Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

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Some of Yorkshire's best-kept secrets lie in the rolling Howardian Hills between Malton and Thirsk, home of Castle Howard which is one of the most famous landmarks of the North Yorkshire countryside.

It recently celebrated its 300th anniversary after surviving a series of historical set-backs, financial restraints and family misfortunes. That survival is thanks largely to The Hon Simon Howard whose enthusiasm and drive has been a powerful force in the regeneration of one of Britain's finest stately homes, which plays host to hoards of tourists from all over the world. As they tramp respectfully through the echoing corridors and glorious halls, hushed by the overwhelming splendour of this great house and its extraordinary setting in rolling acres of land, few will imagine the blood, sweat and tears which epitomise the building's glorious history.

Even when it was built, it took more than a century to complete, spanning the lifetimes of three Earls and countless architects and craftsmen who dedicated themselves to the extraordinary work of art. Tragically, the years of hard work were almost wiped out in a single fire which broke out in the south-west wing on November 9, 1940, and swept through the house into the Great Hall, destroying the dome and nearly 20 rooms. After the blaze, many people thought there was little hope in saving their heritage, but George Howard who inherited the building after his two brothers were killed in action during the war, was absolutely determined that the family pile, such an architectural masterpiece, should be rebuilt.

At the time, many people thought he was mad, but Lord Howard and his wife, Lady Cecilia, set about restoring the huge house to its former glory, instilling in their sons the same sense of responsibility and foresight which was to help them turn Castle Howard into a glorious 18th century elysium. Their ancestors would undoubtedly be delighted.

The Howard family, who have lived in the house ever since it was built, stems from Lord William Howard (1563-1640), youngest son of Thomas, 4th Duke of Norfolk, whose "skill at marrying heiresses" eventually led to his execution. "Belted Will", as he was known, took possession of Henderskelfe, the site of Castle Howard, as part of the inheritance of his wife, Elizabeth Dacre. Fifty years after his death, Charles, the third Earl of Carlisle, created Castle Howard with the help of his friend, John Vanbrugh, who had never built a house before in his life, but whose charm and self-conviction assured Charles that he was the man to design one of the greatest country houses in Europe.

Today, the responsibility of running a house so vast is hard to imagine. The expanse of roof is so huge it is measured in acres. The cost of replacing a broken public loo leaves little change out of £120,000 and the thought of 220,000 tourists trekking through your family home and gardens from dawn till dusk, is difficult to contemplate. Yet their support means Castle Howard can continue to play host to some of the finest treasures in the land.

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