Explore Heritage

An English Italianate masterpiece. Find out more 👇 In my last post I introduced you to the delightful Brodsworth Hall. Today in the care of English Heritage, this spectacular Victorian period country house was built for Charles Sabine Augustus Thellusson, a wealthy landowner and businessman. He inherited a vast fortune from his great-grandfather Peter Thellusson, a Swiss-born London banker. Peter Thellusson’s will famously led to a long legal dispute that lasted over 60 years. When the inheritance was finally settled, Charles Sabine Thellusson received a large share of the fortune, which enabled him to commission the construction of Brodsworth Hall in the 1860s. One particularly interesting aspect of Brodsworth Hall is its “frozen-in-time” preservation. When the last resident, Sylvia Grant-Dalton, struggled to maintain the house after World War II, she lived in only a few rooms, leaving large parts of the house untouched for decades. As a result, Brodsworth Hall offers a rare and authentic snapshot of life in a declining English country house during the 19th and 20th centuries. English Heritage has chosen to conserve the house as it was found rather than fully restoring it, preserving the original wear and tear, including frayed carpets, peeling wallpaper, and faded fabrics. This approach gives visitors a unique sense of the passage of time and the realities of maintaining such a grand estate in changing economic and social conditions. The house feels as if it’s been lived in and left behind, unlike many other stately homes that have been fully restored to their original grandeur. #countryhouse #historichouse #countryestate #landmark #mansion #view #dronevideo #yorkshire #england #visitengland #beautifulplaces #beautifuldestinations #historic #classicalarchitecture #architecture #heritage #luxurylifestyle #luxurydesign #luxuryhomes #english #englishheritage #garden #gardendesign

Fall in love with the ‘English Versailles’ 🫶 I’m ashamed to say that up until recently I wasn’t aware of the existence of this grand country house. That all changed recently however, and yesterday I was invited by Boughton House and HeritageX, along with a number of other content creators, to attend the very first ‘Hetitage Explorers’ event. I was quite overwhelmed by the beauty and scale of this grand English Country House, and it’s fair to say I fell head over heels in love with the Boughton Estate. I have LOADS of fresh content to share, so stay tuned for much more! Boughton House, often referred to as the “English Versailles,” is a grand country house located in Northamptonshire, England. Appropriately used as a back drop to hit movies Les Miserables, and more recently, Napoleon, owing to its French architectural style, the Boughton estate has been associated with the Montagu family since 1528. Substantial transformation took place under Ralph Montagu, who later became the 1st Duke of Montagu, in the late 17th century, with English Baroque being merged with the French style. Ralph had been an ambassador to France, and was particularly inspired by the architecture and grandiose of Versailles. Further enhancements were made in the 18th century by John, 2nd Duke of Montagu, who expanded the house and continued to develop the gardens. The estate was later inherited by the Buccleuch family through marriage, with the Montagu and Buccleuch titles being merged. Boughton House is currently owned by the Duke of Buccleuch, who has undertaken extensive restoration and conservation efforts to maintain the estate’s historical and architectural integrity. The house is open to the public during specific times of the year, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur, extensive art collections, and beautifully landscaped gardens. #versailles #frenchstyle #Architecture #Countryhouse #historichouse #heritage #landmark #england #northamptonshire #beautifuldestinations #beautifulplaces #Dronevideo #statelyhome #countryhouses #mansion #manorhouse #boughtonhouse #englishhome #englishcountryhome

If heaven exists 🤩 Find out more👇 This spectacular historic landmark in England likely needs no introduction, but just in case, this is the palatial residence, Chatsworth House. Nestled in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, Chatsworth is often considered the grandest and most beautiful country house in England. I filmed this video on a heavenly summer’s morning, with the rising sun lighting up the house and surrounding fog in a mesmerising orange glow. I could have been in heaven 😍 Famously known as Mr. Darcy’s home in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth is the principal residence of the Duke of Devonshire and has been in the possession of the Cavendish family since Bess of Hardwick and her husband William Cavendish acquired the estate in 1549. William Cavendish, Bess’s second husband, had accumulated wealth as a commissioner for the dissolution of the monasteries. The original Elizabethan Manor House they built at Chatsworth is mostly gone, with the house being entirely redesigned in 1707 by the 1st Duke and further enhanced and modernised in the late 18th century by the 6th Duke. The result is one of the most easily recognisable historic houses in the world. Chatsworth House absolutely oozes class and sophistication, and with one of the most mesmerising entrance halls of any country house in England, serves as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the country. #chatsworth #house #palace #mansion #luxuryhome #countryhouse #derbyshire #england #manorhouse #historichouse #historichomes #beautifulplaces #beautifuldestinations #sunriseview #misty #prideandprejudice #pemberley #mrdarcy #duke #historiclandmark #georgianarchitecture #beautifulview

