Deal looms on country house sale

The Easton Neston house is more than 300 years old

Plans to sell the historic 302-year-old country estate Easton Neston could be completed within weeks.

The Northants estate is home to Towcester racecourse, one of England's oldest private courses.

The Grade 1 listed building owned by Lord Hesketh, is furnished with paintings, tapestries and antique 18th century furniture.

Agent Knight Frank, which is handling the sale, said they were negotiating with a number of interested buyers.

They cannot disclosed the names of any parties but expect the sale to be complete within weeks rather than months.

The house became the home of the Fermor family in 1535. In 1867 the Fermor and Hesketh families joined and made it their family home.