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Secrets of Britain’s Historic Houses — History
Secrets of Britain’s Historic Houses

When I married into the British Aristocracy it was the start of a wonderfully exciting journey, if a little daunting. I became a Viscountess – and for an American girl from a small town outside Chicago, it was quite a shock. I live with my husband, Luke – heir to the Earl of Sandwich- and our family at Mapperton House in Dorset. Mapperton is a glorious sandstone house house dating originally from the 1540’s. It is known as Britain’s Finest Manor House and is filled with wonderful treasures collected by Luke’s ancestors. Living in a place like this is a joy and but also a challenge and every day we’re aware that we are preserving a very special part of Britain’s heritage. Mapperton has opened up an extraordinary new world for me and I can’t wait to share it with you all – so if you love castles and manors and stately homes as much as I do, please join me as I head off to some of the Britains most spectacular historic homes …On these trips, I’ll be meeting other owners who live and manage these large houses and estates as well as some of the fantastic people who work there too. With them I’ll be exploring the history, the landscapes, the innovations of generations past and present. I’ll be sure to roll up my sleeves and help with a few jobs along the way.So please join this American Viscountess as I journey into the countryside in search of some of Britain’s Finest Historic Houses.

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The Earl and Countess of Dalkeith at Dabton House: A Georgian Retreat on the Queensberry Estate Apr 16, 2025

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In this episode of American Countess, Julie Montagu visits the elegant Dabton House, a Georgian country home nestled in the heart of the Queensberry Estate in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Designed in 1820 by the distinguished architect William Atkinson—better known for his Gothic work on landmarks like Scone Palace and Abbotsford—Dabton House stands out for its refined classical villa style.

Originally built as the residence for the estate’s factor, the house was thoughtfully refurbished in the 1980s to become the family home of the then Earl and Countess of Dalkeith. With their children having grown up here, Dabton retains the character of a warm and much-loved family home, seamlessly blending grandeur with intimacy.

Julie speaks with the Earl and Countess of Dalkeith to uncover the history, evolution, and continued life of this charming estate—offering a rare glimpse into the day-to-day reality of living in and preserving a Georgian gem.

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Carlton Towers: Heritage, Restoration & Life Today with Lord and Lady Fitzalan Howard Apr 10, 2025

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In this episode of American Countess, Julie Montagu visits the magnificent Carlton Towers, a grand Gothic Revival house in North Yorkshire steeped in history and transformation. Originally built as Carlton Hall in 1614 and later remodelled in the 19th century by Edward Welby Pugin, this Grade I listed house stands as a testament to centuries of architectural splendour and family legacy.

Julie sits down with Lord and Lady Fitzalan Howard to explore their journey of restoring and revitalising Carlton Towers, the challenges and rewards of preserving such a historic estate, and their vision for its future. This engaging conversation offers a rare glimpse into the life of modern custodians working to ensure that Carlton Towers remains a vibrant, living part of Britain’s heritage.

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Five Centuries at Birdshall House: Living History with Lady Cara Willoughby Apr 02, 2025

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, visits the remarkable Birdshall House to sit down with Lady Cara Willoughby, whose family has lived in this house for over 500 years.

Together, they explore Birdshall’s exceptional collection of antique furniture and paintings, many of which have been passed down through generations of the Willoughby family. From an unbroken line of family portraits dating back to 1570 to a furniture collection that rivals the finest English country houses, Birdshall is a home where history is not just preserved—it’s lived.

Lady Cara shares her passion for this historic estate, the stories behind the art and antiques, and her ambitious plans to preserve and protect Birdshall House for the future. This is an inspiring conversation about stewardship, storytelling, and the power of place.

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Inside Berkeley Castle: Nine Centuries of Family, Power & Survival Mar 27, 2025

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, sits down with Mrs Georgina Berkeley, who has lived at Berkeley Castle for over 50 years, and Daisy Berkeley, who—alongside her husband Charles Berkeley—helps manage the castle and its historic estate today.

Together, we explore the remarkable story of Berkeley Castle, one of the few great English castles to have remained in the same family for over 900 years. From the12th century to the present day, the Berkeley family, their archives, contents, estate, and even the town itself have evolved together—creating a rare and unbroken legacy.

We discuss how the challenges of maintaining such a historic estate in the 21st century, and the deep sense of stewardship and tradition that comes with living in a house so steeped in the past.

This is a story of resilience, family, and living history—all set within the walls of one of Britain’s most extraordinary castles.

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Muncaster Castle: 900 Years of History, Family & Legacy Mar 19, 2025

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, visits Muncaster Castle, one of England’s most historic and atmospheric castles, to sit down with its custodians, Peter and Iona Frost-Pennington, and Hugh Frost-Pennington. Together, they discuss what it’s like to work as a family to preserve and manage this 900-year-old estate, balancing heritage conservation with the realities of modern-day upkeep.

From the legend of Tom Fool, the castle’s notorious jester, to the challenges of running a historic property, this conversation delves into the trials and triumphs of custodianship. The Frost-Pennington family shares insights into their deep connection to the castle, the mysteries and ghostly tales surrounding Muncaster, and their vision for ensuring its future for generations to come.

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Join this fascinating conversation to uncover the secrets, history, and heart of Muncaster Castle—a place where past and present collide!

