Audley End, in Essex, is a beautiful Jacobean house, completed in the early 17th century, that is a case of failed social climbing. The Earl of Suffolk, who built it, set out to impress everyone with its magnificence. He was especially out to impress the royals who came to stay. Sadly, for him, he fell out of favor at court and the royals he'd emptied his purse for stayed away in droves.
Nevertheless, his fabulous house, surrounded by vast and lavish formal gardens, is yours to enjoy.
Cambridge Lodge(Price Band:$$) managed by English Heritage, was built to be the principal gatehouse in 1842. This charming Victorian house is now self-catering accommodtion for four, plus baby. Views from the lodge take in the River Cam, dammed to form a lake on the grounds.