It feels like someone has packed away the protective

One of nearly 200 self-catering properties restored by the Landmark Trust across the UK, Sackville House seems to perfectly embody Trust director Anna Keay's vision for the charity, of giving "new life to important historic buildings and pleasure and inspiration to those who visit them."The definition of 'historical buildings' is a wide-reaching one; everything from follies to towers and castles to temples can be booked by visitors, the funds from which then go towards further restorations. "There are almost 10,000 Grade I and II* buildings at risk in the UK, so we have our work cut out," adds Keay.Once over the threshold, we unwrap Sackville House like a present, pushing through doors and bounding from room to room. Fronting the pack was Belle, our two-year-old, who was captivated by this Tardis-like warren of bedrooms, bathrooms, winding staircases and interconnecting spaces.

It feels like someone has packed away the protective corded ropes and given us weekend access to a museum. Ground and first floors conquered, we clamber up to the enormous loft and look at the fragments of stained glass and accompanying sketches that are laid out on a workman's bench, a homage to Geoffrey Webb's artistry.Sackville House gazes out over a thoroughly modern scene. Traffic growls; a steady stream of afternoon drinkers head for the Rose and Crown opposite and curious shoppers occasionally peer in at us on their way to Broadleys, the upmarket clothes store two blocks down. At the property's rear, the time warp is reinstated. 

The hum of 21st century life is all but lost to a garden that appears, like the house, to go on forever. It is a 630-foot-long finger of land that could be four or five individual plots bonded together. There are green lawns, a small apple orchard, even a wild nuttery…and it beggars belief that this centuries-old portland a piece of town land has evaded exploitation. When we finally reach the garden's end and nose through the fence, there is disappointment, for we're greeted by the pedestrian snapshot of a garage and large trampoline.So who chooses to stay at Sackville House? There are two log books compiled over 16 years that are stuffed to the gills with entries - including sketches, ditties and prints - that will tell you.