1 Lydiard House - www.lydiardpark.org.uk - is the historic centrepiece of Lydiard Park, which is generally regarded as the finest jewel of Swindon’s cultural crown. The property of a single family, the St Johns, for more than five centuries, the house was acquired on behalf of the public by a previous incarnation of the borough council in 1943. The interior and exterior of the Grade I Listed building have been carefully preserved, with countless original fittings, pieces of furniture, artworks and artefacts.
2 The National Trust proudly proclaims that unlike many other distinguished properties, Avebury Manor - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury - has no rules forbidding visitors from trying the chairs, sofas and even beds for comfort. Dating in part back to the 16th century, the house was the subject of a televised redecoration process several years ago, during which rooms were decorated and furnished in accordance with the trends of several important eras.
3 Sudeley Castle and its beautiful gardens - sudeleycastle.co.uk - are set in beautiful countryside outside Winchcombe in Gloucestershire. It was once familiar to monarchs including Elizabeth I and Charles I, and the doomed king is said to have slept in a four-poster bed which can still be seen in a carefully-preserved Civil War-era room. The many art treasures include a portrait by one Old Master, Rubens, by another, Van Dyck. Some of the books in the large library are more than 400 years old.
4 Wilton House - www.wiltonhouse.co.uk - is built on the site of an Abbey destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII and has been home to the Earls of Pembroke for more than 400 years. Both the house and its gardens are open to the public, and many of the rooms are filled with priceless art treasures. The largest of its rooms is known as the Double Cube Room, measuring 60ft by 30ft by 30ft, which has been used as a location in several films.
5 Say the word ‘Longleat’ and people tend to think of the safari park whose monkeys have stolen car aerials and windscreen wipers beyond counting over the years. Longleat House, however, should not be missed. Partially open to the public for 70m years, the house was completed by 1580 and has a number of spectacular features, notably a long saloon decorated with Flemish tapestries and a painting-lined great hall. Visit www.longleat.co.uk/longleat-house for further information.
6 Unlike many of the other properties on this list, Arundells in Salisbury is not best known as the home or former home of aristocrats and other landed gentry. The house in the shadow of the cathedral, much of which was built in the 18th century, was instead home to Edward Heath, Prime Minister between 1970 and 1974. It is filled with memorabilia of him. The house’s website is www.arundells.org
7 Chavenage House - www.chavenage.com - at Beverstone in Gloucestershire dates from the 16th century and has featured as a location in TV programmes and films including the recent Poldark adaptation and Lark Rise to Candleford. The website has details of current visiting dates and times.
8 Lacock Abbey - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museum-and-village - began life as a 14th century nunnery and became a private home some three centuries later. Best known as the residence of photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot, it maintains many original features as well as being home to the Fox Talbot Museum.
9 Mompesson House - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house - is not far from Arundells in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close. Built in the 18th century, the property is furnished as it would have been during the period, allowing visitors to step back in time.
10 As its name suggests, The Merchant’s House in Marlborough has a rather different history from most of the grand residences on this list. Built on land cleared in a town centred ruined by fire in 1653, the house was for many years the home of silk trader Thomas Bayly, who was twice mayor of the town. Today it is a museum evoking the lifestyle of prosperous people during the period. Visit themerchantshouse.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel