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Astley Castle

📍 Warwickshire, England

4 ★★★★ 350 reviews

About

Astley Castle is a ruinous moated fortified 16th century manor house in North Warwickshire, England. It has been a Grade II* listed building since 1952 and a Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1994. It was derelict and neglected since it was severely damaged by fire in 1978 whilst in use as a hotel and was officially a Building at Risk. The building reopened as a holiday let in 2012 after extensive and novel renovations that combine modern elements within the (mostly) renaissance remains. In 2013, Astley Castle won the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize for architecture, as an "exceptional example" of the blending of an ancient monument with modern architecture.

Fortified in 1266 when Warin de Bassingburn received a licence to crenellate. The Grey family held it from the 15th century—Lady Jane Grey grew up here before becoming queen for nine days in 1553. The castle fell into ruin over centuries. In 2012, the Landmark Trust completed a radical restoration by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, inserting a modern house within the medieval shell, winning the RIBA Stirling Prize.