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Birmingham
Birmingham Back to Backs
© NTPL / Robert Morris
Birmingham's last surviving court of back to back housing has now been fully restored and the story of the site is told through the experiences of the people who lived and worked here. Visitors move through four different periods, from 1840 to the 1970s. The design of each interior reflects the varied cultures, religions and professions of the families who made their homes here.
Herefordshire
Cwmmau Farmhouse
© NTPL / Tim Stephens
This wonderful timber-framed and stone-tiled farmhouse had been restored from dereliction by the donor. It was his wish that 'the unspoilt character of the traditional Welsh farm should be preserved'. There is an informal atmosphere with free guided tours by volunteers and access to all parts of the house.
The Weir
© NTPL / Stephen Robson
A tranquil garden on a steep slope above a bend in the River Wye, The Weir is most spectacular in spring with drifts of snowdrops, daffodils and narcissi. In summer the sheltered setting provides the perfect habitat for butterflies, bees, dragonflies and damselflies. The Weir is home to a large bird population and offers spectacular views of the Wye Valley and the Herefordshire countryside.
Shropshire
Sunnycroft
© NTPL / Andrew Butler
Sunnycroft is a rare example of a Victorian gentleman's villa and has survived largely unaltered and with a remarkable range of its contents remaining. The grounds amount to a 'mini-estate', with pigsties, stables, kitchen garden, orchards, conservatory, flower garden and a superb Wellingtonia avenue.
Warwickshire
Kinwarton Dovecote
© NTPL / Rod. J. Edwards
This unusual 14th-century circular building still houses doves and is noted for its 'potence' – an unusual pivoted ladder from which access is possible to the nesting boxes.
Worcestershire
The Fleece Inn
© National Trust
The Fleece Inn is a 15th-century timber-framed medieval farmhouse and is opposite to the beautiful church of St Leonard's in Bretforton on the edge of the Cotswolds. The Fleece first became a licensed public house in 1848.
The Greyfriars
© NTPL / David Hunter
This fine timber-framed merchant's house was built in 1480 next to the Franciscan friary. Rescued from demolition and carefully restored, the panelled interior contains interesting textiles and furnishings. An archway leads through to the delightful walled garden.
Hawford Dovecote
© NTPL / David Hunter
Hawford Dovecote is a curious, crooked timbered-dovecote dating from the 16th century. Hawford is unusual in that the nest boxes are made of wood attached to the walls rather than being built directly into the stone walls as was the norm.
Middle Littleton Tithe Barn
© NTPL / Derek Croucher
Middle Littleton Tithe Barn is one of the largest and finest 13th-century tithe barns in the country. It was built in blue lias stone, with Cotswold stone roof tiles, oak timber aisle posts and a crucked roof.
Rosedene
© NTPL / Robert Morris
The cottage, first occupied in 1849, is largely unaltered and shows the conditions in which the early Chartists lived. The Chartists were named after the 'People's Charter' and campaigned to improve social and economic conditions for working people. Period features include a dairy, working range, water pump and earth closet. The vegetable garden and orchard have recently been restored.
Wichenford Dovecote
© NTPL / Nick Meers
This 17th-century black and white half-timbered dovecote has an unusual chimney like structure on the roof, which is in fact an entrance for the birds. Pigeons were kept in these buildings both for their eggs and meat. The practice was introduced by the Romans but only became commonplace after the Norman conquest and continued up to the end of the 18th century.
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