If you want to visit a historic house but want to avoid the tourist crowds, a new study has revealed the lesser-known places in the UK that boast the best reviews. According to the research, Holme Pierrepont Hall is the UK's fourth most historic hidden gem.
The historic hall, on the edge of West Bridgford, was built in 1500 for Sir William Pierrepont - the earliest brick building in Nottinghamshire. The Pierreponts were prominent local landowners and politicians, and two of them distinguished themselves on the battlefield in the 15th century
Today, it is the family home of one of his descendants Robert Brackenbury, whose great grandmother was a Pierrepoint. He lives there with his wife Charlotte and their children Oliver, 22 and Cicely, 19, and occasionally opens it up to the public.
Keep up to date with all the latest food and drink news by signing up to our newsletter here
The Tudor manor house, a Grade I-listed building, is hailed one of the most historically significant and beautifully individual country houses in the East Midlands. The house itself only opens a couple of months of the year - from February to March - for snowdrop season, when the garden is a blanket of white flowers.
At other times of the year the house is busy with weddings, although the gardens opened up earlier this month for special events including a car rally and outdoor Shakespeare production.
Having ranked fourth in the country, Mr Brakenbury said: "I am quite flattered that we've made it because of the hard work we put into it. We often get forgotten about because of the Chatsworths of this world - they are pretty fantastic but the fact we are still here is a miracle. We are all trying to survive as a business and not do a Nottingham Castle and go into receivership. We are very careful about how we spend our money and what we do
"We are very hands-on as a family here. We roll our sleeves up and get on with the work. A lot of the people when they come round the house will see me selling the tickets on a Sunday for the snowdrops or they'll see me and Charlotte wandering around the car rally."
Holme Pierrepont Hall was the second home of the Pierrepont family, whose principle seat was Thoresby Hall, and because of that wasn't extended like some country homes. Mr Brackenbury added: "What makes it interesting is the fact we still exist. Many of these houses were rebuilt and rebuilt because the families that were living in them were trying to make them bigger and grander.
"Because of Thoresby in north Nottinghamshire, a bit like Haddon in Derbyshire compared to Belvoir, they got forgotten and as a result there is quite a lot of the house left that wouldn't have survived."
The five star reviews which helped to place the house in fourth position included: " A beautiful and well maintained garden that I'm sure looks superb through the seasons. The house is magnificent, but I'm pleased not to have the heating bills.
Another reviewer said: "We visited the house as part of the spring snowdrop opening. We loved being able to walk around the house alone. It's fascinating. Loved our visit."
Nottinghamshire scored two houses in the top ten, with D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum taking fifth spot. The property is where the famous author of Lady Chatterley's Lover and The Rainbow was born in 1885.
A recent visitor said: "David Herbert Lawrence Birthplace Museum is a wonderful place, talking about the writer: D.H. Lawrence. If you are interested in history then this place is for you."
Another glowing review said: "The Birthplace of D H Lawrence, this is a lovely museum with access to his novels, information on family and the history of the area in general. With narrow and steep stairs not accessible by all. Worth a visit."
Located in Victoria Street, Eastwood, the museum is an authentic recreation of a miner's cottage showing how Lawrence lived during his early years. Visitors can see some of the family's personal items and relax in the museum garden.
The survey was conducted by MoverDB.com, which analysed thousands of traveller reviews on TripAdvisor to identify the most popular sites across the UK to find the top hidden gems. The top spot went to Blairquhan Castle in Scotland.
READ NEXT:
Armed police response vehicles stop cars in Nottingham street
Parents of student killed in knife rampage say he was a 'lovely soul'
Barista who taught herself to embroider launches positive clothing line
Massive choice and good prices make this Nottinghamshire's favourite butchers
Nottingham tram statement as services affected 1 week after incident