Hooton Pagnell Hall 📍South Yorkshire, England. Hooton Pagnell Hall, a picturesque country house estate nestled in the charming village of Hooton Pagnell, South Yorkshire, England, has a rich history spanning over nine centuries. Originally established shortly after the Norman Conquest, the manor of Hooton Pagnell became an integral part of the feudal system introduced by William the Conqueror. The Pagnell family, Norman landowners, bestowed the village’s name upon it and held ownership of the estate during the 11th to 13th centuries. Throughout the subsequent medieval period, the estate underwent several ownership changes. However, in the 17th century, it was acquired by the Wombwell family. The Wombwells, known for their gradual expansion of the estate, made significant architectural alterations to the Hall, leading to a harmonious blend of Tudor and Georgian features during the 18th century. The estate remained in the hands of the Wombwell family descendants until the 20th century. The current owners, who have maintained the estate’s heritage, have adapted it for modern use. Hooton Pagnell Hall now serves as a luxurious wedding venue and can also be utilised for corporate events. Hooton Pagnell Hall is a beautiful destination nestled in the Yorkshire countryside and serves as one of Englands true hidden gems.

Hooton Pagnell Hall is a historic country estate located in the village of Hooton Pagnell, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. The hall and its surrounding buildings are part of a picturesque estate that has a history spanning many centuries. The estate has a history dating back to the Norman conquest of England and has been associated with several notable families over the centuries. I will be sharing more about this history of this beautiful country house estate over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more!

Waddesdon Manor 📍Buckinghamshire, UK. Waddesdon Manor, a stunning country house in Buckinghamshire, England, was built in the late 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. It was inspired by the beautiful French châteaux of the Loire Valley. The manor Victorian manor, built between 1874 and 1889, was a weekend getaway and a place to host guests. Now owned by the National Trust but managed by the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor is a treasure trove of art, furniture, and decorative items. You’ll find pieces from the 18th century and more. The estate also has beautifully designed gardens, a wine cellar, and several fun attractions. Waddesdon Manor is a popular spot for cultural events, exhibitions, and day trips.

Step inside the Neoclassical Statue Gallery at Yorkshire’s Newby Hall and experience one the finest independently owned collections of Roman and Greek statutory in Britain. The splendour of Yorkshire’s Newby Hall can largely be attributed to its 18th-century owner, William Weddell. Although a grand house already existed when he acquired the estate in 1748, Weddell’s vision transformed Newby Hall into the magnificent neoclassical masterpiece we adore today. Weddell, like many of his contemporaries, embarked on a cultural Grand Tour of Europe. Having toured Europe’s capital cities, visited grand palaces, and more importantly, experienced the classical sites of Rome and Greece firsthand, he returned home in 1766 brimming with ideas and in possession a wallet-busting collection of statuary. Having commissioned two new wings at Newby, Weddell hired the renowned architect Robert Adam to transform the house into a Neoclassical masterpiece. Robert Adam’s remarkable work at Newby is evident, but his most impressive creation is the Statue Gallery, a grand showcase for Weddell’s awe-inspiring collection of statues. Robert Adam’s Statue Gallery is truly a sight to behold, a place that seems to have been plucked from another world. Nothing quite prepares you for this magnificent open space, featuring a domed Pantheon-like central chamber at its apex. The walls of this grand hall are adorned with remarkable classical Roman statues, some dating back to the first century BC. The Statue Gallery at Newby Hall stands as a rival to the grand Statue Gallery at Holkham Hall, boasting one of the finest independent collections of Roman statuary in all of Britain. It is truly impossible to underestimate the rarity and potential value of this collection. For instance, a restored Roman Venus from Newby Hall was sold at auction several years ago for a staggering £7.9 million, setting a world record at the time. #countryhouse #architecture #statue #neoclassical #tour #yorkshire #classical #roman #greek #statues #18thcentury #england #classicalarchitecture #classicalinteriors #georgianperiod #georgian #interiordesign #collector #statelyhome #historichomes #historichouse #heritage

