The two men - who together were Bernard Gulley Antiques, the Bedfordshire dealers in vernacular furniture and works of art - restored the house and gardens to provide the backdrop for a lifetime collection.
Following ill-health and the sale of Lancotbury, David Cochrane has decided to sell his considerable holdings of 18th and early 19th century pottery (particularly delft and creamware), 18th century samplers, woolwork and textiles, 17th century country furniture and decorative 17th, 18th and 19th century paintings.
Sworders will offer it for sale, largely without reserve, on September 24. The 400 lots have a value in excess of £300,000.