Britain's country houses are famous all over the world for their architecture, their treasures, and their history. In this lavishly-illustrated book, Mark Girouard-the leading authority on the subject-selects twenty-four historic houses, all open to the public, and brings them vividly to life. He describes how the houses were designed and decorated, and how people lived in them. A fascinating array of characters are associated with each house-kings, crooks, millionaires, royal mistresses, lords of the manor and humble servants. They, as much as the beautiful houses in which they lived, are the subject of this book. Fully illustrated with b&w plates.

(Key Words: Architecture, houses, British, Britain, Victorian, royalty, Hampton Court, Chatsworth, Castle Howard, Lacock Abbey, Penrhyn Castle).