Historic Homes to Stay In

GRAND GARDENS

Hardwick Hall’s East Lodge, Derbyshire
Built on the grounds of the Old Hall (now a ruin, but incredible fun to explore), East Lodge was originally a laundry. Refitted in 1924, the property is now a very comfortable holiday home with wood-burning fire and space in the private grounds for al-fresco dining. Bess of Hardwick – the richest woman of Elizabethan times – was the original owner of the Old Hall and there is an exhibition in West Lodge about her life.

Sleeps 4 (plus a cot). Pets allowed (max 2 dogs); four nights from £388.
Book through English Heritage (details in address book)


Gothic Temple, Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Built in 1741, this folly offers accommodation in the beautiful Stowe gardens created by Charles Bridgeman, and later landscaped by Capability Brown. The quirky interior features two double bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and sitting room, with a spectacular gilded dome ceiling.

Sleeps 4 Pets allowed; four nights from £522.
Book through The Landmark Trust

Clockwise from top: Hill House Helensburgh, Sergent Major's House at Dover Castle, 43 Cloth Fair London

Appleton Water Tower, Sandringham, Norfolk
This Victorian water tower features a viewing deck (reached by a cast-iron spiral staircase), which allows unbroken views across the Sandringham estate. After the Prince of Wales fell ill with typhoid in 1871, the tower was built to hold 32,000 gallons of water, providing a clean water source for the Royal family.

Sleeps 4 Pets allowed; 4 nights from £472.
Book through The Landmark Trust

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FOR SMUGGLERS AND SEAFARERS

Luttrell’s Tower, Eaglehurst, Hampshire
This fine Georgian folly has a fantastic view of the Solent and beyond. Built around 1780, the tower was very nearly bought by Queen Victoria who wanted to use it as her seaside residence. From 1911 to 1916, Guglielmo Marconi lived in the property, using its elevation to carry out his pioneering radio trials. His daughter and wife waved to the Titanic from Luttrell’s as it left Southampton. There is direct access to the beach via a tunnel once used by smugglers.

Sleeps 4 Pets allowed; four nights from £623.
Book through The Landmark Trust

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FOR BIGGER GROUPS

Astley Castle, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has a rich history. A fire in 1978 devastated the building and because of the damage, it could not be conventionally restored. Therefore, the only option was to weave modern architecture into the remaining ancient fabric of the site. As a result, the bedrooms and bathrooms are on the ground floor, with the living space on the first floor. A lift makes all levels of the property easily accessible.

Sleeps 8 Pets allowed; four nights from £263.
Book through The Landmark Trust


The Hill House, Helensburgh, near Glasgow
Built in 1902 by the renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Hill House is a perfect place from which to explore Loch Lomond. The property also has a public museum that is run by the National Trust for Scotland. The house still has many of its original features and the large windows overlook the Firth of Clyde.

Sleeps 6 No pets allowed; four nights from £236.
Book through The Landmark Trust


Dover Castle, Kent: The Sergeant Major’s House
Standing impressively atop the famous white cliffs, Dover Castle is often referred to as the ‘key to England’. The Sergeant Major’s House is elegant and spacious, perfect for larger groups. The Georgian building is set in its own grounds just inside the Western Outer Curtain Wall of the castle.

Sleeps 6 (plus a cot). Pets allowed (max 2 dogs); four nights from £469.
Book through English Heritage

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LITERARY LANDMARKS

43 Cloth Fair, Smithfield, London
This Georgian house was once the home of the poet Sir John Betjeman and it largely remains the way he left it. This even includes the wallpaper in the sitting room and the library. There is also a small roof terrace.

Sleeps 6 No pets allowed; four nights from £633.
Book through The Landmark Trust


North Lees Hall, Derbyshire
Built in the 16th century, North Lees is believed to have been the inspiration for Mr Rochester’s Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. It has now been refurbished and striking features include a spiral staircase made of elm, which leads up to the stately living space with log-burning stove, impressive ceiling and glorious views.

Sleeps 6 No pets; three nights from £581.
Book through Vivat Trust

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GREAT VALUE

Church Cottage, Llandygwydd, Cardiganshire
This delightful slateroofed cottage was built in the late 1850s for the caretaker and sexton of St Tygwydd’s Church, which was demolished in 2000. However, the quaint cottage survives.

Sleeps 6 Pets allowed; four nights from £472.
Book through The Landmark Trust


Wellbrook Manor’s Garden Studio, Herefordshire
Wellbrook Manor was given to the Vivat Trust in 2009 and the studio opening marks the first stage in the property’s restoration. The attractive garden studio has a traditional stone floor, original wooden stairs, and picturesque views over the grounds, which include a cider orchard.

Sleeps 2 Pets allowed; three nights from £208.
Book through Vivat Trust


Abbey Gatehouse, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Built c. 1500, the gatehouse is an ideal place to base yourself if you want to explore the surrounding areas of Tewkesbury, the Cotswolds and Cheltenham Spa. There is only one room but it has a newly built gallery providing a separate sleeping area.

Sleeps 2 No pets allowed; four nights from £263.
Book through The Landmark Trust

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ADDRESS BOOK

English Heritage 0870-333 1181, www.english-heritage.org.uk
The Landmark Trust 01628-825925, www.landmarktrust.org.uk
Vivat Trust 01981-550753, www.vivat.org.uk