Antony House

Antony, near Torpoint in Cornwall, has been the Carew family's home since the 15th century and the Carew Poles still live in the silver-grey stone house built in the 1720s, among the finest surviving Queen Anne buildings in the West Country. Its rooms hold portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds and a famous painting of Charles I on trial, recalling a family caught up in the English Civil War. Outside, the Repton landscape runs down to views over the River Lynher, with playful topiary, modern sculptures, historic daylilies and a recently restored dovecote; Tim Burton filmed Alice in Wonderland here. Children can build dens in the play area; the Colonnade Cafe serves light lunches and cakes. Reviewers single out the homely, lived-in feel, the friendly volunteers and the cakes. Tips from visitors: dogs must keep to the gravel and stone paths, and the neighbouring Antony Woodland Garden is not National Trust, so members pay separate admission.