The Country House Podcast

Our One-Year Anniversary: Jane Churchill & 'The Country House Look' | 52 Nov 12, 2024

Geoff and Rory celebrate a year of The Country House Podcast by traveling to visit Jane Churchill and quizzing her on all things country house interiors. Remember to send your questions for our Q&A to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Guy Fawkes Special: Rushton Triangular Lodge | 51 Nov 05, 2024

In today's episode we discuss Rushton Triangular Lodge, a spectactular folly, to commemorate November 5th.

Q&A - Your Dowager Quotes, Modern Country Houses & More Oct 31, 2024

Remember to send in your questions to us at admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Halloween Special: The Hauntings Of Country Houses | 50 Oct 29, 2024

In this spine-chilling episode, Geoff and Rory commemorate Halloween with stories and insights into the most famous country house-related ghosts and hauntings. Remember to submit your Q&A questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Dower Houses: Our Tribute To Dame Maggie Smith | 49 Oct 21, 2024

As a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, Geoff and Rory dive into the topic of Dower Houses. Remember to send your questions in to the Q&A via admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Q&A - National Trust, What Geoff & Rory Do For Work & More Oct 17, 2024

Remember to send your questions in via our website or via admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

A Unique 1980s Country House Project: Henbury Hall With Jeremy Musson | 48 Oct 15, 2024

In today's episode, Jeremy Musson joins Geoff and Rory to chat about Henbury Hall.

Q&A - New Country House Architects, Jacobethan Houses & More Oct 12, 2024

A reminder to send your Q&A questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

One Of The UK's Finest New-Build Country Houses: Shilstone House With Sebastian Fenwick | 47 Oct 08, 2024

Continuing our series on new-build country houses, Geoff and Rory are joined by Sebastian Fenwick of Shilstone House in Devon.

Q&A - Country House Animals, Hierarchies & Stately Homes Oct 04, 2024

Our weekly Q&A featuring your questions!
A reminder to send your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com.

Francis Terry: The Joy of Designing New Country Houses | 46 Oct 01, 2024

Geoff and Rory are joined by Francis Terry who provides fascinating insights into designing new country houses today.
Remember to send in your questions for our Q&A to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Q&A - Gendered Rooms, Preservation Listings & Gate Lodges Sep 26, 2024

In today's Q&A episode, Geoff and Rory answer another batch of your submitted questions. You can send them in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com for the chance to have yours answered!

The Past & Present Purposes Of English Parsonages | 45 Sep 24, 2024

In this episode Geoff quizzes Rory about the history, architecture and role of English Vicarages, Rectories and Clergy houses - and why they make such appealing homes.

English Vineyards With Ed Mansel Lewis (Harvest Special Part 2) | 44 Sep 17, 2024

Today we're joined by Ed Mansel Lewis on the second part of our Harvest Special, Ed joins us to discuss English Country House Vineyards.

Q&A - Coming Up With Estate Names, Country House Seasons & More Sep 12, 2024

In today's Q&A episode, Ben puts your questions to Geoff and Rory. Do continue to send them in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Walled Kitchen Gardens With Giles Godfrey (Harvest Special Part 1) | 43 Sep 10, 2024

Giles Godfrey from Keythorpe Hall in Leicestershire joins Geoff and Rory in the first part of a Harvest Special to discuss walled kitchen gardens.
You can learn more about Keythorpe Hall at https://www.keythorpehall.co.uk/
Remember to send questions for our Q&A episodes to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Palladio's Villa La Rotonda: The Most Important Building Of The Last Millennia? | 42 Sep 03, 2024

In this episode Rory teaches us about Villa La Rotonda just outside of Vicenza in Northern Italy.
Remember to send your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

The Palace Of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh Special Part 2) | 41 Aug 27, 2024

In this second part of the Edinburgh Special celebrating the Fringe festival, Geoff and Rory discuss the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Remember to submit your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Celebrating The Fringe With Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh Special Part 1) | 40 Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Geoff and Rory commemorate the beginning of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Part 1 of 2 Edinburgh Specials, highlighting the famous Edinburgh Castle.
Reminder to send questions for the Q&A episode to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Q&A - How To Spot A Georgian House, Recommended Books & More Aug 15, 2024

In today's Q&A episode, Geoff and Rory answer your questions about the differences between Georgian Houses & other styles, as well as sharing recommended books - and more! Do send your questions in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Scots Baronial Architecture With Dr Ralph St Clair Wade | 39 Aug 13, 2024

Geoff and Rory are joined by Dr Ralph St Clair Wade to discuss the history and key features of Scots Baronial Architecture. A reminder to send your questions for our Q&A episode to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Q&A - Why We Started The Podcast, Demolished Houses & More Aug 08, 2024

Geoff and Rory answer your questions again! Send more in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com for us to answer them.

Burghley House Part 2: Thriving In The 21st Century | 38 Aug 06, 2024

In the second part of the two-parter on Burghley House, Geoff and Rory chat about how Burghley House has seen continued success in modern times.

Q&A - Agatha Christie, Dower Houses & More Aug 01, 2024

In today's Q&A we discuss another batch of your questions. We love them, keep sending them in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com.

Burghley House Part 1: A Prodigy House With Links To The Olympics & Chariots Of Fire | 37 Jul 30, 2024

On today's episode, Geoff and Rory discuss the magnificent Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Rory discusses the exterior and interior design whilst Geoff delves into the stories of the family. This is Part 1 of a 2-parter on Burghley House. Remember to send questions in for our Q&A episode through admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

Q&A - The Secret Garden, New Country Houses & More Jul 25, 2024

Our first Q&A/Correspondence episode. Don't forget to send questions for next week to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com
In this one we talk about the house used in the Secret Garden, our must-haves for a country house, our favourite demolished houses, and more.

