A 12th-century fortified manor which had been lying in ruins since a fire in 1978, Astley Castle had seen additions and revisions carried out in almost every century since Medieval times. Throughout its history the site has been owned by no less than three Queens of England.
The Landmark Trust boldly set out to reinstate occupancy of Astley Castle in a manner appropriate for the 21st century. After careful recording, those parts of the building beyond pragmatic repair were taken down. By inserting a groundbreaking modern holiday home into the shell of the ancient castle, the architects, Witherford Watson Mann, were able to both stabilise the ruin and create the next layer of the building’s history. The results showcase how modern architecture can be unashamedly but sympathetically stitched into ancient fabric to significant effect.