Make Valentine's a landmark event

10:00am Thursday 31st January 2008

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Have you ever wanted to be king or queen of your own castle? Or how about running your very own house of correction?

Well, if you're looking for somewhere truly distinctive to take that special someone for a Valentine's break, then one organisation may have just what you want.

The Landmark Trust is a leading building preservation charity that rescues and restores architecturally interesting and historic buildings that are at risk. It gives them a future by letting them for self-catering holidays, their rental income paying for their upkeep. When you rent a Landmark Trust property, you are its owner for the duration of your stay. You can hire a small place just for two, or if you are planning a group holiday, there are properties catering for 10 or more people.

Some properties are situated in the middle of the countryside or by the sea, while some are located in the heart of historic towns. As many properties are hundreds of years old, they may have some fascinating original features such as a moat, thatched roof, oak beams, or perhaps a medieval dining hall.

Although all have mod cons such as modern bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, heating and electricity, you won't find home entertainment equipment such as TVs, DVDs or CD players. You may have to make do with a good book and the soundtrack of a crackling log fire. If your property is on the coast, why not just take a portable radio to listen to the shipping forecast and the background sound of the waves?

One of the Landmark Trust's most distinct properties is The Pineapple, in Dunmore, Scotland, an 18th century summer house featuring a 75-foot stone pineapple on its roof. Meanwhile, the House of Correction, in Folkingham, Lincolnshire, was part of a small prison dating from the 19th century, which was used to house the idle and other minor offenders. Kingswear Castle, near Dartmouth in Devon, was built in the 16th century on rocks just metres from the sea. The views towards Dartmouth are stunning.

However, if you'd prefer to stay in a pigsty, the Trust has one such property available. With its Doric columns and neo-classical façade, The Pigsty, near Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire, was perhaps the most stylish home for pigs anywhere in the country. It dates from the 19th century, but has since had a good clean.

For further information about the Landmark Trust, visit their website www.landmarktrust.org.uk. Details of all 184 Trust buildings can be found in the Landmark Trust Handbook, price £11.50 including post and packing (refundable against the first booking). To order a copy, call 01628 825925 or visit the website. You can also use the site to check late availability for properties and also make an online donation, which will help the Trust to save other buildings at risk.