Elite Traveler September-October 2015

4

INSPIRE STYLISH VILLAS

Astley Castle WARWICKSHIRE, UK

A 13th-century, Grade II-listed manor with a RIBA-award winning renovation. Verging on collapse after a 1978 fire, it was deemed beyond conventional restoration when The Landmark Trust launched a competition to add accommodation. Witherford Watson Mann architects won with a vision that added modern touches to the ruin and converted the Tudor and Jacobean wings into courtyards, adding bedrooms and bathrooms to the ground floor, and living space upstairs. It is fully booked for 2016 but bookings for 2017 open soon. Standout service An abundance of information: history sheets, a log book packed with suggestions from past guests and a box of local guides – walks, maps and the best restaurants in the area. Special amenities Picture-perfect views of the church of St Mary the Virgin, a lake, stable and a network of paths for afternoon strolls. Number of rooms Two doubles and two twin rooms designed with wooden furniture, a neutral color palette and exposed brick walls. Contact bookings@landmarktrust.org.uk, +44 1628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk Price From $1,371 for four nights