Castle Ashby - An Introduction

STAR Digital is located in the picturesque Northamptonshire village of Castle Ashby situated midway between Northampton, Milton Keynes and Bedford.

The village of Castle Ashby is part of the estate belonging to the Earl of Compton, Lord Northampton who is the 7th Marquess of Northampton and is steeped in history with the ancestral stately home being a majestic centre piece.

The grand house at Castle Ashby built by Inigo Jones is surrounded by some 200 acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown, set in the heart of a 10,000 acre estate, the extensive gardens at Castle Ashby are a combination of several styles, incorporating a mile long avenue dating back to 1695.

Victorian terrace gardens, the more private and romantic Italian gardens, an elegant conservatory, triumphal arch, and arboretum are all just a short stroll away. For a more complete timeline/history, please click here

STAR Digital, a digital marketing agency resides in a grade II listed building on the estate a short walk from the main house. The building was originally a School House and dates back to 1856. Its been known as 'The Old Schoolhouse' and 'Threefold' in its time.

No.47 (Threefold) Listed on 16/06/1972
(Formerly listed as Schoolroom and school house) - II

School and school house, now offices.

By G.E. Street. 1856, with later C19 extension. Coursed squared limestone banded with ironstone, plain-tile roof, stone lateral and ridge stacks. L-plan, l story and attic, 3-window range. Chamfered pointed arched doorway to right of centre with alternate limestone and ironstone blocks to head, part-glazed plank door with ornamental hinge and hood mould. 2-light chamfered stone mullion window to right of doorway and similar 3-light windows flanking large projecting lateral stack to left of centre.

Hipped dormer with similar 2-light window to right of centre. Plinth with batter and stone-coped gables with kneelers. Wings to left and right of centre, that to left probably a later addition. Interior not inspected.

In subsequent years the School House has been home to the Girl Guides, and most recently has been let as a business premises. The name 'Threefold' may in fact be a relation to the Girl Guides three fold promise, 'to your religion, your country and the guiding law'.

Set in approx 1/2 acre of well tended gardens it makes for an excellent environment for a creative business to work in.

Nearby there is a small shopping area with craft stores, a deli and the Buttery. Further along the road is the Falcon Pub.

There are currently around 50 households on the estate, and a surprising number of small and cottage based businesses.

If you are ever in the area you should take some time to visit Castle Ashby, it really is a well kept example of the English countryside.