SMALL worlds

We take a peek into some of the UK's most magical dolls' houses

- ANDREW SHAW

As children, owning our first dolls' house was a thrilling way of getting on to the pocket-sized property ladder. Filled with our tiny treasures, these dinky domiciles allowed us to enter our own wonderful worlds. However, not all dolls' houses had curtains made from a tea towel by our mum! Here, we pay a visit to some of the grandest dolls' houses in the land.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House

A gift to King George V's consort, Queen Mary, this is perhaps the most famous dolls' house in the world. Built between 1921 and 1924, and now on display in Windsor Castle, Queen Mary's Dolls' House was designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. There are tiny bottles of wine in the cellar, silver bath taps that work, and a gramophone with mini records that play The National Anthem! The library is filled with nearly 600 miniature books, many of which are handwritten by authors such as Rudyard Kipling and A.A. Milne.

• Windsor Castle: adult, £28, child (5-17), £15.50; rct.uk

NOSTELL PRIORY

Known as 'baby houses' in the 18th century, dolls' houses were not children's playthings. They showed off the wealth and status of aristocratic families, and may have helped young women practise furnishing a home. A rare 18th-century dolls' house can be found at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire. Dating to around 1735, it has nine opulent rooms. The tiny doors even have working locks!