NEWARK PARK, Ozleworth, is included in a new book, England's Thousand Best Houses.

The book is by Simon Jenkins, the best-selling author of England's Thousand Best Churches.

"By our houses we define ourselves," he says, "and by them we are known. The Englishman's home is more than his castle: it is his face, his refuge and his family hearth.

"The houses of England are a treasure trove, a glory of humanity, a wonder of the world.

"What is more, to our great good fortune, England retains far more great houses with contents intact and on display than any other country in the world."

The book charts the architectural history of Newark Park, originally a Tudor hunting lodge.

It describes the house as set in one of England's hidden valleys, wild and spectacular hunting country.

Acknowledgment is made of the late Robert Parsons who saved Newark Park from decline, restoring it to become a much-loved National Trust property.

Mr Jenkins is particularly drawn to the attic of the building - "the most exciting floor".

England's Thousand Best Houses is published by Penguin Allen Lane Press, priced at £30.