The delights of owning a country property are equalled only by the drawbacks. While a weekend retreat is an undisputed pleasure, it is also a responsibility. There is the maintenance to worry over and - having made the initial investment - a feeling the place must be constantly used. Then come the concerns about security and, increasingly, the potential of hostility from locals who dislike seeing homes in their area being owned by non-residents.

How much simpler, though, to rent somewhere special for a few days and leave all the problems of long-term care to others. This is obviously one of the reasons why Britain's Landmark Trust, which has over 150 properties available for rent so far - with a new addition, Termon House, Maghery, Co Donegal, a available from May 1st.

Founded in 1965, the Trust specialises in discovering and restoring buildings "of historic interest or architectural importance". The majority of these are comfortably furnished and available for rent, for a weekend of longer. According to the Landmark Trust, being let for holidays has advantages for a building: "It is constantly used and shared by a wide variety of people. An income is generated for its upkeep in the future". That income is supposed not only to pay for the property thereafter but also to contribute to the rescue and restoration of other buildings.

Most of what is offered by the Trust for rental tends to be relatively small, although there are exceptions. It might be a former gate lodge or folly, or a flat in an old house. Some of the places are extraordinarily remote - the 1810 lighthouse on Lundy Island off the Welsh coast for example - but others are sited in the centre of cities.

Making generalisations about the Landmark Trust is foolish because there are few consistencies other than a fondness for the quirky. Prices naturally vary according to the size of the rental (and how many people it can therefore take) and its location, with the cost of a weekend property running from around £250 in winter up to over £700 in high summer.

However, even at the top end of the price range, taking a Landmark Trust property will still be much cheaper than buying a country home of your own - and bring far fewer headaches in its wake.

The Landmark Trust may be contacted at Shottesbrooke, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3SW,Tel: 0044 1628 825925.