Earl Spencer’s third wife (who won’t give up her Countess title) has used some of her divorce settlement to buy a £3.6million mansion just 10 miles from his Althorp estate
Karen Spencer, the former third wife of Earl Spencer, has purchased a £3.6 million country mansion just ten miles from Althorp estate in Northamptonshire using funds from her divorce settlement. Her 13-year marriage to the brother of Princess Diana ended acrimoniously in 2024, after which Earl Spencer began a relationship with Norwegian archaeologist Professor Cat Jarman, now his fourth wife. The move is notable because many expected Karen to leave Britain entirely, but instead she is establishing a new life close to her former home.
The six-bedroom Lutyens-inspired house sits on 24 acres of parkland with formal gardens, a heated swimming pool, all-weather tennis court, gym and outdoor dining areas. Karen, 54, had become deeply involved in Althorp's restoration work after moving there in 2011, eventually becoming an Instagram influencer with 95,000 followers who documented the projects. She retained the Countess Spencer title following the divorce, having previously been married to Hollywood producer Mark Gordon, and chose to settle nearby rather than relocate to her native Canada or return to southern California where she owned a home.
- Earl Spencer's ex-wife Karen buys £3.6m mansion ten miles from Althorp using divorce settlement
- She retained Countess title despite split and chose to stay near her former home
- Karen had become Instagram influencer documenting the historic estate's restoration
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Earl Spencer is a member of the British aristocracy and the brother of the late Princess Diana. He owns Althorp estate in Northamptonshire, a historic country house that remains prominent in public consciousness and has undergone significant restoration work in recent years.
Karen is a Canadian-born woman who was married to Earl Spencer for thirteen years, during which she became extensively involved in managing Althorp's restoration and developed a substantial social media following. She had previously been married to Hollywood producer Mark Gordon and retained the aristocratic title of Countess Spencer following both marriages. The couple's marriage ended in divorce in 2024.
Following the separation, observers had anticipated that Karen might leave Britain to return to Canada or elsewhere, given her background and existing properties abroad. Her choice of where to establish her new life has therefore attracted public interest.