Princess Diana may have married into royalty, but her childhood was far from low-key. She was lucky enough to grow up at Althorp House in Northamptonshire, a vast estate comprising 13,000 acres that is so luxurious it easily rivals a royal residence.
Althorp House was previously owned by Princess Diana's father, Earl John Spencer, and is now home to her brother, Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, who often shares glimpses inside its lavish walls on social media. He wrote his explosive book, Swan Song: My sister, Diana, within the study there. With 90 rooms, decadent décor and glorious grounds, it is not surprising that it attracts thousands of visitors each year when Charles Spencer opens the doors for two months of the year.
The iconic stately home was even where she first met King Charles (when he was Prince) as they were introduced by Diana's sister, Sarah Spencer. Now, Diana has been laid to rest there, in the centre of the Oval Lake on site.
View the best photos inside and outside of Althorp...
Exterior
The incredible exterior of Althorp was seen in an Instagram post shared by Earl Spencer, who wrote: "Cool July evening air, at @althorphouse." The vast number of windows gives an indication of its size, and it is surrounded by pristine gardens.
The Falconry
Charles revealed the previously unseen falconry in the grounds of Althorp in June, revealing that it had been built for one week's entertainment in 1613.
The Oval Lake
© Getty ImagesPrincess Diana was originally meant to be buried in the family vault in the nearby village of Great Brington, but security concerns saw Earl Spencer suggest his Oval Lake instead. In 1998, Charles reflected on the private location, which is only accessible for family via boat. He said the island would "act as a buffer against the interventions of the insane and ghoulish, the thick mud presenting a further line of defence. We all agreed that, with its beauty and tranquillity, this was the place for Diana to be."
Library
When Charles posted about the library on his Instagram account, he revealed that it is his favourite room in the house. It features wooden floors with three large patterned rugs, cream walls with endless shelves of books, and a selection of red armchairs and sofas. There are also several palatial chandeliers.
Saloon
The Saloon makes a grand hallway for Althorp House. It has a large staircase with wooden bannisters and chandeliers, and paintings in gold frames hanging on the walls.
Wootton Hall
The Wootton Hall takes its name from the artist John Wootton, whose works are hanging on the walls. It features Italian marble checkerboard flooring, where Princess Diana would practice her tap dancing.
Bedroom
One of the bedrooms in the house is decorated with blue walls and red and blue patterned carpet. There is a four-poster bed with blue floral linen and matching curtains.
Oak Bedroom
The Oak Bedroom is where John (later the 1st Earl) Spencer secretly married Georgiana Poyntz. In 1934, Sir Winston Churchill also stayed in the Oak Bedroom whilst doing research for his book on the Duke of Marlborough. It features an oak bed, and 'S's embroidered on the curtains to represent the surname, Spencer.
Billiard Room
Althorp House has its own billiard room, complete with a large pool table. It is decorated with blue walls and a gold and cream ceiling, with several photos hanging on the walls.
Marlborough Room
The Marlborough Room serves as a formal dining room, with space to seat up to 42 guests. It is named after Sarah, the first Duchess of Marlborough.
Great Room
The Great Room was used by the 2nd Lord Spencer, George John, for political meetings, but is now used as a family dining room and a space for business conferences. The central design feature is the large giltwood mirrors, designed specifically for this room.
Living room
One of many living/reception rooms in the house features red walls with red and blue patterned carpet. There is a cream floral sofa and a green sofa, as well as a wooden desk and three side tables.
Picture Gallery
Althorp House's Picture Gallery is 115 feet long and features a selection of photos in 'Sunderland Frames' – fine, scalloped designs which the 2nd Earl of Sunderland had made in Italy and Spain.
