BH Mons & Tues following 2.30 - 5.30pm. Last admission 5pm. NB. On BHs & Event days, open at 12 noon (House at 2.30pm). Open any day or evening for pre-booked parties. WINTER: October - Easter Closed to public, except during October for corporate events