Bridgerton x Downton Abbey Vibes
With film tourism becoming increasingly influential (especially in the UK), and the allure of period dramas like "Bridgerton" (the latest season is out today), "Downton Abbey" (a third film has just been announced), and the success of the recent series ‘The Gentlemen’, there's never been a better time to delve into the opulent world of British history, aristocracy, castles, and manor houses. From the grandeur of sprawling castles to the refined elegance of manor houses, the United Kingdom offers a treasure trove of architectural marvels that whisper tales of romance, intrigue, and centuries-old traditions. Having traversed the picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks during my tenure leading communications for the esteemed Four Seasons UK Collection, I've been fortunate to uncover some of the most enchanting destinations this land has to offer. Join me on a journey through ten of my favorite castles and manor houses, each promising a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles and rich heritage that have captivated audiences worldwide.
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Highclere Castle is known to many as the grand estate from “Downtown Abbey”, it is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated in the 1840s, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The 6,000-acre estate is in Highclere in Hampshire, England, about 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9.5 miles north of Andover, Hampshire. Currently owned by the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and his second wife Lady Fiona, they host special events, tours, and occasional stays. They are also very active social media channels, publish cook books, a podcast, and have a gin line. (I previously wrote about my trip here)
Blenheim Palace represents the big leagues of history, where Winston Churchill was born. It is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and is the only non-royal, non-episcopal manor in England to hold the title of palace. No wonder Blenheim has been tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kenwood House is located in London’s Hampstead (near my old flat), famous for its elegant neoclassical facade. It also offers a world-class art collection, including Rembrandt’s Self Portrait with Two Circles, as well as the Great Library designed by Robert Adam, the renowned British architect.
Lyme Park is a stunning Italianate palace is a slice of Hollywood in Cheshire - similar to Mr. Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, in Pride and Prejudice. Also, if you’re into spooky tales, there’s a ghost of a lady in white who supposedly haunts the manor’s 1,300-acre park.
Great Chalfield Manor and Garden is a backdrop for TV series like Wolf Hall and Poldark but it’s actually a real-life time capsule. Its moat, gardens, and medieval architecture make you feel like you’ve walked into a parallel reality. The manor is still a family home, and they don’t shy away from sharing their amusing private stories during tours.
Longleat is an Elizabethan country house, a maze, and a safari park all rolled into one. Late Alexander George Thynn really had an eye for the quirky, and he transformed the interior walls of many rooms with his surreal murals. So surreal, in fact, that about seven years before his passing, he had a major fallout with his son Ceawlin about them, when Ceawlin decided to paint over some of his dad’s works with brilliant white paint. Now, tours will only give you a peek at some of the remaining murals, including the portraits of Lord Bath’s 75 “wifelets”
Belvoir Castle tells a centuries-old saga of rebuilds and restorations. Each Duke of Rutland left his mark, turning it into a mishmash of architectural styles. Belvoir’s art collection that includes paintings, furniture, and tapestries, is like a mini museum. And its impressive gardens were designed by the same landscape architect who worked on the gardens of Versailles. No wonder this castle was used as a filming location for a bunch of movies and TV series, including The Da Vinci Code and The Crown.
Haddon Hall is one of the oldest manors in England, with parts dating back to the 12th-century. Often dubbed the “sleeping beauty house”, it lay dormant for 200 years. You can feel that this manor is truly frozen in time with its Elizabethan interiors, and its untouched character is a rare find.
Harewood House was built in 1759 and designed by big names like Thomas Chippendale, a treasure trove of stunning craftsmanship and art, including pieces by J.M.W. Turner. It was the former home of Princess Mary, Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt. The popular TV show Victoria starring Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes was filmed at Harewood House too.
Newby Hall in North Yorkshire is an outstanding mansion with a mix of architectural styles by masters like John Carr and Robert Adam. They’ve got a room with some old French tapestries, unique because these are still in the original spots they were intended for. There’s also a gallery full of ancient Roman sculptures.
Wollaton Hall: Located in Nottinghamshire, "Bruce Wayne’s house” from Batman, thie Elizabethan beauty, built in the 1580s for Sir Francis Willoughby, doubled as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The house was quiet as a mouse for nearly 40 years following a 1642 fire, then it rose back to life with interior makeovers, underground cellars, and secret passages that still echo its Elizabethan roots.
*Bonus 1: Mapperton Manor belong to an actual American Viscountess! Born and raised in Illinos, Julie Montagu moved to England with her two kids to start anew, when she met her now husband Luke, the 11th Earl of Sandwich, in 2003. They have a successful media business to help cover the upkeep cost of the estate, which includes multiple youtube channels and hosting some local British shows on castles and manor houses.
*Bonus 2: The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire was in my collection, and is a restored Georgian manor house outside London offering English country living. It is a dreamy estate, located on 500 acres of picturesque landscape, which includes an equestrian center. Highly recommend this dreamy escape.
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