tenants were a private girls' school. The interiors suffered greatly under this regime. The second tenants, Hammer film company, specialising in the making of horror films, no doubt saw the gothic aspects of the house as an attraction as they appeared in many of their films, and notably the 1980 "Hammer House of Horror" UK TV series and 1984s Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense. Salvation for Hampden House finally came with its freehold sale, to Market Run-off Services, now Hampden Plc, a Specialist Insurance and Financial Support Services company, which between 1986 and 1989 executed a huge programme of essential rebuilding. The magnificent state rooms were restored to their former glory, while the unseen upper floors and service areas were converted to internally modern offices. These offices have since been converted to luxurious bedrooms. The house and grounds are still used occasionally for filming, and though not open to the public, the state rooms are available for hire as a wedding venue Hampden Weddings. The estate also boasts a driven pheasant shoot voted one of the twenty best in England by 'The Field' magazine The building is a Grade I listed building. References External links The John Hampden Society Hammer House of Horror TV Series and Locations Guide Hampden Weddings Hampden Plc Country houses in Buckinghamshire Grade I listed buildings in Buckinghamshire Hobart family Grade I listed houses