Houses of the National Trust

* Note: there is a new, revised edition of this book which was published November, 2013, which has additional images and information. It has the same title as this book, but a different cover, so just search the title here and it should come up as an alternative.If you are looking for an informative survey and overview of homes in the National Trust, this book provides it. The National Trust cares for over 200 homes covering 1000 years of history from William the Conqueror to the present day this book tells us. The homes in this book are organized alphabetically, so it's easy to find a particular home. There is usually a page of text and an image of the home, its exterior or interior. Some photos constitute an entire page. The quality of images is excellent.To give you a sampling of the homes included in this book, the homes beginning with the letter A include: Attingham Park (1782), Ashdown (1660's), Antony (1700's) and Anglesey Abbey (Jacobean). B homes include: Barrington Court, Belton, Blaise Hamlet, Blickling Hall, Bodian Castle, and Buckland Abbey. It appears that most, if not all, of the homes in the National Trust are included here as the book is 350+ pages long. Other smaller buildings are included at the end of the book.Many of the homes have historic or cultural connections. George Washington's ancestor's home is featured here. So is Carlyle's home, the writer. Some of the grand homes are owned by the National Trust such as Petworth and Kedleston Hall and are included. Of course, some families still own their ancestral homes such as Althorp by the Spencers, Chatsworth by the Duke of Devonshire and Highclere Castle, so they are not included.This is like a colorful and expanded encyclopedia of great and historic English properties. You can use it as an introduction to homes which you are interested in learning more about, and then look for more books and articles on the properties of interest. I found it invaluable for my beginning library of English homes and style. I teach a history-design course on the subject and this book will be indispensable. It is full of fascinating information on each home. The kind of information which is included is historical background and significance of the building, architectural and decorative details, quirky historical anecdotes, and famous owners-visitors-events associated with the house. You will see where Newton discovered gravity at Woolsthorpe Manor and Buckland Abbey where Sir Frances Drake planned his attack on the Spanish Armada. The author has written several books on related topics, obviously knows a lot on the subject of historic homes of the National Trust and has included it. This is a worthwhile reference book. It will whet your appetite to want to learn more about these historic United Kingdom properties.

This book is best for those of you who want a taste of what each of these houses are like. It is really a great tool if you are planning a trip to Great Britain and wish to include some house tours. The book offers an exterior and one interior photo for most of the featured properties. My favorites were: Blickling Estate in Norfolk, Knole House in Kent, and Powis Castle in Powys. The map included at the end of the book was extremely helpful in planning a real or imaginary trip to these glorious buildings from the past.

This is a beautiful guide to the houses of the National Trust. The houses depicted are all one of a kind with exceptional architecture.The book is loaded with hundreds of stunning color photos, each property is given at least 3-4 shots both interior and exterior. The lesser known properties get one but clear shot.The text is generously informative and highly accessible for experts and non-experts alike.This book is a treasure to own and if you can't a pay visit to any of those amazing houses, then this sleek book is the next best thing.

I have the 2012 version that I purchased at a National Trust property. They were closing it out at half price. When I heard the new edition was available, I decided to buy one as a Christmas gift for a friend. I had a good look through it before wrapping, and was surprised at how much is new. Of course such a comprehensive listing will have some text and photos carried over, but this is truly updated...not just a few changes. Very much worth the price.

My interest in the Stately homes has been peaked when looking into this book.

This book surprised me with its wonderful detail and gorgeous colour photographs of many National Trust properties in England. I learnt so much more about each mansion and garden before I visited and found the book to be an excellent resource and a pleasure to own.

Lavishly photographed and well written, a beautiful look at the most beautiful period in the history of civilized man.

A nice book about houses of the Nat'l Trust.

The book arrived looked new although second hand. Very pleased.

This is a great book full of lovely pictures and information for all the National Trust property's. Very pleased.

Beautiful book. Helps to decide which property to visit next. Lovely pictures and nice to just sit and leaf through to plan your next outing.

A gift for someone who loves visiting the houses, it has lovely photos of the houses inside and out, and a fair amount of basic info about them.very helpfull in planing a visit,

This book is currenly on sale at National Trust shops and the latest is 2013 edition. As such it is good value at just over half their price.