Karen Spencer, the former third wife of Earl Spencer, has purchased a £3.6 million mansion in Northamptonshire, located approximately ten miles from her ex-husband's Althorp estate. The purchase was made using a portion of her divorce settlement following the dissolution of her 13-year marriage to Earl Spencer.
The newly acquired property is described as a magnificent country mansion, situated on the edge of a picturesque village. Estate agents have characterized it as 'a remarkable country estate that epitomizes luxury and refined living.' The six-bedroom residence, built approximately 20 years ago, reportedly blends 'modern comfort with timeless architectural elegance.' It sits within 24 acres of parkland and includes amenities such as a heated swimming pool, an all-weather tennis court, a gym, and outdoor dining areas.
Karen Spencer, 54, who retains the title Countess Spencer, had resided at the historic Althorp estate since 2011. Her relocation to the new property follows Earl Spencer's marriage to Norwegian archaeologist Professor Cat Jarman, now his fourth wife.
After the breakdown of her marriage, Spencer faced the prospect of leaving Althorp. She had previously divided her time between the UK and a home in Southern California, where her two daughters from her first marriage were raised. Ultimately, she relocated permanently to the English countryside and became actively involved in the restoration and renovation projects at Althorp, a role that garnered her a significant social media following.
In November 2024, Spencer informed her followers about the challenges of finding a temporary rental that could accommodate her numerous pets, including seven horses, two sheep, four cats, and a dog. She eventually moved into a temporary residence in January of the following year, with her horses arriving later. By August 2025, she announced the purchase of her new home, moving in two months later. She has since been sharing updates on social media about furnishing her new property and embracing new additions like chickens and bees.
Meanwhile, at Althorp, Cat Jarman has been adapting to life as the new lady of the manor. She has shared updates on social media, including receiving four alpacas as a birthday gift from Earl Spencer in June of the previous year. The couple, who met five years prior during an archaeological dig on the Althorp estate, married in Sedona, Arizona. Jarman, an expert on the Viking age, has expressed that living within the aristocratic environment is a fascinating but unusual experience for her, coming from Norway where such traditions are less prominent.
The divorce settlement between Karen Spencer and Earl Spencer, finalized in December of the previous year, involved legal proceedings. Allegations surfaced during court proceedings regarding the timeline of Earl Spencer's relationship with Cat Jarman. Both Earl Spencer and Jarman have maintained that their respective marriages were over before their relationship began. Karen Spencer's lawyers stated in legal papers that the news of the divorce was 'hideous' for her, especially after dedicating herself to managing the Althorp estate business and raising their child.
Earl Spencer's book, released amidst the divorce proceedings, also generated controversy, prompting a response from Buckingham Palace concerning accusations made against King Charles.
Karen Spencer's philanthropic work, including founding the charity Whole Child International, continues. She has been recognized for her efforts in child welfare and sustainability.