Apethorpe Hall is a gem and the exceptional conservation work is very rewarding to see. Good to know that less common traditional building skills still exist. Further away but in Northants., Canons Ashby Hall and Church make a fascinating day out. When first commuting to this area I regularly drove past the boarded up church, a former priory, opposite the then forlorn looking hall. The National Trust have since done a great restoration and conservation job. A pleasant drive on B roads noticeably better maintained than minor roads around Kings Cliffe. Why? Are NCC Highways under more pressure from interested or influential councils or residents, closer to Northampton? Details of visiting times are on the websites of English Heritage (Apethorpe Hall) and the National Trust (Canons Ashby).
