Gayton, Northampton, NN7

Gayton Manor dates from circa 1540, with later 18th and 21st century extensions and is Grade I Listed, being of considerable architectural and historic importance.
Built in a classic architectural cruciform shape, notably similar to that of Lyveden New Bield near Oundle, but in this case, not thought to be of religious significance, the property, whilst technically being of Tudor origins, is of a style and character more typical of the Elizabethan age.
Originally owned by the Tanfield family, built by Sir Francis Tanfield (died 1558) who with his wife Bridget and 18 children, is buried in the church and whose initials 'F & B' can been seen carved in the wooden door surround to the dining room. The Manor House was sold by Francis Tanfield, his grandson, in 1607.
Little is known about the property during the 17th and early 18th century, but it was purchased in the middle of the 18th century by a Dr Hawley, who also owned over 200 acres of land in the Parish. It remained in the ownership of the Hawley family until the 1970's.
The current owners have extensively renovated and modernised Gayton Manor since they purchased the property in 1994 and today it is beautifully presented with attention to detail.
Gayton Manor is the epitome of an important 16th century country house which has been modernised for 21st century family living and entertaining.

Gayton Manor lies on the edge of the village and enjoys magnificent far reaching views over adjacent countryside.
Constructed of coursed squared limestone with ironstone dressings below a pitched roof mainly of late 18th century plain tiles.
Notable, external features include three storey mullioned gabled bay windows on the three principal elevations and Tudor arched doors.
Internally, the impressive scale, with generous ceiling heights to most rooms sets the tone; Tudor arched stone fireplace in the Great Hall, overlooked by a small Minstrel's Gallery, wide dog leg oak staircase and panelled dining room.
Entrance Hall with stone flagged floor, oak panelled door leading to The Great Hall also to inner lobby and cloakroom.
The Great Hall is most impressive with very generous ceiling height, magnificent carved mullioned windows, small Minstrel's Gallery, carved stone fireplace, chamfered beams and flagged floor. Currently used as the drawing room with working wood burner, double oak doors lead to the inner staircase hall.
Original oak staircase with turned balusters and octagonal newel posts.
The dining room is completely panelled in oak with wide oak floor boards and handsome Tudor arch stone fireplace with cut spandrels and ornamental wood surround.
The 'Solar', was a room in manor houses, situated off the Great Hall, for the privacy of the head of the household, especially for the senior women. Triple aspect, the room today is used as an additional sitting room.
There is a beautiful modern open-plan kitchen/dining/family room, with convenient study/office, with much glass on the eastern elevation.
On the first floor double leaf doors open to central lobby, currently used as library, which is believed would have originally been open to the bedroom opposite the stairs. This bedroom is triple aspect and has two stone fireplaces, one which is a dummy for symmetry, with no flue.
Principal bedroom with stone fireplace is west facing with dual aspect mullioned windows overlooking grounds and surrounding countryside. Steps down to en suite bathroom.
Guest bedroom also with stone fireplace and mullioned windows, mirrors the principal bedroom with steps to en suite bathroom, but also has a dressing room area.
The second floor in the same cross shape, also has a central lobby area with 3 bedrooms leading off. There is a family bathroom at the top of the stairs.

The village of Gayton is situated in rural Northamptonshire countryside between the market towns of Northampton and Towcester.
With medieval origins, the village is said to be named after Sir Philip de Gayton (died 1316) whose wooden effigy and those of his wife and daughter can be seen in the village church today.
Amenities include, the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Gayton C of E Primary School, public house and village hall. Post office and village shop at neighbouring Blisworth.
The market town of Towcester, (about 5 miles) provides for every day requirements with a range of boutique shops, leisure centre, doctor's surgery and both Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets.
Milton Keynes and Northampton offer an extensive selection of shopping and leisure facilities.
Communication is excellent with M1 (J15) about 4 miles, and A43 dual carriageway, (about 3 miles) linking to the M40 (J10). Mainline train service from Milton Keynes to London/Euston about 35 minutes peak time.
Outstanding choice of independent schools in the area include:- Winchester House Prep (Brackley), Bilton Grange Prep (Dunchurch), Northampton Independent Grammar School (Pitsford), Northampton High (girls), Thornton College (girls), Stowe, Rugby, Oundle, Oakham and Upplingham public schools.
Sporting and recreational facilities include horse racing at Towcester; motor racing at Silverstone; golf at Northampton Country Course (Chapel Brampton), Harleston and Collingtree; rugby at Northampton (The Saints); theatre at Milton Keynes; Gayton is within the Grafton Hunting Country.

The property is set centrally within its grounds behind high stone walls. Approached through a pair of wrought iron gates up a short gravelled driveway with wide grass verges leading to a turning and parking area to the west of the house. The turning area has a central lawn with stone dovecote.
From the parking area a pair of clipped conical shaped yew trees leads the way up the footpath to the front door and continues around the house to the south and east sides to the principal gardens.
Here there is a pretty sunken Elizabethan garden with ornamental pond. There is a flight of stone steps and pair of stone urns leading to the eastern boundary, which themselves are Grade II Listed.
The parking area also leads to the back door where there is a small lawned area to the north of the property and a timber gate leads to a small vegetable garden, compost and bonfire area.
Just beyond the garage and stables a gate leads to the paddock grazing. There are two small holding paddocks and a larger paddock running down the hill extending to about 3 acres in all.

Outbuildings and Annexe
Approached from the parking area, a short distance from the house is a part stone, part timber triple garage with tiled roof.
The attractive stable block is also constructed of stone below a pitched slate roof. There are 3 loose boxes and a tack room.
Accessed by stone external steps, the self contained annexe above the stables, comprises sitting/dining area, two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchenette, ideal for staff or guest accommodation.
To the rear of the property are two stone built stores currently used for garden equipment and a log store.
On the north boundary is a large Victorian greenhouse with grape vine and fig tree.
In all about 4.4acres.