A former stately home to the Earl of Crewe, this magnificent jacobean pile was originally built in 1615 by Lord Randolph Crewe, Lord Chancellor to Charles the second. Restored and extended in 1837 the interior suffered a fire in 1866 and was then restored by great cost by architect Edward Barry who had been in charge of the final work on the Houses of Parliament, Barry added the west wing and tower as well as the wealth of mid-victorian accommodation. Marble replaced original stone work, intricate carvings and stained glass windows. Purchased from the Queen in 1998 and situated in the centre of England,so why visit a stately home when you can stay in one.