78 Derngate

78 Derngate is one of Northamptonshire’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, a modest Georgian townhouse transformed into a bold statement of early modern design. In 1916 the owner, model‑maker W.J. Bassett‑Lowke, commissioned Charles Rennie Mackintosh to remodel the interiors. The result is Mackintosh’s final major commission and one of the most complete expressions of his late style. Inside, the Dining Room is the star attraction: a dramatic space with sharp geometric patterns, black‑and‑white contrasts and a striking frieze that feels decades ahead of its time. The Hall Lounge showcases Mackintosh’s mastery of colour, using deep blues and yellows to create an intimate yet theatrical atmosphere. Even the smallest details—light fittings, furniture, stair rails—carry his unmistakable blend of precision and imagination. The bedrooms reveal a softer side of his design, with pastel tones and elegant linear motifs. The Guest Bedroom, in particular, demonstrates how Mackintosh could make a compact space feel refined and harmonious. Exhibitions throughout the house explore Bassett‑Lowke’s pioneering work in model engineering and the collaboration that shaped the project.