Once I became a fan of the popular television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle quickly found its way onto my travel bucket list. On my recent trip to England I not only visited the estate where the series was filmed but I also toured the scenic Oxfordshire locations that doubled as fictional Downton Village and Yew Tree Farm. Highclere Castle, the Real Downton Abbey Tickets for Highclere Castle can be purchased through their web site but the estate is a bit of a journey from London so we decided to take an International Friends Downton Abbey Filming Locations tour. Our excellent guide knew all about the show and entertained us with anecdotes about the characters and storylines on the journey to Cogges Manor Farm. Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm) Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm) Yew Tree Farm first appeared in Series 4 of Downton Abbey as the home of tenant farmer, Mr. Drewe. Chickens roamed freely about the Cogges Manor farmyard and jugs of fresh flowers brightened the rustic kitchen where the series’ scenes were shot. A popular piece of Downton memorabilia on display was the birth certificate of Lady Edith’s love child, Marigold. Farmyard Chickens Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs Manor House Kitchen Marigold's Birth Certificate Bampton Village (Downton Village) The next stop on our tour was the tiny Cotswald village of Bampton. Our guide pointed out the buildings used for exterior shots of Downton Cottage Hospital; Mrs. Patmore’s new B&B; the shed where Thomas stored black market goods; and many more familiar locations from the show. Bampton Library, Downton Cottage Hospital Churchgate House, Mrs. Crawley's Home Mrs. Patmore's B&B Thomas's Shed Church View, The Dog & Duck Pub The Village Green The Wall I also had the chance to sit in a pew at St. Mary's Church like I was among the invited guests at a Downton Abbey wedding (or jilting as the case may be). St. Mary's Church, St. Michael & All Angels Church Graveyard Church Entrance A Downton Abbey Wedding (almost) Interior of St. Mary's Church Photos of Lady Mary's Wedding Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Our final stop for the day was Highclere Castle, home to the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon who open their doors to the public for weddings, tours and special events. We arrived in time for lunch at one of the estate’s three tea rooms. Highclere Castle Tea Room Outdoor Seating After lunch I followed the visitor route through the castle to such memorable settings as the Dining Room where the Crawley family gathered for extravagant meals; the Library where the Dowager Countess delivered so many of her zingers; and then upstairs to the first floor Gallery where the lifeless body of the Turkish diplomat was hustled out of Lady Mary’s bedroom in the dead of night. At the end of the route I tried to summon a little of Lady Mary’s grace as I descended the grand oak staircase to the Saloon. Unfortunately photography isn’t allowed but a few photos are posted on the Highclere Castle web site. Details on the Spring Opening 2017 are also now available. Highclere Castle Entrance Wyvern (Mythical Winged Dragon) Boot Scraper Before leaving the castle, I toured the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellar. George Herbert, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, partnered with archeologist Howard Carter to discover the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The exhibit at Highclere Castle features some of the relics they unearthed as well as replicas of the boy pharaoh’s coffin and death mask (now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo). Egyptian Exhibit at the British Museum, London The thousand acre parkland of the Highclere estate was designed by famous landscape gardener, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Decorative architectural structures called follies are scattered about the grounds, including Heaven’s Gate on a hilltop and Jackdaws Castle overlooking the East Lawns. The only thing missing from the pastoral scene was Lord Grantham walking his faithful dog, Isis, beneath the 200-year old cedars. Highclere Castle Parkland Wild Flower Meadow Jackdaws Castle Folly Heaven's Gate Folly Before returning to our motor coach for the journey back to London we had time to wander through the Monk’s Garden where a row of lavender bloomed along the garden’s West Wall. West Wall of the Monk's Garden Yew Arches The Walled Garden It was a wonderful day with an itinerary to please any Downton Abbey fan. For more information on this Downton Abbey Filming Locations tour, visit the International Friends web site. There are also rumours circulating of a possible Downton Abbey movie. Now wouldn’t that be grand? Next: Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews
English Oak Buildings are the experts in designing and constructing frames for oak barn conversions on listed and non listed buildings. Call 01225 789978.
The stone remains of a barn in Scotland become an unlikely foundation for a house that is all about white walls and sinuous curves.
Ranked #1 of 6 Bed and Breakfasts in Carlton. Been here too? Add it to your map!
Find home projects from professionals for ideas & inspiration. Private House Cheshire by guy taylor associates | homify
This new build contemporary Georgian style house mixes a traditional central house with two more modern style extensions either side.
Exposed beams, unique character and rustic luxury... What’s not to love about a good barn conversion? Here’s what you can currently get for your money
When a family decided to relocate from London to the Oxfordshire countryside, they called upon the expertise of antiques dealer and interior designer Max Rollitt to help bring their 17th-century farmhouse back to life.
