So often, the newest, most modern hotels garner all the attention of travelers. But it's often the aged, historic lodging that offers the most charm and an experience that's hard to forget.
Luckily, if you're voyaging to Europe, there's an easy way to spend the night in a medieval castle, a Gothic temple or historic train station - for far less than what Gwyneth Paltrow spends on an Airbnb rental.
Enter, the Landmark Trust, a European charity that restores historic buildings before renting them out to vacationers. "Though they range from the sober to the spectacular, all our buildings are rich in history and atmosphere," says the Landmark Trust on its website. And if the buildings below are any indication, we believe it.
The best part? It's surprisingly affordable (some rentals only charge $20 per night). The rental cost goes toward maintaining each landmark, though the charity relies mostly on grants and donations. The trust was founded in 1965 and has nearly 200 offerings throughout Britain, France, Italy and Belgium.
Take a look at five of the rentals below, and check out even more here.
Casa Guidi
This Florence home was once the abode of poets Robert and Elizabeth Browning, who traveled throughout Europe to collect furniture and works of art for the space. The tall main rooms have been restored in an elegant 18th-century style. Rent is $67 per night. Book here.
Auchinleck House
Once the family seat of diarist James Boswell, this massive 18th-century home in Ayrshire has its own grounds, river, grotto, and ice-house. An elaborate dining room and cozy library lends themselves to a stay that sparks conversation among travelers. Boswell reported that the house, built around 1760, was home to much "social glee." Rent is $20 per night. Book here.
Le Moulin
Formerly an 18th-century mill, this vine-covered countryside cottage was once the weekend retreat of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. It is the only house they ever owned, and the interiors echoes English design. It is nestled in the Chevreuse valley, just southwest of Paris. Rent is $31 per night. Book here.
Cavendish Hall
The type of home that's familiar to anyone who has ever read a Jane Austen novel, this early Regency country house is set on the outskirts of a charming village in Suffolk. With spacious, elegant rooms and a stained glass window bearing a coat of arms, it is said that the hall was built by Thomas Hallifax around 1800 for one of his sons. Rent is $33 per night. Book here.
Littoral's Tower
Built around 1780, this tower was constructed for Temple Luttrell, a member of Parliament and also reportedly a smuggler (the property still has a smugglers tunnel that runs from the tower to the beach). It is set near the beach in Southampton. Rent is $63 per night. Book here.
h/t: Co.Design
