- Tat London
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
We’ll hold our hands up: we can be a touch London-centric. Possibly southern-centric, if we’re really confessing. Much of the South is guilty of this idiocy. So, in the spirit of national redemption, we’ve made a concerted effort to embrace the North — not quite mustering all the charm that’s so famously abundant up there, but still. We want to be the town criers not just for the capital, but for all corners of this great island. One that we can be quite hard on, but one which holds, undeniably, oh so much beauty.
Let’s take a moment to revel in the splendour below. What country could really hold a candle to our historical structures? Fine — France, perhaps. Italy, certainly. And yes, plenty of others. But still, we should take joy in our architecture, our decoration, and all that we’ve—well—liberated from elsewhere. We are, after all, quite the historical magpies.
84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW
Located on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, the Grade II-listed Elizabeth Gaskell’s House was built between 1835 and 1841 by architect Richard Lane. This elegant home became the residence of celebrated author Elizabeth Gaskell from 1850 until 1865. Here, she wrote some of her most famous novels, including Ruth, Cranford, and Wives and Daughters. A close friend of Charlotte Brontë, Gaskell also penned her acclaimed biography. Today, the house has been beautifully restored to reflect how it might have looked during Gaskell’s time. It offers a glimpse into the life and world of one of Victorian literature’s most influential voices.
Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE
The Winn family developed the Nostell Estate between 1727 and 1785. Sir Rowland Winn, 4th Baronet, commissioned architect James Paine to design the main house. When the 5th Baronet inherited the estate, he brought in a distinguished roster of names, including Robert Adam, Thomas Chippendale, and Joseph Rose, to update and embellish the interiors. However, financial difficulties meant the work was never fully completed. Later, Charles Winn, grandson of the 5th Baronet, inherited the estate and filled it with his prized collection of antiques and artworks.
Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS3 OSR
Ormesby Hall has long been home to the Pennyman family, with the current house built in the 1740s for the 3rd Baronet, James Pennyman, and his wife Dorothy. Later generations added extensions to the house and constructed the stables. Inside, you’ll find elegant 17th-century plaster ceilings, while outside, a charming Victorian garden blooms with seasonal flowers.
Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB
Townend is a 17th-century slate and stone farmhouse that was home to the Browne family for over 400 years. Rich in history, the house is filled with original furniture, books, and personal items—many belonging to George Browne. Behind the house stands a traditional bank barn, still in use today, though the Trust does not own it.
The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4QR
Seaton Delaval Hall, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval in the early 1700s, was left unfinished after both men died before its completion. The estate passed to his nephew, Captain Francis Blake Delaval, whose lively family—nicknamed the 'Gay Delavals'—were famed for their extravagant parties and mischief. A fire in 1822 left the Hall roofless for over 40 years, until architect John Dobson restored it. Lord and Lady Hastings later lived there from the 1950s until 2009.
Nunnington, near York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY
Originally dating back to 1249 as a series of dwellings, the property has evolved into a grand manor house over the past 450 years. Throughout its long history, it has been home to several prominent families, including the Fifes, Prestons, and others. Each left their mark on the estate, from Lord Preston’s striking entrance room with its impressive fireplace to the elegant architectural touches added by renowned architect Walter Brierley.
Mossley Hill Rd, Liverpool L18 8BX
Sudley House was built in 1821 for Nicholas Robinson, a successful Liverpool corn merchant, who commissioned local architect John Whiteside Casson for its design. The house was later inherited by Robinson’s daughters and eventually sold by his son to shipowner and merchant George Holt. Holt and his family, including his daughter Emma, enjoyed many happy years at Sudley. After her death, Emma Holt left the house—and her father’s extraordinary art collection—to the Liverpool Corporation, preserving it for the public to enjoy.
Chorley, PR7 1XA
The beautiful Grade I-listed Astley Hall was built in the mid-16th century, with significant additions made in the 17th and 19th centuries. Initially constructed by the Charnock family, the estate was later passed down through the Brookes, the Townley-Parkers, and the Tattons. The Hall is renowned for its stunning 17th-century plaster ceilings, which remain remarkably well preserved. Surrounding the house is a 43.75-hectare park, rich with woodlands and vibrant seasonal blooms.
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Harewood House was established in the 18th century by Edwin Lascelles, one of the wealthiest men in England at the time. To bring his vision to life, he enlisted the finest talents of the era: architect John Carr, designer Robert Adam, and renowned landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown who took on the work of the 140 acres. Over the years, Harewood has served many roles—from a grand gentleman’s country house to a wartime hospital—each adding to its rich and varied history.
