You can stay in Diana's childhood home
How to book Althorp Estate and other properties with royal history
This week, I’m bringing you a cross-post from our sister newsletter The Royal List. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live like royalty, well now you can come one step closer, by booking into Diana, Princess of Wales’ childhood home.
Tatler reports Althorp House in Northamptonshire has been listed for rent on Elysian Estates, which is kind of an upmarket version of Airbnb, for castles and stately homes. The estate, which has been in the Spencer family since the 1500s, is home to Diana’s brother Earl Spencer, who shares fascinating glimpses into his lifestyle, on his Instagram page.
According to the rental blurb, you can “walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, feast or celebrate in spectacular surroundings, marvel at the sense of history and artwork, and slumber in pure luxury. To stay at Althorp is to become part of the amazing history of this magnificent property, renowned for its discreet yet spectacular hospitality to guests including royalty and aristocracy since 1508.”
Guests will enjoy “unparalleled levels of service, privacy and luxury to rival the finest properties anywhere in the world; yet retains the truly welcoming and homely feel that makes Althorp so special.”
The estate offers 26 bedrooms, plus an extra 12, a 250-person reception area and a 500-person marquee, with butler service, in-house catering, access to the 500-acre estate and artwork by Anthony van Dyck, Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds.
It was Diana’s childhood home and was where Prince Charles first met his future wife in the 1970s. It’s also the burial site of the late Princess of Wales, but access to that is expected to be prohibited. As to the price, it’s not listed, but we imagine it’s a little steeper than a mini-break in Margate. For those on a smaller budget, Althorp House is open every summer for day visitors.
Like this? How about these other stately homes with royal residents…
Belvoir Castle
This stately home in Leicestershire, is the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland and can be rented exclusively for 27 people, through Elysian Estates.
Amaranth Court
Stay in the childhood home of the young Princess Elizabeth - later Elizabeth I, in Amaranth Court in Hertfordshire. With 190 bedrooms and 190 acres, it’s available from £212 a night, through Elysian Estates.
Hartwell House
It’s been the home of royal residents for centuries, from William Peveral, son of William the Conqueror, to Louis XVIII, exiled King of France. Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire is a hotel run by Historic House Hotels, now part of the National Trust. Rooms are from £245 a night. Visit hartwell-house.com.