A deep dive into all things Country House.
In today's episode, Geoff, Ben and Rory enjoy an imaginary trip to Greece to delve into Patrick Leigh Fermor's Mani House, a cultural powerhouse. This leads us on to discussing British expats. Submit a question to our Q&A episodes via admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com
We are joined by the curator of Goodwood, Clemmie de la Poer Beresford, who teaches us about the Duke & Duchess of Richmond, the house's history, and the modern festivals they host.
In today's episode - given the recent General Election in the United Kingdom - we discuss Chequers Court, the country house for sitting British Prime Ministers.
To celebrate 4th July with our American listeners, we've covered Winfield House in London, home to US Ambassadors since the mid 20th century.
In this episode, Geoff, Ben and Rory chat about the Rothschild's larger than life Waddesdon Manor. With steeply-pitched roofs and ornate decoration, it is a taste of the Loire Valley in Buckinghamshire!
In this episode, we are delighted to announce a new co-host of The Country House Podcast, as well as to discuss the magnificent Hardwick Hall, Bess of Hardwick's lasting legacy.
We are celebrating summertime with a conversation about one of the most famous gardens in the UK - Sissinghurst Gardens in Kent.
Architectural historian and author of "Follies: An Architectural Journey" Rory Fraser joins us to go deeper on the subject of English follies. Expect to learn the earliest follies, the most eccentric follies, follies with dark secrets, and Rory's favourite follies. Find more of Rory's work below: Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Follies-Architectural-Journey-Rory-Fraser/dp/1916197787 Documentary - https://watch.shelter.stream/follies Website & Prints - https://rory-fraser.com/...
Today Geoff and Ben discuss what life was like in the service wing. Expect to learn the average salary, the different roles, the steamy affairs, and much more!
Geoff and Ben discuss Basildon Park and its long, and rather sad, history being passed between multiple uncaring owners. There is a light at the end of the tunnel as Basildon in it's palladian glory was restored by the Iliffes.
Geoff and Ben discuss the Grand Tour of the 17th-19th century. Expect to learn the history of it, what it would entail, how it influenced the culture of the country house, and why it stopped being a tradition.
In today's episode, Geoff and Ben discuss the architecture and history of Balmoral Castle, near Aberdeenshire. This is the famous summer holiday home of the Royal Family built in the mid-1800s during Victoria & Albert's reign.
Today we are joined by Wilf Lytton, an interior designer at Sybil Colefax. Together we discuss Kings Weston House, from it's unique chimney arcade, grand staircase, it's predecessor's Tudor Mansion to it's sad decline in popularity due to the industrial revolution.
In this episode we are joined by Carl Ross of Nevill Holt to discuss the history and culture of the quintessentially English Country House Opera festival. You can get 15% off your Nevill Holt Festival ticket with the code CHP15 at https://nevillholtfestival.com/. Ts&Cs below! -- This offer begins on Tuesday 23rd April and will run for 2 weeks. Subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Cannot be combined with other discounts or retrospectively. Excludes tickets to the 5pm Magi...
Today we discuss another of Vanbrugh's works, Blenheim Palace, coined by Alexander Pope as the most inhospitable home in England.
In today's episode we discuss the life of Sir John Vanbrugh through his greatest works, a radical figure in theatre, design, politics and art. Sir John Vanbrugh's legacy is kept alive most notably by Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.
In today's episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss Sandringham House, a long-running Royal retreat. We discuss the criticisms of the estate, the joyful traditions, and the significance of the community's relationship with the house.
In this instalment of The Country House Podcast, hosts Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss how the politics and goings-on of the time influenced the architectural styles and designs of country houses. Much ground is covered, from the Norman conquest to William and Mary and beyond. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and make sure to follow us on Instagram.
Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss Highgrove House, the country residence of Their Majesties King Charles & Queen Camilla. All aspects of their home are discussed from the rustic garden temples to the chintzy interiors.
Andrea Palladio's influence is possibly unmatched in the history of architecture. Ben, Geoff, and Conor discuss what Palladian architecture is and why it became fashionable in many country house designs.
In today's episode we discuss the beloved family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. A testament to Prince Albert's innovation and Thomas Cubitt's famous building mind.
In this episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss what follies are, their purpose, and some of their favourite follies. If you haven't already, we'd love if you could leave a 5-star rating and share with a friend.
In part 2 of 2, we ask why Country Houses provide such an amazing location for films, and the storytelling that they proffer.
In this first part of a two-part episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss Highclere Castle in the broader context of Country Houses featured in films and television shows.
In today's episode we find ourselves discussing the unique aspects of the Irish Country House, from quoins to rich colours, exterior ruggedness to Desmond Guinness.
In this episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss the privately-owned estate villages.
Geoff, Conor, and Ben discuss the decline and destruction of country houses - primarily during the 20th century. *Our apologies for Ben's poor audio on this episode and previous - this has now been resolved for all future episodes!*
Today we discuss Norfolk's Blickling Hall. From Dutch Gables to ghastly ghouls, Jacobean design to a 9-year old owner, fairytale ceilings...there is so much to learn about this magnificent home.
Continuing from the previous episode, we take a step inside general country houses of the past - noting that no two are the same - to discuss the main rooms and layout, and the intention or purpose behind them.
In this episode, we delve somewhat into what you can expect to find on a country estate. There is so much and so we primarily cover gate lodges, serpentine lakes, and follies. We will return to the subject with more in the future. We all hope you've had a very happy Christmas and wish you all the best for 2024.
