Alnwick castle is the home of the Percy family since 1309 and is the largest in the world. The castle was built to command the Scottish border, also at the time of the wars in the 14th century it was a stronghold against the Scots. Today, the 12th Duke of Northumberland occupies the castle. The main points of the estate are the two storey library and the Italian Renaissance-style music room. As with every castle, Alnwick has a drawbridge and moat even though it is now dried up and was first mentioned in the history books in 1906.

There is a £14 million project going ahead in which Jane, The Duke’s wife is creating one of the most amazing gardens in Europe in the castle grounds which is to be open to the public for much of the year.

Although, the Duke has created a stir himself as he has announced that he proposes to sell Raphael’s Madonna of the Pinks, which is currently housed in the National Gallery for the last 10 years to a Californian Museum for £35 million. The funds from this will be used to keep and maintain his residence.