Stretching across the counties of Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire are the 3,800 acres of the Elton estate. Almost secreted within this vast rural environment, and standing in its own 200 acres of parkland beside the River Nene, is Elton Hall, the home of the Proby family.

This interesting arrangement of buildings from several different periods provides a typically romantic image of the country gentleman's residence. With round and square towers, tall slender chimneys and an abundance of castellation, it is quite difficult to determine the origins of the house. Occupation of the site is believed to have been from as early as the 12th century, and there may well have been several dwellings erected over the next 300 years. However, Elton Hall today is largely a late 17th century/early 18th century reconstruction, incorporating the remains of a medieval house.

The Proby family came from Chester but have owned land at Elton for over 400 years, since Sir Peter Proby was granted a Crown lease by Elizabeth I in 1596. On display in the Upper Octagon Room is the Seal of Elizabeth I on the grant of Elton Mill to Sir Peter. It was about 70 years later when the Proby's first occupied Elton Hall - at this time, Sir Thomas Proby, grandson of Sir Peter, converted the ruined dwelling to create a home for himself and his new wife. A painting of Sir Thomas now hangs in the Marble Hall.

Sir Thomas Proby clearly had a tidy mind, and liked to record in detail every item of expenditure, not only on the house restoration but also on personal items. There is a fascinating register of accounts maintained by him, now displayed in the inner library in the medieval tower.

Elton Hall houses many fine art treasures, as well as an impressive library containing more than 12,000 books, all collected by successive heirs to the property. Two memorable rooms were the vast drawing room, created in 1760 from the former medieval chapel, and the dining room built about 100 years later. Designed by Henry Ashton, this room complements the drawing room beautifully by the addition of the three large gothic windows which are an exact copy of those from the north wall of the chapel.

There is little evidence of the early grounds and most of the gardens have been established throughout the 20th century. The most recent addition is the gothic orangery, built to celebrate the Millenium.

A charming and very peaceful property that is located surprisingly close to the bustling city of Peterborough.