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Blair Castle: The Highlands, History & Royal Intrigue – A Conversation with Sarah Troughton Mar 12, 2025

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, sits down with Sarah Troughton, the custodian of Blair Castle, to explore the fascinating history, royal connections, and enduring legacy of this iconic Scottish stronghold.

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Blair Castle has stood for over 750 years, serving as the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, the only private army in Europe. With its ties to Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria, the castle is steeped in royal intrigue and historical drama.

Julie and Sarah discuss what it means to preserve and protect such an extraordinary estate, the challenges of balancing tradition with modern conservation, and the role of the Atholl family in shaping Scotland’s history. They also delve into how Blair Castle has adapted through the centuries, from its medieval roots to its role as a beloved Highland destinationtoday.

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Join this captivating conversation for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland’s most storied and majestic castles!

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Castle Howard: Custodians of a Legacy – Life, Lockdown & the Future Mar 05, 2025

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Julie Montagu, American Countess, sits down with Nicholas and Victoria Howard, custodians of the magnificent Castle Howard, to explore the realities of living in and preserving one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes. They discuss the challenges and responsibilities of heritage stewardship, how they navigated the unprecedented period of lockdown, and their vision for ensuring Castle Howard’s legacy for future generations.

With an architectural history spanning over a century—from John Vanbrugh’s bold Baroque designs to the later Palladian influences—Castle Howard remains an extraordinary testament to Britain’s aristocratic past. This in-depth conversation delves into the triumphs and trials of maintaining such a historic estate, offering a rare glimpse into life behind the grand façade.

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What Defines a Manor House? Unraveling the Mystery Feb 26, 2025

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What Defines a Manor House? A Conversation at Owlpen Manor

In this episode of Secrets of Britain’s Historic Houses, Julie Montagu, American Countess, visits the enchanting Owlpen Manor in the Cotswolds to sit down with Sir Nicholas Mander, Lady Karin Mander, and Hugo Mander, the dedicated custodians of this Tudor manor house with a story as rich as its architecture.

Together, they explore the fundamental question: What truly makes a manor house a Manor House? From its medieval origins to its role in British society, this discussion uncovers the architectural features, historical significance, and cultural impact that distinguish manor houses from castles and country estates.

Owlpen Manor, dating from 1450–1616, is a remarkable example of Tudor and Jacobean craftsmanship, beautifully restored in 1926 after nearly a century of neglect. Nestled in a picturesque valley, it boasts a Tudor Great Hall (1523), a Jacobean Solar Parlour (1616), and rare painted cloth wall-hangings that offer a rare glimpse into 18th-century interiors. The Manders also share insights into the manor’s revival through the Arts and Crafts movement and its continued legacy under their stewardship.

👉 Listen now to discover:

✔️ What defines a true manor house

✔️ The Tudor, Jacobean, and Georgian elements of Owlpen Manor

✔️ How this historic home was rescued from ruin

✔️ The role of the Arts and Crafts movement in its restoration

✔️ The joys and challenges of being a modern-day custodian of a manor house

🎧 Watch on YouTube & listen wherever you get your podcasts!

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Burton Constable Hall: A Family’s Legacy & A House Reborn Feb 19, 2025

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Join Julie Montagu, American Viscountess, for an intimate conversation with Rodrica and Jack Straker, the custodians of Burton Constable Hall, a magnificent yet often overlooked country house set in the flat plains of East Yorkshire.

For Rodrica, Burton Constable isn’t just a historic house—it was her childhood home, a magical yet eccentric place filled with hidden history. But for her father, John Chichester-Constable, who inherited the estate in 1963, it was a monumental challenge. Left in near ruin after wartime requisition, with bomb damage and a failing roof, the house was on the brink of collapse.

Determined to save it, he worked tirelessly with English Heritage to embark on an ambitious restoration, a legacy that continues today under the care of the Burton Constable Foundation.

Now, Rodrica and Jack share what it’s like to live in and care for this remarkable estate, from its Elizabethan origins and 18th-century refinements by Capability Brown and James Wyatt to the ongoing challenges of maintaining a home with over 30 rooms open to the public.

🎧 Tune in now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Britain’s most fascinating historic houses! #Podcast #JulieMontagu #AmericanViscountess

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Preserving a Victorian Masterpiece: A Conversation with Lord & Lady Somerleyton Feb 12, 2025

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Join Julie Montagu, American Viscountess, as I visit Hugh and Lara Crossley, Lord and Lady Somerleyton, for a fascinating conversation at Somerleyton Hall—one of the finest Victorian stately homes in the country.

With its Jacobean origins transformed into a breathtaking Italianate masterpiece by Prince Albert’s star sculptor John Thomas, Somerleyton Hall is steeped in history. The Clock Tower by Vulliamy even competed to be Britain’s most famous landmark—losing out to what is now Big Ben!

Beyond its grand façade, this estate holds nearly 900 years of history, from powerful past owners to its role as a filming location for The Crown, where it stood in for Sandringham during Season 4’s dramatic retelling of Charles and Diana’s turbulent relationship.

Join me as I sit down with Lord and Lady Somerleyton to discuss what it takes to preserve and sustain such an extraordinary estate in the modern world.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube! #Podcast #JulieMontagu #AmericanViscountess #SomerleytonHall #StatelyHomes #TheCrownNetflix #HistoricHouses

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