Landmark Trust are a charitable organisation dedicated to the renovation and preservation of historic buildings that have fallen into disrepair.

The properties are then let as self catering holiday homes. The buildings may be chosen because of their historic significance, their architectural importance or their unique location.

The Trust sympathetically restores and furnishes the buildings in keeping with their original design. Some would consider them too austere for holiday homes as there are few modern distractions such as televisions or internet connections but this only adds to the special atmosphere in our opinion.

There is always plenty to read as each building has a collection of books related to the area or the landmark itself. History books and fiction are well represented. There is also usually the relevant Pevsner guide as most of the buildings are featured.

The kitchens are always excellently equipped and comforts such as under floor heating are installed in some of the buildings. Winter visits can be a little chilly so warm clothes and blankets may be needed although the guide does note the properties that are for the hardier visitor.

If you are interested in visiting one of these properties go to the Landmark Trust's site and order their guide. There is a charge but this can be deducted from your first booking.

Stogursey Castle is located just outside the village of Stogursey in the Quantock Hills of Somerset. The site of the castle dates back as far as William the Conqueror. The main fortifications were constructed in the 12th century and the gatehouse cottage was built in the 17th century. The name Stogursey originates from the powerful local family, the Stoke de Courceys, who built the castle.

Access to the bailey is only possible through the gatehouse and the ruins of the castle's walls provide shelter for the very large garden. The gatehouse itself has two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Both the kitchen and living room have large fireplaces. The living room is particularly atmospheric as it is partially within the remains of the original structure with its immensely thick walls and arrow slits.

The West Banqueting House is one of a pair of buildings that are the only remains of a large stately home and it's gardens. Old Campden House was built by Sir Baptist Hicks in 1613 but survived only 32 years before being destroyed by royalists retreating from the village. The East and West banqueting houses are now managed by the Landmark Trust.

The main building comprises a single barrel vaulted living room and kitchen diner with a large inglenook fireplace. A spiral staircase leads to a very large bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom is particularly interesting as it still has some of it's original plaster frieze which features some bizarre looking creatures. This can all be admired from the enormous bath that is sat right in the middle of the room. The bedroom has a door which leads out to the gardens as the building is set into a steep slope.

The second bedroom is located in a separate building, the Almonry. This is a short walk away from the main building but a torch is necessary for the trip at night as there are a few steps. The Almonry has a small living room with a wood burning stove and a bedroom with a small en suite shower and toilet.

Luttrell's Tower was built in the 1780's by for Mr Temple Simon Luttrell by Thomas Sandby. There is also a staircase leading to the beach which is a later addition designed by Clough Williams Ellis. This three storey folly is full of character and even has it's very own smuggler's tunnel which exits just above the beach. It is believed that Luttrell smuggled on behalf of the Prince Regent using this very tunnel. The basement which the tunnel leads to no longer contains contraband and is now occupied by a ping pong table.

The ground floor is taken up by the first bedroom and en suite washroom. On the first floor is the second bedroom and on the second floor is the large living room and kitchen diner. Further up the seemingly endless spiral staircase is access to the roof and ultimately the tower with it's magnificent views over the Solent to Cowes.

All the rooms in this building are beautifully decorated in the regency style and have large windows and high ceilings. The living room has a large overhanging bay with views over the Solent from which the passing cargo and cruise ships can be seen. The rear facing window overlooks Eaglehurst House. This large sprawling building is a later addition which was built to replace the marquees that originally served as retreats from the exposed folly tower. Clearly it is far more suitable as a residence but could never better the tower for character and views.

Dolbelydr is a beautiful old house nestling in a valley in North Wales. The only signs of civilisation in this remote location are the overhead power cables which serve the house. No other buildings are visible and other than the sound of owls and other wildlife the nights are silent. Deer can be regularly seen in the fields surrounding the property and a river flows nearby.

The approach road to the house is long and passes through several gates which must be opened and closed to keep the farmers cows where they belong!

The house itself dates from the 16th century and has been restored beautifully. The ground floor is stone flagged and features an entrance area, twin bedroom with en suite shower room and the large kitchen and dining area. As usual the furniture has been carefully chosen with a long imposing dining table and a dresser.

Upstairs is the main bathroom, living room and a double bedroom and on the second floor is a further twin bedroom. The vaulted living room has an open fireplace, the original toilet in one corner and a small hidden staircase to the kitchen.

Outside there are large walled gardens and a substantial barn containing a table tennis set. The barn is home to roosting owls on occasion so is not always available for holiday makers to use unfortunately.

Dolbelydr is a truly magical and important historic landmark.

Whiteford Temple is a folly built by Sir John Call in the late 18th century in the grounds of his substantial mansion. The main house has now gone but the temple survives. It has excellent views over the rolling countryide of the surrounding area.

As is so often the case with Landmark Trust properties the temple is hidden away down a long un-made road which in this case features quite a steep section. The house is surrounded by farmers fields which are home to cows. This is appropriate as the temple itself was once their home. Now restored though there is no hint of the temple's former life.

Inside is a kitchen, a main living and sleeping area suitable for a couple and a small bathroom. The interior has been decorated and furnished in keeping with it's classical architecture with paintings depicting scenes from antiquity and plaster busts.

The building sits atop a raised foundation which gives it a commanding view and provides a lovely lawned area on which to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Cornwall countryside. It's location is ideal for exploring the eastern side of Cornwall.

Built by the Trenchard family during the reign of King Henry VIII Wolveton Gatehouse is an imposing development of an earlier 14th century fortification from which the twin towers remain.

On the ground floor of the building is a single large twin bedroom and circular en suite bathroom. in this bedroom is a large open fireplace which contains some of the pots and racks that might have been used centuries ago. On the walls are mounted pieces of armour and helmets, possibly because this had previously been an amoury.

Carry on up the stone spiral staircase and you come next to the large living/dining room and kitchen. Again there is a large fireplace and the walls are decorated with oil paintings and tapestries.

A little further up the staircase is a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and at the top a small twin room.

This has to be the spookiest of the Landmark Trust properties we have visited and the storage heaters do little to combat the cold in the winter.

The owners of the house live in the main Elizabethan building and will arrange a tour for a small fee. There is also wood stored on site which can be bought.

Set in large beautiful gardens in the Dorset countryside Wolveton Gatehouse is a great place to stay and visit this lovely part of England.

Wilmington Priory was founded in the 11th century as an alien priory. Many of the buildings that remain date from the 14th century. The site features the ruins of several buildings, an undercroft with beautiful stone vaulted ceilings and a well.

The ground floor accomadation comprises a bathroom, living room and kitchen dining room. There is also a vaulted 13th century porch area with a wooden table and iron candelabra which is great for outdoor eating regardless of the weather.

Up the large wooden staircase is a large landing area which has a door to an unfinished room which contains a table tennis table. Across this room are the remains of gothic arched doorways which used to be external. Up a few steps is a twin bedroom with a fantastic view out to the Long Man of Wilmington, an ancient chalk hill figure.

A little further up the staircase is a further twin room, a shower room and a double bedroom.

The kitchen dining room has large wooden doors which in the summer months can be opened up giving the room a great feel. There ia a large open fireplace and round dining table that can seat eight. The kitchen is well appointed and includes a dishwasher.

The living room is very comfortable and has a small open fireplace which woks best with coal. In the winter this room can be kept quite comfortable with a good fire burning.

The gardens, ruins, undercroft and well make for an exciting place that I would imagine kids would love to play hide and seek in. Adjacent to the priory is the vllage church. In it's ancient churchyard is a yew tree which is said to be the oldest in Europe at over 1600 years of age.