Apethorpe Hall, near Oundle, which dates back to the 15th century, is to be put on the market following a £4m renovation.

The property was abandoned to neglect and decay from 1982 and was taken over by English Heritage in 2004 after the Government used compulsory purchase action to get it back.

English Heritage carried out the repair work and is now looking to sell it to a private buyer.

The guide price for the property will be revealed when English Heritage and agents Smiths Gore launch the sale of the hall on Thursday, June 5.

Sophie Clarke from English Heritage said: "It's an exceptional grade one listed property and steeped in history. Its previous owners have played hosts to Queen Elizabeth I, King James I and King Charles I.

"It's architecturally important because it's listed. The architectural features date back to the 1400s and cover every period since that date onwards.

"There are lots of interesting features, such as the state apartments, which were originally created for Elizabeth I's visit and were later remodelled for James I.

"They include a stunning oak-panelled long gallery room.

"Apethorpe Hall has been opened to the public in the past and it will continue to be accessible to the public. This will be negotiated with the new owners, but there has been a requirement in the sale to open to the public."

Estate agent Charles Orlebar, chairman of the Northamptonshire branch of the National Association of Estate Agents, said in a previous job he had acted for the previous owner of Apethorpe Hall just before it was bought by compulsory purchase order.