The original country house was updated to a mansion between 1664 and 1673. About a hundred years later the house was remodelled into the neoclassical mansion in the Greek Revival style we see today.
The grounds and house are beautiful, although generally you can’t enter the house. Walking around the outside of the house is impressive, and The Grange was home to royalty. George IV lived here for a time whilst he was the Prince of Wales.
Events are often held here so you may have to share your visit.
See below for more history of the house.
Location – Northington Road, Alresford SO24 9TG
Opening Times – 10am-4pm daily throughout the year, however there are events held here which can close the site. Check out the latest details here.
Parking – There is parking on site.
Facilities – There are no facilities on site.
Access – There are steps and uneven surfaces, but wheelchair access is possible for most of the site.
Dogs – Dogs on leads are welcome at the house.
Safety – There are some unfenced drops and a lake.
History of Northington Grange – Sir Robert Henley, the Master of the King’s Bench, commissioned the conversion of a modest country house to an impressive mansion from William Samwell. Between 1664 and 1673 the house was converted and started its new life. The mansion was mostly brick and although subsequent work has hidden most of the brickwork, some of this is still visible in places.
In 1808 The Grange underwent another significant remodel. Henry Drummer was part of a wealthy banking family who now owned the house and grounds. Henry wanted to have lavish show home in the fashionable ancient Greek style.
However Henry was unimpressed with the remodeled house and sold it to banking rivals Barings in 1817. Barings extended the house adding a conservatory and dining room.
The Grange then became popular with literary and political types, and George IV lived here for a time whilst he was the Prince of Wales.
During the 20th century there are conflicting records on what happened at The Grange from housing a collection of fine art to being occupied during the Second World War. What is clear though is that much of the remodeled house was dismantled, but following a campaign in the 1970’s what we see today was saved.
The Grange is now used as an event location for weddings to opera.