Houghton House is an English Heritage property just outside Amptil. The site contains the remains of a 17th century mansion, located in a grassed area approached by a tree lined path.
Being effectively derelict there’s been lots of historic vandalism over the years, so there are plenty of details to look for, and all sorts of “texture” in the walls.
As well as pleasing vistas over the Bedfordshire countryside, This would also make a great venue for a portrait shoot with the opportunity to shoot through some of the broken doorways and empty window frames, using the building as both foreground and background..
Access
Access is free and at “any reasonable time of day”, so for those looking for sunrise and sunset shots should be well provided for.
There’s a small amount of nearby parking, although it probably is a a quarter of a mile walk from the car park to the house, so rugged footwear is recommended.
Getting there
To get to Houghton House you’ll almost certainly come out of Amptill on the B530 past the supermarket. The entrance is a small farm access road which is on the crest of a hill and on corner so don’t drive too fast as you leave Amptill.
Ampthill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 2EZ
You can learn more about Houghton House on the English Hertiage website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/houghton-house/