Lots of families, plenty of groups of friends, societies, book clubs, wedding guests…the list goes on.The Trust's director isn't surprised, for she knows how appealing historical properties are to a variety of audiences: "When people find out about the Landmark Trust they usually need no persuading: when you think of how much time we all spend reading our children stories about knights and princesses, the opportunity to actually stay in a castle or a tower for the same sort of cost as a standard holiday cottage is incredible."There is one recurring theme in the Sackville House visitors books though; ghostly encounters. Sometimes playful, sometimes deadly serious, there are plenty of references to mysterious 'banging' noises, taps turning on without human touch, the sound of glass being broken.
Many claim to have found a secret passage. My father-in-law, a man of significant physical stature, looked more than a little jittery late at night when our imaginations were as fired up as the roaring flames. Our toddler is too young to dwell on the countless personal histories held inside these lime-wash walls but she wasn't keen on the framed prints and paintings that adorn the property throughout. Second glances to check for rolling eyes or unexpected winks were par for the course.Landmark Trust properties cater for pampered, contemporary lives. The nightly ritual of throwing logs on the fire was entirely gratuitous,Oklahoma Football Opponent Watch
for hot water courses through radiators in every room. There are three enormous bathrooms and the kitchen is better equipped than your average home. Dogs are welcome too.
And should you wish to enjoy a cigarette by the fire, the Landmark Trust won't stop you, something which feels a little absurd considering how precious this property is.With its ambient lighting, toasty fireplaces and a cupboard full of parlour games, it is a property made for Christmas, and I envy those who will creak open these doors this yuletide. Even the neighbouring properties have festive credentials - Good King Wenceslas was penned by John Mason Neale, a long-time warden at nearby Sackville College, in 1853.