Once I became a fan of the popular television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle quickly found its way onto my travel bucket list. On my recent trip to England I not only visited the estate where the series was filmed but I also toured the scenic Oxfordshire locations that doubled as fictional Downton Village and Yew Tree Farm. Highclere Castle, the Real Downton Abbey Tickets for Highclere Castle can be purchased through their web site but the estate is a bit of a journey from London so we decided to take an International Friends Downton Abbey Filming Locations tour. Our excellent guide knew all about the show and entertained us with anecdotes about the characters and storylines on the journey to Cogges Manor Farm. Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm) Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm) Yew Tree Farm first appeared in Series 4 of Downton Abbey as the home of tenant farmer, Mr. Drewe. Chickens roamed freely about the Cogges Manor farmyard and jugs of fresh flowers brightened the rustic kitchen where the series’ scenes were shot. A popular piece of Downton memorabilia on display was the birth certificate of Lady Edith’s love child, Marigold. Farmyard Chickens Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs Manor House Kitchen Marigold's Birth Certificate Bampton Village (Downton Village) The next stop on our tour was the tiny Cotswald village of Bampton. Our guide pointed out the buildings used for exterior shots of Downton Cottage Hospital; Mrs. Patmore’s new B&B; the shed where Thomas stored black market goods; and many more familiar locations from the show. Bampton Library, Downton Cottage Hospital Churchgate House, Mrs. Crawley's Home Mrs. Patmore's B&B Thomas's Shed Church View, The Dog & Duck Pub The Village Green The Wall I also had the chance to sit in a pew at St. Mary's Church like I was among the invited guests at a Downton Abbey wedding (or jilting as the case may be). St. Mary's Church, St. Michael & All Angels Church Graveyard Church Entrance A Downton Abbey Wedding (almost) Interior of St. Mary's Church Photos of Lady Mary's Wedding Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Our final stop for the day was Highclere Castle, home to the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon who open their doors to the public for weddings, tours and special events. We arrived in time for lunch at one of the estate’s three tea rooms. Highclere Castle Tea Room Outdoor Seating After lunch I followed the visitor route through the castle to such memorable settings as the Dining Room where the Crawley family gathered for extravagant meals; the Library where the Dowager Countess delivered so many of her zingers; and then upstairs to the first floor Gallery where the lifeless body of the Turkish diplomat was hustled out of Lady Mary’s bedroom in the dead of night. At the end of the route I tried to summon a little of Lady Mary’s grace as I descended the grand oak staircase to the Saloon. Unfortunately photography isn’t allowed but a few photos are posted on the Highclere Castle web site. Details on the Spring Opening 2017 are also now available. Highclere Castle Entrance Wyvern (Mythical Winged Dragon) Boot Scraper Before leaving the castle, I toured the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellar. George Herbert, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, partnered with archeologist Howard Carter to discover the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The exhibit at Highclere Castle features some of the relics they unearthed as well as replicas of the boy pharaoh’s coffin and death mask (now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo). Egyptian Exhibit at the British Museum, London The thousand acre parkland of the Highclere estate was designed by famous landscape gardener, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Decorative architectural structures called follies are scattered about the grounds, including Heaven’s Gate on a hilltop and Jackdaws Castle overlooking the East Lawns. The only thing missing from the pastoral scene was Lord Grantham walking his faithful dog, Isis, beneath the 200-year old cedars. Highclere Castle Parkland Wild Flower Meadow Jackdaws Castle Folly Heaven's Gate Folly Before returning to our motor coach for the journey back to London we had time to wander through the Monk’s Garden where a row of lavender bloomed along the garden’s West Wall. West Wall of the Monk's Garden Yew Arches The Walled Garden It was a wonderful day with an itinerary to please any Downton Abbey fan. For more information on this Downton Abbey Filming Locations tour, visit the International Friends web site. There are also rumours circulating of a possible Downton Abbey movie. Now wouldn’t that be grand? Next: Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews
border oak design and construct beautiful bespoke green oak framed structures - oak framed houses, oak framed garages and other oak framed buildings. We are proud to have been instrumental in the revival of the craft of green oak framing, beginning in the late 1970's and to have pioneered its evolution and development ever since.
Restoring forgotten buildings gently, or leaving them alone for their inherent charm could prove more cost effective in the end, writes Kya de Longchamps.
This new build contemporary Georgian style house mixes a traditional central house with two more modern style extensions either side.
Edward Blore was born in Derby in 1787, the son of an antiquarian. He trained as an engraver and illustrator of antiquarian subjects – a profession he remained in until early middle age. In 1826, in his fortieth year, having created impressive illustrations of a number of English cathedrals and great houses, he was appointed […]
Extensions come in all shapes and sizes – and budgets too. Here’s a selection of extension projects in a range of price brackets to show you what you could build on your budget
A landmark Oxfordshire estate where champion racehorses were prepared – or retrained – is an exciting addition to the market.
