One large house, but many more smaller ones. Much of Burghley's endowment is rooted in the history of the area. Most of the 300 or so properties from which the Estate derives the income with which to maintain the House, are of vernacular design and traditional construction and in many cases listed as being of national architectural and historic importance.

The Estate's maintenance team are well used to dealing in the sort of unconventional repairs required to conserve historic property while delivering 21st century living standards for the occupants. As a result, the Estate can pride itself on being one of the few centres of traditional property craftsmanship involving ashlar and rubble, local stonework, lime mortar parging and pointing, roof slating, and lead and metal work of all kinds.