Within the valley of the River Nene, just three miles from Oundle in Northamptonshire, a rather quirky manor house emerges from the countryside. With its turrets, towers, gables and pinnacles, Southwick Hall is largely a 14th century residence constructed from local limestone and Collyweston slates, built on the edge of what was once the Royal Forest of Rockingham.

Ownership can be traced back to the Knyvett family at the beginning of the 12th century, and they were responsible for building the village church in about 1230. Today, this contains some wooden panelling removed from Southwick Hall during a remodelling, and a memorial to the 18th century George Lynn. Later Knyvetts began constructing what was formerly known as 'Knyvett's Place', and this forms the medieval heart of today's Southwick Hall. Surviving from this period are the two towers and their adjoining rooms.

The family remained at Southwick until 1441 when it is understood that they inherited a better property in Norfolk. At this time the medieval manor house passed to John Lynn, who married Joan Knyvett - the 5 times great granddaughter to John Knyvett, first placed in Southwick in 1194.

During 400 years of occupation, the Lynn family made several alterations to the fabric of the building, including the reconstruction of the main south front on the foundations of the original Great Hall. This ground floor room with mullioned windows is typically Georgian in style, and is the one room in the house that incorporates all three main building periods, and commemorates the three families that have occupied Southwick. Above this room, there are two large bedrooms - one known as the 'Oak Room', with original Elizabethan panelling and a barrel roof, contains a four-poster bed dating from 1630 which is still used.

The 18th century saw many alterations to Southwick Hall, including the building of an extension to the western side of the house, and a complete refurbishment of the interiors in typical Georgian fashion. Notable rooms containing work from this period are the ground floor Study, originally part of the medieval Solar wing and later becoming the Tudor eating parlour; and the actual Solar, which was rebuilt in the late 16th century but received a 'makeover' with panelling and a period fireplace, although the Elizabethan windows were retained. In the new wing built by George Lynn is the Parlour, now displaying quite a mix of styles with its Regency fireplace set within Georgian decor and hints of Gothic.

By 1800, the Lynn occupation had come to an end - Southwick had been passed through the female line for several generations but Martha Lynn died childless. In 1841 George Capron, a wealthy lawyer, purchased the house. The family were already Lords of the nearby manor of Stoke Doyle and had connections to the Lynns. The early Caprons were responsible for rebuilding the east wing, making it two storeys, and adding a stable block. Before the end of the first decade of the 20th century the last major building work was undertaken to create a new entrance to the house through the undercroft.

Standing in the courtyard outside of the house, the early 14th century circular turret makes an impressive feature. From here you can access the old laundry, which is full of household artefacts and tools from the past.

Southwick Hall is only open to the public at Bank Holidays, but it is well worth making the effort to visit - if the weather is kind, there is always the option to enjoy the hospitality of the present Capron family and take afternoon tea in the garden.