Brideshead Revisited fans, this one's for you! When I discovered Castle Howard, the location used for both the original 1980s Granada TV series (the best) and the recent film version (why mess with perfection?) was just over an hour by bus from York, wild horses (and a very rickety bus) weren't going to keep me away. It was everything I dreamt it would be, and more.
Castle Howard has been occupied by Howards since it was built over 300 years ago by Sir John Vanbrugh. It took nearly 100 years to be completed. The current occupant, the Hon. Simon Howard, lives here with his family.
Now this is a china cabinet!
Not sure how comfortable this bed is.
One of my favorite rooms, Lady Georgiana's dressing room, complete with...
... a self-contained flushing chamber pot hidden in a mahogany chest!
The sculpture gallery where...
...Hadrian and I meet again.
One of the most dramatic episodes in the history of the home was when a fire swept through the house into the great hall in 1940. Brave young girls from a school evacuated to Castle Howard during the war formed a human chain and rescued many treasures throughout the night and into the morning, passing them out of the house and to safety on the lawn. The blaze destroyed the signature dome and 20 rooms. For two years Castle Howard was exposed to the elements. Thankfully it was eventually secured and restored.
Now this is a study!
The cozy Crimson Dining Room to entertain just a few guests.
The aptly named Turquoise Drawing Room.
The Long Gallery, which contains my most favorite object of the entire trip.
A Cabinet of Curiosity, which houses objects "to provoke a sense of wonder."
My whole trip summed up beautifully! Can I get it through Customs?
And now to the magnificent grounds. Just as spectacular as the home and it's contents.
I could move in and they'd never know I was there.
This wonderful land train, the Kelly Car, will take you everywhere. We chose to walk and explore.
The Great Lake.
The Temple of the Four Winds.
The New River Bridge.
Looking out to the private Mausoleum.
The wing that the current Howards reside in.
How'd you like to mow this lawn?
And now for some of the most spectacular gardens I've ever seen. No descriptions necessary. Just enjoy.
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