Nowhere in Europe is there such an abundance and variety of country houses, with their parks and gardens, as in Britain. Each one has its own story, which in some cases goes back to Saxon days. Their astonishing range of contents not only includes valuable works of art but also objects intrinsically bound to national, local or family history. As their survival is increasingly threatened, public interest and concern for these unique institutions has likewise been growing. This book is an illustrated guide to the country houses still in private hands that are now accessible to the public. Some 215 houses in England, Wales and Scotland are included. They range from little-known rectories and manor houses to the confident grandeur of Blenheim and Holkham, from modest fortresses in Scotland to the utopian visions of Inverary and Hopetoun. Beautifully illustrated, the book summarises family history, architectural character and the more notable paintings and furniture.