A rare gem of a jacobean country house, Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by a prosperous wool merchant as an impressive statement of wealth and power. Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, the house remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years as the interiors and contents gradually succumbed to the ravages of time.
With virtually no intrusion from the 21st century, this fascinating place exudes an informal and timeless atmosphere in a gloriously unspoilt setting.
One thing the house was famous for was Robert Catesby, an owner of the house, who was the ring leader of the group who planned the failed gunpowder plot.
When we visited, the villagers where having a bit of a spat with the National Trust. The Villagers said that the National Trust promised not to open at weekends, and of course they have. Come on villager's did you not see that coming?
We were on holiday so didn't really want to be bothered with all the hassle. I could see both sides of the argument. However I would set up a tea shop seen as the National Trust don't have one, then make the most of the extra visitors! Just a thought.
Note the mirrors above the doors, they were there so that when you left the room you could see what was going on behind you. We are talking about the era when men carried daggers!
No sliding down the banisters in this house.
The last occupant used to play badminton in this room with her sisters.
Not much change in the last 400 years in this kitchen.