Brodsworth hall📍Yorkshire 🤩 Here’s another aerial view of the Victorian luxury mansion, Brodsworth Hall. Built in the beautiful Italianate style popular in the mid-19th century, the house features ashlar stonework and classical colonnades, giving it a grand and stately appearance typical of the Victorian era. What I find most interesting about Brodsworth Hall is the unique way English Heritage has preserved it - rather than fully restoring it, they chose a “conserved as found” approach, retaining the wear and patina of decades. The interiors reflect the gradual decline of a family fortune, with aging furnishings and fading wallpapers. Speaking of fortune, the Thellusson family amassed their wealth partly due to a controversial will that became a legal case. When Peter Thellusson, the family patriarch, passed away in 1797, his fortune was locked in trust for over 60 years due to stipulations in his will, eventually leading to the famous Thellusson Will Case. Some believe this case inspired Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. Have you visited Brodsworth Hall before? Let me know what you think! #house #mansion #victorian #victorianhouse #luxuryhome #englishheritage #historichouse #historichomes #beautifulplaces

Still blows my mind 🤯 Castle Howard is a colossal palace like stately home nestled in the Howardian Hills in North Yorkshire, England. Renowned as one of Britain’s most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, this spectacular country house is internationally renowned. Built between 1699 and 1712, it was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, Charles Howard, and remains one of England’s most iconic stately homes. The Howard family has been lucky enough to own this remarkable piece of English heritage for over 300 years. #palace #statelyhome #baroque #countryhouse #beautifulplaces

Have you ever seen a more beautiful country house? Located in the village of Elton, Cambridgeshire, England, Elton Hall has been the ancestral home of the Proby family since 1660. Comprising medieval, Georgian, and Victorian elements, the Hall beautifully reflects an evolution of architectural styles. In addition to the wonderful architectural hodgepodge, Elton Hall boasts a significant collection of fine art, including works by Old Masters, and features a Gothic orangery and evolving gardens with a sunken lily pond. Elton Hall is simply a magical country house, which although now closed for the season, should definitely be on your list of top places to visit when it reopens in May 2025. #countryhouse #statelyhome #home #historichouse #heritage #architecture #historichomes #historicarchitecture #hall #cambridgeshire #england #visitengland #gothicarchitecture #victorian #georgianarchitecture #medieval #beautifuldestinations

Robert Adam is known for his Neoclassical designs at Nostell House, but one of the most interesting rooms has to be the wonderful library. Considered one of Nostell’s ‘great treasures’, the library contains around 7400 books and features a stunningly unique design comprising Chippendale wood panelling and Neoclassical details by Robert Adam. At the heart of this awe inspiring space sits a remarkable large mahogany desk. This desk, crafted in the 1760s by Thomas Chippendale himself, is considered one of his finest works and exemplifies the high-quality craftsmanship of the period. The desk is one of many bespoke Chippendale pieces at Nostell, which was commissioned by the Winn family, the estate’s longtime owners. The design of the desk is characteristic of Chippendale’s style, combining Rococo, Gothic, and Chinese influences. It’s richly detailed, with intricate carvings and an imposing size, meant to reflect both the wealth and taste of its owners. It also reflects the importance of libraries during this period, as places not only for study but for displaying wealth and social status. National Trust Nostell houses one of the finest collections of Thomas Chippendale furniture and decoration in the world, but the Library is really in a world of its own! #countryhouse #statelyhome #interior #interiordesign #classical #classicalinteriors #neoclassical #luxuryinteriors #neoclassicism #robertadam #furniture #furnituredesign #chippendale #furnituremaker #collection #georgian #18thcentury #georgianhouse #library #house #home #homedecor #nationaltrust #countryhouseinteriors

An eerie misty morning at Allerton Castle 🎃 As it’s Halloween, I thought this Reel might be appropriate. This Victorian Gothic styled country house ensconced in fog makes for a pretty spooky sight 👻 The current building was primarily constructed in the mid-19th century. In 1843, the property was acquired by the wealthy and eccentric 10th Duke of York, who later became Prince Frederick Augustus. He commissioned the architect George Martin to design the castle in the Gothic Revival style, inspired by English medieval castles. The mansion features towers, turrets, and intricate stonework, creating a dramatic and imposing look. The interior includes ornate woodwork, stained glass, and opulent furniture in keeping with the Victorian aesthetic. #gothic #gothicstyle #victorian #victorianhouse #countryhouse #eery #spooky #halloween #architecture #manorhouse #statelyhome #yorkshire #england #heritage #castle