This is an apartment at the top of the 16th-century tower belonging to an important country house, which is now in the care of the National Trust.

Part of a 16th-century house hardly touched since 1710

There can be few houses in which every detail, inside and out, is so lovely to look at, but Canons Ashby is one of them. The last time it was altered in any major way was in 1710. After that its intelligent and sensitive owners, the Drydens, matched their tastes and needs to those of their house. Early decoration lives happily with later furniture, all of the greatest charm and interest. In 1980 the house was transferred to the National Trust after a public appeal. They contributed to the restoration fund and offered to pay for the creation and repair of one flat which Landmark guests can enjoy today.

A quiet building has come back to life

The Landmark Trust were given the top of the 16th-century tower, where there were formerly two bedrooms reached by a newel stair with solid oak treads. They tidied up these light and pretty rooms, which look down the axis of the beautifully restored gardens, and put a bathroom and kitchen in two adjoining attics. A new dormer window was made to light the kitchen, which is invisible from below but provides an agreeable roofscape to look at from the sink. Meanwhile, the quiet building below has come back to life and is opened to the public by the National Trust, normally from February to October, and to you free of charge, during opening times when you stay here. On the top of the tower you have your own hidden refuge and at the end of the day, when the last visitor has gone, you can enjoy the privilege of an owner and walk in the garden undisturbed.