Escape With Us To Sunny Greece: Patrick Leigh Fermor's Mani House | 36 Jul 23, 2024

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

Goodwood's Curator On Its History, Modern Motorsport & More | 35 Jul 16, 2024

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.

The Exclusive Country Escape For British Prime Ministers: Chequers | 34 Jul 09, 2024

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.

America's Country House In Central London: Winfield House | The Country House Podcast 33 Jul 02, 2024

To celebrate 4th July with our American listeners, we've covered Winfield House in London, home to US Ambassadors since the mid 20th century.

Waddesdon Manor: The Rothschild's Real Life Disney Castle | The Country House Podcast 32 Jun 25, 2024

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!

Our New Co-Host & Bess of Hardwick's Grand Hall | The Country House Podcast 31 Jun 18, 2024

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.

The Beautiful Gardens Of Sissinghurst | The Country House Podcast 30 Jun 11, 2024

We are celebrating summertime with a conversation about one of the most famous gardens in the UK - Sissinghurst Gardens in Kent.

English Follies: Hellfire Hedonism To Treacle-Eating Legends With Rory Fraser | The Country House Podcast 29 Jun 04, 2024

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/

Life As A Servant In A Country House | The Country House Podcast 28 May 28, 2024

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!

Basildon Park: Redemption After A Sad History | The Country House Podcast 27 May 21, 2024

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.

What To Expect On The Grand Tour | The Country House Podcast 26 May 14, 2024

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.

Balmoral Castle: The Famous Scottish Royal Holiday Home | The Country House Podcast 25 May 07, 2024

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.

Kings Weston House: Vanbrugh's Bristol Icon With Wilf Lytton | The Country House Podcast 24 Apr 30, 2024

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.

Country House Opera & Nevill Holt With Carl Ross | The Country House Podcast 23 Apr 23, 2024

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 Magic Flute performances, Ronnie Scotts performances, Elizabeth Day, Alice Robert, and Aggers/Tuffers.

Blenheim Palace: The Most Inhospitable Home In England? | The Country House Podcast 22 Apr 16, 2024

Today we discuss another of Vanbrugh's works, Blenheim Palace, coined by Alexander Pope as the most inhospitable home in England.

Sir John Vanbrugh: The Greatest English Country House Architect? | The Country House Podcast 21 Apr 09, 2024

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.

Sandringham House: The Royal Retreat | The Country House Podcast 19 Mar 26, 2024

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.

Evolution Of Country House Design Eras | The Country House Podcast 18 Mar 19, 2024

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.

Highgrove House: The King's Country Residence | The Country House Podcast 17 Mar 12, 2024

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.

What Is Palladianism? | The Country House Podcast 16 Mar 05, 2024

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.

Osborne House: Victoria & Albert's Treasured Isle Of Wight Home | The Country House Podcast 15 Feb 27, 2024

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.

Our Favourite Follies | The Country House Podcast 14 Feb 20, 2024

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.

Why Country Houses Are Great Film Locations | The Country House Podcast 13 Feb 13, 2024

In part 2 of 2, we ask why Country Houses provide such an amazing location for films, and the storytelling that they proffer.

Downton Abbey's Profound Impact On Highclere Castle | The Country House Podcast 12 Feb 06, 2024

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.

Ireland's Unique Big Houses | The Country House Podcast 11 Jan 30, 2024

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.

Inside An Estate Village: Purposes & Motives | The Country House Podcast 10 Jan 23, 2024

In this episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss the privately-owned estate villages.

The Decline & Destruction Of The Country House | The Country House Podcast 09 Jan 16, 2024

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!*

Blickling Hall: Home Of Anne Boleyn's Headless Ghost | The Country House Podcast 08 Jan 09, 2024

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.

What To Expect Inside A Country House | The Country House Podcast 07 Jan 02, 2024

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.

What To Expect On A Country Estate | The Country House Podcast 06 Dec 26, 2023

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.

The Duchess of Rutland: Christmas at Belvoir Castle | The Country House Podcast 05 Dec 19, 2023

We're joined for this special Christmas episode by The Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners, who explains the experience of running an estate at Christmas time. Belvoir Castle has teamed with Charlotte Lloyd-Webber to bring the theme of the '12 Days of Christmas' for visitors to enjoy.

Wentworth Woodhouse: The Longest Country House In Europe | The Country House Podcast 04 Dec 12, 2023

In today's episode, we delve into the rich history of Wentworth Woodhouse, the longest country home in Europe and the original home of George Stubbs' famous painting 'Whistlejacket.'

The Evolution Of Country House Architecture: Baroque-Arts & Crafts | The Country House Podcast 03 Dec 05, 2023

In this episode we take a tour across the Country House architectural periods and give a rundown and examples of each one. This week is part 2 of 2 and includes everything from Baroque to the Arts & Crafts movement, concluding with thoughts about the present day.

The Evolution Of Country House Architecture: Earliest Houses-Carolean | The Country House Podcast 02 Nov 28, 2023

In this episode we take a tour across the Country House architectural periods and give a rundown and examples of each one. This week is part 1 of 2 and includes the earliest forms of country houses and ends at the Carolean stylistic period.

Why We Are Creating The Podcast: An Introduction | The Country House Podcast 01 Nov 21, 2023

Join us for the very first episode of The Country House Podcast. We discuss what got us all interested in country houses, what people misunderstand about country houses, and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.
Follow The Country House Podcast as well as Geoff, Conor, and Ben on social media.
The Country House Podcast episodes are released every Tuesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. YouTube's release time is 4pm UK time, audio release is 5am UK time.
If you have any suggestions for topics or guests, as well as sponsorship enquiries, connect with us via thecountryhousepodcast@gmail.com

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