Bucks &amp; Oxon

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Looking to get away somewhere special for New Year, a big birthday, anniversary, family or friends get together or celebration coming up over the next few months? Why not book a stay in a spectacular historic property saved for posterity – and great holidays – by <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk?utm_source=muddy+stilettos&amp;utm_medium=paid+online+editorial&amp;utm_campaign=winter24_muddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Landmark Trust.</a>



The Landmark Trust has been saving historic buildings, restoring them –&nbsp;beautifully – and letting them out as self-catering accommodation for the past 60 years. We&#8217;ve stayed in a couple – a magnificent Tudor manor house on Exmoor that I swear was haunted and a Scottish summerhouse shaped like a pineapple (honest)&nbsp;– and they&#8217;re completely fabulous. 



Each unique property has its own fascinating story, is stuffed with character, oozing with atmosphere and kitted out with everything needed to make you feel right at home – from woodburners and squashy sofas to well-equipped kitchens, books and games. Dogs are welcome in lots of them.



Income from the holidays pays for future maintenance, so every break directly contributes to preserving Britain&#8217;s outstanding heritage.



Here are just a few of their quirky places; all – very handily – with availability over the coming months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-georgian-folly">The Georgian folly</h2>



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Built in the late 1760s to adorn the estate at Halswell Park in Goathurst, Somerset – in its day, one of England&#8217;s most beautiful picturesque landscapes – <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/robin-hoods-hut-11228/#Overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood’s Hut</a> is a spectacular (and unexpected) thatched pavilion on the edge of a wood. With panoramic views and elegant yet cosy interiors, it&#8217;s the perfect bolthole for couples. 



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The views from the umbrello (aka stone canopy) take in the Mendip Hills, the Bristol Channel and South Wales.



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Alas, Robin never brought Maid Marion here; the name&#8217;s an 18th-century allusion to ancient English liberties that he defended.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-waterside-castle">The waterside castle</h2>



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Realise your childhood fantasy with a stay in a castle! Perched on rocks just above the estuary, <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/kingswear-castle-8737/#Overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingswear Castle</a> near Dartmouth in Devon was built in 1502 to help defend the harbour. The Victorians used it as a summer residence. Now, sleeping four in a double and single rooms, you can stay in the iconic landmark all year round. With super thick walls, and the sound of the waves on the rocks below, it&#8217;s super cosy in winter. Imagine yourself tucked up here.



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The ground floor remains much as it was, with a stone spiral staircase going up to the living quarters and the roof. 



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Hoist the flag and look across to Dartmouth and down the coast – friendly vessels only these days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-medieval-manor">The medieval manor </h2>



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With ancient beams, nestled right next to a river for brisk walks, and sleeping nine, the beautifully restored <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/gurney-manor-8189/#Overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gurney Manor</a>, on the edge of the village of Cannington, would be a remarkable group getaway. A big birthday, a murder mystery weekend or a New Year break to remember? 



The Gurney family built a house here before 1350; the current house – set around a courtyard – dates back to the 15th century. This is about as close as you&#8217;ll get to experiencing life in a medieval manor – albeit one with central heating, dishwasher, microwave and a table tennis table. 



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Let the feasting commence! 



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Today the courtyard is a walled garden, with magnificent quince trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gothic-temple">The Gothic temple</h2>



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Just wow. I mean, look at it. Staying here would be literally awesome. The <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/gothic-temple-8075/#Overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gothic Temple</a> at Stowe in Buckinghamshire was built in 1741, the same year that Capability Brown started transforming the grounds into one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. Laid out in triangular shape, with accommodation in its three turrets, the interiors are ornate.



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This is the bathroom.



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Bonus: you get to wander around the glorious grounds after everyone has left.



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Bliss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-palatial-stables">The palatial stables</h2>



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Deliciously close to Exeter yet off-the-beaten track, <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/silverton-park-stables-12159/#Overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silverton Park Stables</a> may look like a stately home but it was built in the 1840s just to house the carriages, horses and grooms of George Francis Wyndham, the 4th Earl of Egremont. The Earl&#8217;s own gaff &nbsp;– a vast neo-classical pile – is long gone. 



Set in parkland – which is all yours to explore – and surrounded by glorious Devon countryside, Silverton is set around a quadrangle rather like a college, with massive sitting room and kitchen. 



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Sleeping 14, it&#8217;s great for families staying together or larger groups of friends.



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The sound of doves cooing beneath the eaves should send everyone off to bye byes.



For more information, click on <a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/?utm_sourcemuddystilettosutm_mediumpaidonlineeditorialutm_campaignwinter24_muddystilettos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk?utm_source=muddy+stilettos&amp;utm_medium=paid+online+editorial&amp;utm_campaign=winter24_muddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Landmark Trust.</a>

Check out these cosy winter boltholes with a difference

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