Skirlaugh, East Yorkshire, HU11 4LN
Parts of the estate at Burton Constable date back to the 12th century, during King Stephen's reign. Much of the original structure was later demolished, and the property evolved into what is now known as Burton Constable, shaped significantly by the Constable family. Set within 330 acres of parkland, the grounds showcase the work of the famed landscape architect Capability Brown, commissioned in 1772 to transform the surrounding landscape.
Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PD
Dating back to 1170, the estate was originally owned by the de Redman family before being sold in the 16th century to the Bellingham family—who famously lost it in a game of cards to Colonel James Grahme. Since then, Levens Hall has passed through several prominent families, including the Howards and the Bagots. The remarkable gardens, largely unchanged since the 17th century, span ten acres and offer plenty to explore.
Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA
In 1699, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle commissioned architects John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor to build Castle Howard, a grand project that took over a century to complete. Although the main structure began to take shape, the west wing remained unfinished at the Earl’s death and was later completed by his son-in-law, Sir Thomas Robinson. After a devastating fire in 1940, Castle Howard was lovingly restored between 1960 and 1962 by George Howard and Lady Cecilia. Today, this iconic estate is famously featured as the Duke of Hastings' home in Bridgerton and as Brideshead in Brideshead Revisited.
Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7PX
Meet the dream team: Lord and Lady Armstrong—William, a pioneering inventor, and Margaret, a passionate gardener. Together, they brought Cragside to life with care, vision, and innovation. Originally a modest fishing lodge, the house was transformed over 25 years into a majestic mansion, designed by architect Norman Shaw. A home built for creativity and grand entertaining, Cragside truly reflects the Armstrongs' personalities. One of its most striking features is the 10-tonne marble fireplace in the Drawing Room, a bold and impressive addition by Shaw.
Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE
Newby Hall, built in the 1690s by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, is a fine example of English country house architecture. It was later improved by architects John Carr and Robert Adam, with Adam's interiors considered among his finest and surviving works. The Hall passed into the hands of Thomas Philip Robinson, who later became the 3rd Lord Grantham. Today, Newby Hall is an impressive example of classical design and a significant piece of Britain’s architecture.
Holker Estate, Cark-in-Cartmel, Nr Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL
Dating back to the early 16th century, the estate has belonged to just three families: the Cavendishes, the Prestons, and the Lowthers. In 1871, a fire destroyed the west wing, which was later restored by Lancaster architects Paley and Austin, commissioned by William Cavendish. The 23-acre gardens reflect the Cavendish legacy, featuring highlights such as the Sunken Garden by Thomas Mawson, the Elliptical Garden, and much more to explore.
East of Lake, Coniston, LA21 8AD
Overlooking Coniston Water in the Lake District, Brantwood was the home of Victorian artist and writer John Ruskin from 1871 to 1900. Originally built as an eight-bedroom cottage by Thomas Woodville, the house later served as a printing press before passing through several owners, including the University of Oxford and Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran.
Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
The Beningbrough estate remained in the Bourchier family for 150 years after being passed to Ralph Bourchier. Inspired by his travels through Europe, John Bourchier drew heavily on Italian influences and enlisted architect and carpenter William Thornton to help redesign the house. The estate later passed to the Dawnay family before being sold in the early 1900s to Lord and Lady Chesterfield.
Near Sawrey, Cumbria, LA22 0LF
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's beloved home, was purchased with the proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. This charming cottage served as both a retreat and a creative haven, inspiring many of her iconic characters, including Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and others.
The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD
Built by the Norris family in 1530, the estate had been in their hands since 1314. As devout Catholics during the Tudor period, they installed a secret priest hole within the timber-framed house. Passed down through generations, the home was eventually sold in the 18th century to the Watt family, who restored it. Subsequent owners have each left their mark on the property over the years.
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Featured in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice, this historic home began as a modest reward for saving the right man at the right time. The central section dates back to the late 1500s, but in the 1720s, owner Peter Legh XII commissioned Italian architect Giacomo Leoni to transform it into the grand Georgian mansion we see today. Since then, it has seen further interior alterations over the centuries.
Cambo, near Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 4AR
In 1689, Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan bought the house from Sir John Fenwick, who had been imprisoned in the Tower of London. Though initially purchased for its land, the estate was soon transformed by the family. Parts were demolished and rebuilt, and the grounds were later shaped into a masterpiece by famed landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Coxwold, York, YO61 4AD
Shandy Hall, a Grade I listed building nestled in the village of Coxwold, York, dates back to the mid-15th century and has served as a home to numerous families over the past 600 years. Today, it functions as a museum dedicated to Laurence Sterne, the celebrated Anglo-Irish novelist, who lived there from 1760 to 1768.
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