In 1219, Henry III first granted a licence to the Baronial family of Poinz for a market at this Manor of Ampthill.
Then, in 1524, Henry VIII acquired the estate which he used as a hunting lodge, while the castle on the site was used as a residence for Catherine of Aragon during her divorce.
And during 1771 and 1772, Capability Brown was employed to improve the grounds – you know, because they weren't fantastic enough ;-)
But – the part of the property we’re interested in is called Ashburnham Park House (it’s the left hand section of the original mansion as you look at it) and it’s on the market with Michael Graham, Bedford, with a guide price of £2,250,000 – for more details, go directly to the agent’s website
So how does the other half live, then?
Well, for your couple of mill you’ll get just under 7,300 sq ft of accommodation over four floors. There’s a gym/workshop, two formal reception rooms, a study, a kitchen/breakfast room – and SEVEN bedrooms and FOUR bath/shower rooms across the top two floors. Splendid indeed.
6. Principal bedroom
The principal bedroom and bedroom two have connecting doors. The principal bedroom has steps up to a vestibule which has a door to the inner landing, and a built-in double cupboard. Photo: Michael Graham, Bedford
7. Principal bathroom
This vestibule leads to the principal bathroom which has a claw footed bath with a shower attachment set under a sash window with views to the front Photo: Michael Graham, Bedford
8. Exterior
The private rear garden is enclosed by a combination of mature hedges and close boarded fencing. There is a paved terrace which spans the rear of the property. The trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders because of the Capability Brown link Photo: Michael Graham, Bedford