The book also acts as an overview of the country's architectural history, with every period covered, from the medieval stronghold of Bodiam Castle to the clean- lined Modernism of The Homewood. Written in evocative, imaginative prose and illustrated with glorious images from the National Trust's photographic library, this book is an essential guide to the built heritage of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Lydia Greeves is a writer and editor known for her writing on Britain's cultural heritage. She is the author of The Good Country House Guide. Country Cottages, The Harrods Guide to Londonand Exmoor and Dartmoor. She lives in London.