Landmark Trust Properties
Unique & Historic Self Catering Holiday Homes
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.
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
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.
West Banqueting House & Almonry, Chipping Campden
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, Eaglehurst
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.
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.
West Banqueting House & Almonry, Chipping Campden
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, Eaglehurst
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.