A Nearly Ruined Landmark Is Now a Modern Home

There's nothing quite like a piece of history gaining a new, interesting life. The Astley Castle in Warwickshire, England has been around for nearly a thousand years, and served as the fortified manor for three generations of the royal family. Through the centuries, it changed hands many times, and was last used as a hotel during World War II before it was sadly abandoned and vandalized.

In 2007, it was listed as one of the sixteen most endangered sites in Britain, and The Landmark Trust (a preservation charity) decided to search for an architect to restore and repurpose the structure. Witherford Watson Mann Architects won the competition, Designboom reports, and their vision and final result is simply a breathtaking display of the new marrying the old.

The new design honors the castle's history, relying on the natural look of brick and wood blended with the structure's original materials, and huge glass windows to showcase the estate's countryside view. The rooms are now outfitted with modern appointments and conveniences, but are meant to mirror how each space was originally used.

Today, history buffs (or just lovers of beautiful homes) can rent the house for vacation. The castle sleeps eight and rates start around $$$$ for four nights — not too shabby for a manor that queens used to call their own.

Take a tour:

[via Designboom]

More from Good Housekeeping:
• This Is Your Chance to Own an English Castle
• The Rustic Fairytale Home of Our Dreams
• The Same Family Has Lived in This Castle for 27 Generations

From: Good Housekeeping US

By Lauren Piro