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Stay in a British Historic Home

The Landmark Trust Handbook lists 184 historic houses that are available as holiday rentals

Oct 20, 2006 Mike Gerrard

The Landmark Trust is a British building preservation charity which rescues and restores historic buildings at risk, then rents them out for self-catering holidays

Whether you want to live in a castle or stay in a pigsty, the Landmark Trust has just the place for you. This British charity restores historic houses that are at risk, then pays for their upkeep by renting them out as self-catering holiday homes. If you're planning a vacation in Britain, and want to stay in a property that is part of British history and culture, you should definitely get a copy of the latest Landmark Trust Handbook. You can see some sample pages and find out how to order a copy by going to their website here.

The 184 historic homes that the Landmark Trust has available for holiday rentals will cater from 1-12 people, and can be found in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands. There are also some in Italy and the USA, but the majority are fascinating old buildings in the UK. I'll choose one each from England, Scotland and Wales, to give you a flavor, though it's an impossible task when there are Priest's Houses, Ferryman's Cottages, Libraries, Egyptian Houses, Wardrobes, Pineapples, a House of Correction and, yes, even a Pigsty to choose from. Fully renovated and modernised inside, of course!

In Scotland there are two properties at Roslin, near Rosslyn Chapel of Da Vinci Code fame. And if you want help organising a Da Vinci Code tour, you can get help from Visit Scotland by clicking here. The Landmark Trust can arrange for you to stay in Rosslyn Castle, which dates back to 1450. Stay in a castle in Scotland? How cool is that?

In England you can stay in that Pigsty, in the absolutely beautiful surroundings of Robin Hood's Bay. We were there recently for my wife's birthday break, and we can't wait to return. The Pigsty is tempting. It looks like a Greek or Roman temple, and has gorgeous views over Yorkshire countryside down to Robin Hood's Bay. Lucky pigs.

In Wales how about Maesyronen Chapel? You don't actually stay in the chapel but in the adjoining 18th-century cottage. The chapel was converted from a barn in 1696, and is still in use today – so be prepared for services! I'd choose this historic house as it's close to Hay-on-Wye in Powys, the best place in Britain for book-lovers, with its dozens of book shops and Literary Festival.

So if you want to stay in a historic house, click here.

The copyright of the article Stay in a British Historic Home in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Mike Gerrard. Permission to republish Stay in a British Historic Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.