Houghton House, Ampthill, Bedfordshire

Apparently the actual building that inspired 'house beautiful' in John Bunyan's The pilgrims Progress. After a bumpy uneven dirt track past some cows and typical Bedfordshire hedgrows you get to this magnificently spacious castle of a red brick house. No roof, much of the walls missing, you can imagine where the chimneys and fireplaces may have been but it is an extraordinary place. Overlooking hills, clay excavation sites and wispy clouds in the distance. A gem amongst the mono culture of Bedfordshire, England.