Page 21 - Oundle Life October 2021

Uniquely the Park still contains several aviaries built for Thomas Littleton Powys, 4th Baron Lilford, a prominent ornithologist. His aviaries featured exotic birds from around the world and he was responsible for the introduction of the Little Owl into England in the 1880s. The aviaries were re-stocked around 1970 and the Park was opened to the public as a leisure park and wildlife reserve which was open for about 20 years. This use resulted in the development of additional buildings with the provision of a restaurant and shop. Although derelict, the restaurant and the aviaries remain on the Estate today.
Lilford Hall and the park was originally part of the wider Lilford Estate, which at its largest size extended to some 8,000 acres in 1901. Today it is a fraction of the size but the c.320 acre-estate retains its lakes and an island on the river for recreating that ‘Swallows and Amazons’ vibe. From the public realm there is little to see.
However, two ‘cute’ lodge buildings flanking the entrance drive at the end of the road to Achurch and Thorpe Waterville hint at what lies beyond the trees, and enticing views of the many tall chimneys are best revealed in winter when driving between Pilton and Lilford.
Lilford Hall is currently for sale via Savills Country Department, guide price £7.5m. Image credits: Lucy, Ellen, & Joe
Joe Croser, first studied architecture in Oxford, and later completed postgrad research into historic buildings in Cambridge. Today he leads Oundle Architecture with a particular
focus on residential design and historic building conservation and refurbishment. www.oundlearchitecture.com
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