Candlesby Hall, Lincs

Originally part of the Gunby estate, Candlesby was built in 1810 by Capt Thomas Massingberd, RN, the younger brother of Henry, the squire of Gunby Hall, now owned by the National Trust. Henry?s descendant Hugh Massingberd has followed its fortunes: ?In the 1930s,

it was acquired by Maj H. L. Haddon Owen; his widow, Bunny, lived there until 1988. The park has delightful views of the Wolds.? Fifteen years ago, it was bought by farmer David Tagg and his wife, Janet. They have modernised the interiors, but the stables survive with their original fittings. ?Feeding cattle 14 times a week in your seventies is quite demanding,? says Mr Tagg, who is finally retiring.

Grade II listed. 7 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, conservatory, stableyard, extensive outbuildings, ha-ha, pond, paddocks, orchard, 60 acres. £1.2m. Savills (01522 508908)

This article was originally published in Country Life magazine, June 2, 2005. To subscribe click here.