THE country pile of a retired Army major could make a cool £1m when it goes on sale this summer.

Major Ernest Ambler and his wife, Vivien, moved into Branton Court not far from fashionable Harrogate in North Yorkshire in the early 1930s when the town was enjoying its heyday as a spa.

The couple were later to acquire the neighbouring Manor Farm, adding another 300 acres to their estate.

But it is not just the value of the property in the so-called "Golden Triangle" between Leeds, Harrogate and York which has attracted so much interest.

Stepping over the threshold of the house today is like travelling back in time 60 years.

Fixtures and fittings inside have changed little since before the Second World War while the couple's discerning tastes mean that over the years, their home has become an Aladdin's cave for collectors.

"Major Ambler died in the late 1940s and Mrs Ambler seems to have added little since, although everything has been kept in remarkable condition," said Olivia Walker of auctioneers Bonhams.

"The light switches and plumbing appear to date back to when the couple bought the house, while the decor could be described as functional but tasteful."

However, the couple's possessions say much more about them, and particularly reflect their love of country pursuits.

"What is also unusual is that the couple kept receipts of their purchases," said Ms Walker.

For example, their records show they bought an original oil painting entitled West Country Mail Coaches at Gloucester Coffee House, Piccadilly, for £189 in 1927. It could be worth as much as £150,000 today.

Also, among a total of 1,000 lots at three sales arranged by Bonhams for later this year will be an early George III mahogany breakfront bookcase, thought to be worth between £7,000 and £10,000; a George IV rosewood and satinwood games table, which could fetch as much as £4,000; and an early 19th Century reading chair worth about £2,000. The Amblers also appear to have collected silver, jewellery, bronzes, chess sets, weapons and armour.

"There appears to be something for just about every collector - and, as much of it will not have been on the market for decades, we are anticipating significant interest," said Ms Walker.

The three sales will be held at the Bonham's saleroom in Leeds on Tuesday, July 16, Tuesday, July 23, and Tuesday, August 6.

Further details are available by telephoning 0113-244 8011.