7 historic homes in the U.K.

Herefordshire. Wilton Castle-on-the-Wye is an antique house built inside the curtain wall and moat of a 12th-century Norman castle. Painstakingly restored over 10 years, the five-bedroom home features four sitting areas, a kitchen with pantry, and stained-glass details. The grounds include lush gar dens set between ivy-covered walls, a ruined Tudor manor overgrown with roses, and an ancient tower approved for renovation. $2,105,000. Jenny Tilly, Andrew Grant, (011-44) 1905-734-735.

Buckinghamshire. Toad Hall overlooks the River Thames and moorlands protected by the National Trust. The six-bedroom Edwardian manor inspired Kenneth Grahame to write The Wind in the Willows. Inside are a drawing room with bay windows, a library, a conservatory with French doors, and a master suite with a balcony. Outside are mature trees, a rose pergola, and a wet boathouse. $4,858,000. Charles Elsmore-Wickens, Savills, (011-44) 1753-834-600.

Angus. The Craig is one of the oldest properties in Scotland. The castle once housed James V and Mary Queen of Scots; in 1330, Sir James Douglas slept there on the eve of his departure for Jerusalem. The six-bedroom home features original fixtures, a cantilevered stair, and a drawing room with a restored painted ceiling and Montrose Basin views. The 20.8-acre grounds include two cottages, 17th-century walled gardens, and a wine cellar. $2,324,200. Ruaraidh Ogilvie, Savills, (011-44) 1356-628-628.

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Dorset. Surrounded by shaped lawns and mature cottage gardens, this three-bedroom home dates back to the 17th century. Peppercorn Cottage retains its original ladder staircase, exposed beams and timbers, and inglenook fireplace; an extension adds a sitting room with double doors to the garden. Outside are a timber-constructed garage with a workshop space, and a brick outbuilding. $787,500. Humberts, (011-44) 1258-919-002.

North Yorkshire. This property is in the Howardian Hills region, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hovingham Country House consists of two updated residences: a five-bedroom home set on the street and a two-bedroom cottage behind it. Main house details include crown molding, multiple fireplaces, and a modern kitchen with breakfast bar and wine refrigerator. $1,099,000. Ben Pridden, Savills York, (011-44) 1904-617-820.

Devon. This Georgian Gothic attached house was originally part of a vicarage built in 1815. The thatched-roof, five-bedroom home has an octagonal drawing room, a cantilevered staircase, French doors, a round sitting room, and Gothic-style illuminated alcoves. The property features a heated swimming pool, a pond, a large monkey-puzzle tree, and a one-bedroom hayloft apartment. $810,000. James Baker, Stags, (011-44) 1803-865-454.

Scottish Borders. Loanfoot was built of stone from Skirling Castle, which was demolished in 1568. The four-bedroom home has a kitchen with a Rayburn stove, a studio, and a conservatory; period details include working original window shutters. The property, with three convertible outbuildings and a small garden, sits on the edge of Skirling village green, and is about 30 minutes' drive from Edinburgh. $423,000. Galbraith, (011-44) 1312-406-960.