THE CHANCE to buy the contents of a Warwickshire mansion sparked fierce competition with bidders battling it out at auction.
They were in hot pursuit of some 250 items from Luddington Manor, a Grade II listed property near Stratford, once home to the family of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway.
The manor was was sold before Christmas by its owners, who had lived there for 27 years, and most of its contents went under the hammer the sale held in Derbyshire by Hansons Auctioneers.
An 18th century Dutch bureau, with mother of pearl inlay, sold for £2,900, a Georgian food cupboard for £2,000, and an 18th century painting of Charles I for £1,250.
And it was not just furniture that was in demand.
Valuer Steven Bruce said: “The house was once occupied by relatives of Anne Hathaway which no doubt helped to drive interest in what was a very successful sale.
“This was an exceptional opportunity to own items of pedigree from a British country house, which I am proud to say I know well. It is a property awash with history that inspired this stunning collection to be amassed over many years.”
