Port Eliot is a truly unique building found near Saltash and Torpoint on the Cornwall and Devon border.
Both the house and the grounds that surrounded it are Grade 1 listed - the building is thought to have been lived in for over 1000 years, making it the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the UK.
Being a busy, working house, it has collected treasures over its time, many of which are on display to the public. Then there are the 11 staircases, 15 back doors and 82 chimneys to take in!
The grounds, which were once an estuary until the water was diverted away, contain an 18th century Boat House plus stunningly arranged gardens, a glasshouse, a Rhododendron garden, a summerhouse and a nine arch Romanesque viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for The Great Western Railway in 1864. A walk around the grounds is worthwhile anytime if you don't mind getting a little wet on a rainy day.
Note, Port Eliot is open April to September.