Would be lovely to visit in Summer! I am impressed by how well it is kept considering its age, just wow! And the dog collars, you are right, unusual indeed.
I prefer small cosy castles/manors to big palaces too! It reminds me of Warwick castle, built in the same style and time.
You know many years ago we were at Warwick and wanted to visit Warwick castle as you would do when you're in Warwick. So we arrived at a castle. It was pretty small and a bit run down, our visit only lasted about half an hour, wasn't too impressed to say the least. Then we found out later, that wasn't Warwick Castle at all!! Still don't know where we went 😅
Too funny!!! 🤣