The Castle in Lundy, Devon, United Kingdom | Self Catering

The Castle on Lundy was built by Henry III in 1244, paid for from the sale of rabbits, since Lundy was a Royal Warren. The small keep has walls 3 feet thick, constructed of local granite and all inclining inwards. It was probably the main building on the island until the late 18th century.

The ruinous keep was repaired in the 1850s and converted into cottages around a central courtyard. These have been rebuilt several times, most recently by the Landmark Trust, are now unexpectedly snug and sociable. Castle Keep South itself is the largest of the three, with a handsome living room and good-sized bedrooms offering comfortable accommodation.

The Castle is established high up on the south-east point of the island, commanding a fine view of the east coast of Lundy, the landing bay and the Bristol Channel. Like all three cottages Castle Keep East looks inward to the court yard, but it has windows to the sea from both the bedroom and the upstairs living room.