A local revival

Three stellar estates in Wales and Staffordshire show how careful restoration is always worth the effort

Wearing its heritage on its sleeve, this medieval castle has lived many lives, including a fortified castle, a Jacobean mansion and a comfortable Victorian family home

Ironmongers’ Hall, London EC2 The home of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers

Tucked in the Herefordshire countryside at Much Marcle, not far from its border with Gloucestershire, is Hellens Manor. Now presenting as a Tudor/Jacobean home, it predates those eras by some margin;

The garden of Knowle House, East Sussex George Dillistone’s original Arts-and-Crafts design has been lovingly restored and updated with contemporary planting, discovers George Plumptre

Atop a hill with views of the sea, this Victorian villa has been lovingly decorated with mellow colours and handcrafted features to reflect the local countryside