And they're off!

Four historic country houses with long-standing racing credentials come to the market in prime sporting areas of Berkshire and Oxfordshire

- Penny Churchill

SAVILLS has set the pace with the launch onto the market of secluded, Grade II-listed Donnington Castle House, which stands in some 24 acres of gardens, paddocks and woodland next to the picturesque ruins of medieval Donnington Castle in Donnington village, two miles north of Newbury, Berkshire. Crispin Holborow of Savills country department (020-7409 8881) seeks 'offers in excess of $9 million' for the gracious, 14,359sq ft main house with its coach house, cottages and buildings set in spectacular Jekyll-style gardens-all beautifully restored by the present owners during their 13year tenure.

According to Nash Ford's Royal Berkshire History, Donnington Castle was acquired in 1632 by the Parliamentarian John Packer of Shellingford Castle. During the 2nd Battle of Newbury in 1644, the castle was held by the Royalists, but, following a long and bitter siege, was described as 'ruinous' when the Parliamentarians eventually retook it in March 1646.

The castle and its land were handed back to Packer and, by 1648, he had begun to build Donnington Castle House on the site of a former steward's lodge, using some materials from the old castle, although the house is essentially of brick. The original and oldest part of the building faces south and contains the wood-panelled reception rooms, central oak staircase and cellars. Later additions include the north-east wing, which overlooks the croquet lawn and is thought to date from the late 17th century.