larking about in a Landmark




After drooling for a while over Wingbud wallpaper's gorgeous so, so Swedish offerings, and then being inspired by a recent post about a lovely Paris rental over on a cup of jo, I thought I'd write about our favorite way to go "home" to Britain. We call it "landmarking". Like lots of other "landmarkers" from all over the world, we rent one of the Landmark Trust's amazing historic houses and settle in for an amazing adventure. You'll find them here: www.landmarktrust.org.uk




a grand doorway open to adventure at Gargunnock House, near Stirling, Scotland

and the Georgian facade (conceals a 1570s tower house hidden within)





period interiors include this elegant drawing room, where Chopin played (this piano!) for the lady of the house





and a splendid dining room fit for a baronial buffet

The Landmark Trust rescues buildings of historic or architectural interest that have become derelict or in need of repair, raises funds from the public to restore these places to comfortable habitability, and rents them to holidaymakers to cover the costs of upkeep. The houses are amazing, surprising, magical -- we could go on and on, and sometimes do! You can holiday in Landmark castles, follies, keeps, and farms. We've rented one for when we're at a family wedding in England this fall . . . hope you get to visit, too!