The success of television programmes such as “Country House Rescue”, “Restoration Man” and “Grand Designs” reflect our fascination with properties.
The history of the English country house runs parallel with the history of our country and since the 1950s many of these properties have been open to the public, making for a fantastic day out.
The National Trust and English Heritage are firmly established institutions and many of us join them every year to enjoy unlimited access to their properties. They represent excellent value for money: the National Trust has 300+ properties and English Heritage 400+ sites. With an average entrance price of, let’s say, £7, a £38 (by Direct Debit, otherwise £50.50) 1 year adult membership for the NT and £46 for EH starts to make sense.
What if I told you about a similar not-for-profit organisation that represents over 1500 historic houses and through its membership offers free and exclusive access to many of its member properties, all in private ownership and most a far cry from the museum-like atmosphere at many at National Trust or English Heritage property?
Berkeley Castle - Photo © DaveOnFlickr
Consider yourself introduced to the Historic Houses Association: http://www.hha.org.uk
The HHA represents more historic houses and gardens open to the public than those in the care of the National Trust, English Heritage and their equivalents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland put together: 1500+! When we consider how many houses were demolished or reduced in size during the 20th century due to financial implications, a body such as the HHA is invaluable.
Fancy visiting Berkeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard, Hever Castle, Great Dixter, Syon Park or Woburn Abbey? They are all members of the Historic Houses Association and offer free entrance to “friends”. These houses/gardens offer some of the best experiences on offer in England, topping any National Trust or English Heritage property I have ever visited.
Woburn Abbey - Photo © jimbowen0306
That’s why I want to shout from the rooftops about the Historic Houses Associations.
For 2011 single adult membership is £40, joint membership £65. Additional family members can be added for £19.50. See here: http://www.hha.org.uk/join-the-hha/friends-membership.html
Membership includes free visits to many (not all – e.g. Chatsworth still charges) HHA houses open to the public, special group tours of houses which are not normally open and four issues a year of the HHA’s magazine, “Historic House”.
Of the 1500(ish) member properties, 300 houses are open to the public for day visits.
Maybe next year you could consider a HHA membership instead of or in addition to your English Heritage/NT membership/
About me: I have visited 100s of historic houses & am passionate about architecture, garden design and interiors. You can follow these travels at: http://visitinghousesandgardens.wordpress.com/
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