Landmark Trust

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Woodsford Castle, near Dorchester, Dorset
Just one side of the quadrangular castle licensed in 1335 and completed in 1370 remains today. When the Landmark Trust acquired the castle it had passed by inheritance for over 600 years, eventually becoming a farmhouse – an enormous roof of thatch replacing the original turrets and crenellations. Meanwhile the other three sides of the castle gradually disappeared, their stone put to more useful purpose elsewhere. Landmark has restored the King's room or hall and given it a new oak ceiling. An earlier restoration was carried out by the builder father of Thomas Hardy in 1850, and Hardy himself came here often.

Available to rent form the building preservation charity The Landmark Trust for holidays for up to 8 people throughout the year.

Prices start from £531 based on 4 nights starting on Monday.

Find more on Landmark Trust

Full details of Landmark's historic buildings are featured in the Landmark Trust handbook (price £10 refundable against first booking) from the Landmark Trust 01628 825925 or www.landmarktrust.org.uk

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