Holidays in History.
"Our charity restores castles,
forts, towers and cottages for self-catering breaks"
We love visiting Landmark Trust Properties as they never fail to delight and surprise.
Have a look at some recent choices
We are often asked how the Landmark Trust go about adding properties to their portfolio and they have just added these helpful notes onto their website which I reprint here.
How does a property come under the Landmark Trust's ownership?
There are three key criteria to be met for us to rescue a building for use as a Landmark:
1. Is it important, and does it help Landmark represent the full breadth of British history and culture?
2. Does it need us – can it only survive with our help?
3. Is it somewhere nice to spend a holiday – once restored, can we make it financially sustainable?
Acquisition
We prefer freehold tenure, but many Landmarks are on long leases.
Negotiation is needed on terms, access and services.
Finally the building passes into our care.
Designing the scheme
The building is analysed, researched and recorded.
An architect is chosen and draws up preliminary plans for its conservation and, if necessary, adaptation.
The tender process
A quantity surveyor draws up a Bill of Quantities and contractors are invited to submit their bids for the restoration contract.
Fundraising
Often we need to raise substantial amounts from individuals, as well as drawing up detailed applications to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, statutory bodies, businesses and grant-making trusts.
Conservation and adaptation
Once the funding is in place the chosen contractor can finally move on site, supervised by one of our in-house Surveyors.
Main structural repairs are carried out. Often, the best-laid plans need adjustment as the building reveals its secrets.
Kitchens and bathrooms are installed and painting, staining and polishing carried out before furnishing.
Furnishing
Much of the furniture is restored, adapted or specially made.
Standard items like sofas and kitchen equipment are delivered.
Curtains may be screen-printed with a motif from the building.
The furnishing team move in to furnish the building.
Operational Readiness
Our regional management team takes over the building, adding all the bits and pieces a guest might need in a Landmark and ensuring that everything works, all services are in place and that the building is ready for guests. Housekeepers are appointed from the local community. By this point, we will have already released bookings via the web and our Booking Office, with new photography, layout designs and guest information.
Completion as a Landmark
The History Album is completed: a unique record of the building's history and restoration.
The first Landmarkers arrive for their holiday, their letting income supporting future maintenance. The building has been saved.