The Country House Podcast

Lancelot 'Capability' Brown is known throughout the world as the master of the English landscape garden. A visionary who created carefully curated, idyllic and natural-looking landscapes at many of the greatest country houses in England, Brown is one of those true 'greats' after whom a whole style is named; the 'Brownian' landscape continues to inspire and entrance ga...

We were delighted to host our first LIVE podcast recording at Nevill Holt Festival - an arts and culture festival held in the grounds of Nevill Holt Hall, a historic country house set within a thriving working estate. In front of a packed-out audience of over 200 people, we discussed The rise, fall and rebirth of the English country house through the lens of Nevill Holt Hall - a country house that...

Geoff and Rory are joined by renowned writer, film-maker and Mughal historian, Sam Dalrymple, for a fascinating and storied episode on the history of Elveden Hall in Suffolk. Once the English home of the last ruler of the Sikh Empire - Sir Duleep Singh, Maharajah of Punjab - and now the seat of the Guinness family, Earls of Iveagh, Elveden is a resplendent Mughal palace (complete with scalloped ar...

Geoff and Rory are joined by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and his nephew, Ben Montagu-Scott, for a fascinating episode on the extraordinary and storied history of Beaulieu Palace House in the New Forest, Hampshire. Originally the 13th-century gatehouse to a medieval abbey, Beaulieu Palace House is an unusual example of Scots Baronial architecture in southern England (see our episode on Scots Baronial...

Geoff and Rory discuss the remarkable life of a Victorian genius; the upwardly mobile Joseph Paxton. The son of a farmer, he found a patron in the 6th Duke of Devonshire and by the age of 23 Paxton was Head Gardener at Chatsworth. He would later become a nationally sought-after engineer and latterly a Member of Parliament. The Silicon Valley entrepreneur of his day, Paxton embraced the latest tech...

Nestled in the Howardian Hills of ‘God’s own country’ of Yorkshire, something extraordinary is happening at Vanbrugh's great English Baroque masterpiece, Castle Howard. Famed for its seminal role in Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton, for 75 years, an entire wing of Castle Howard has remained a burnt-out shell after fire ravaged the house in 1940. But in recent years, Castle Howard’s current...

This week were are privileged to be joined by legendary architectural trio 'The Three Classicists' to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their seminal exhibition at RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects). In May 2010, friends Ben Pentreath, George Saumarez Smith and Francis Terry collaborated as 'The Three Classicists' on an exhibition that showcased their work and bel...

As conclave meets to decide on a new Pope, all eyes are on the Sistine Chapel as millions of Catholics around the world wait in eager anticipation for white smoke to billow from the Chapel chimney. In recognition of this extraordinary ritual, and in tribute to the life of Pope Francis, this week's podcast episode explores one of the great papal palaces of Italy; Castel Gandolfo ('The Apo...

In light of the upcoming sale at Dreweatts auction house entitled 'The Attic Sale: Powderham Castle & Brocklesby Park' (taking place on 3rd June 2025), we are delighted to be joined this week by Charlie Devon (Charles Courtenay, 19th Earl of Devon) to discuss his ancient family seat of Powderham Castle. The Courtenays, a crusader family who came to England with Eleanor of Aquitaine,...

Over the Easter weekend, Christians around the world celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For this episode we decided to choose a country house that has also been somewhat 'resurrected' in recent years! For 800 years, Auckland Castle in County Durham was the seat of the 'Prince Bishop' of Durham. In 2012, following years of decline, it was sold by the Church i...

In this week's episode we're joined by renowned historian Tim Bouverie to discuss his new book, Allies at War , and the political role that country houses played during the Second World War. From Chequers and Ditchley to the Livadia Palace (location of the Yalta Conference), country houses have long been important instruments of 'soft power' during times of war and peace. Allie...

This week we look at the rise of a political dynasty - the Ashley-Cooper family, Earls of Shaftesbury - and the evolution of their house in Dorset, St Giles (affectionately known by the 7th Earl as 'The Saint'). Like so many grand houses and their families, the Ashley-Coopers fell upon hard times in the 20th century, and so we also look at the decline of St Giles; from one of the great a...

In this fascinating episode, Geoff gives Rory and our listeners a whistle-stop overview of the famous (or infamous) Mitford sisters; the socialite daughters of the 2nd Lord Redesdale and all great beauties of their day. From Nancy the novelist and Diana the Fascist to Jessica the Communist and of course Debo the Duchess, the six Mitford sisters entranced and scandalised early 20th century British...

In this episode Rory guides us around one of the great landscapes of England - Studley Royal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of an 18th century water garden surrounding a medieval abbey. If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment...

In this episode, Geoff and Rory delve into Eltham Palace - one of the great art deco houses of the 1930's.  If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See...

We celebrate Paddy's Day by taking a look into the architecture and history of Castletown House. If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

With Rory on video call, Geoff joins Emma Sims-Hilditch in her home to discuss the evolution of home.  If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

In today's episode Geoff and Rory delve into the topic of Swiss Country Houses & Chalets. Remember to send in your Q&A questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For m...

Geoff & Rory celebrate Valentine's with a fascinating tale that intertwines love and country houses. If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Gareth Williams, Weston Park's Curator, joins Geoff & Rory to discuss the history of the house. If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

Geoff & Rory are joined in-person at Blenheim Palace by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill to discuss Easton Neston. If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See...

Geoff and Rory are joined by Eleanor Stephenson to discuss Country House Portraits. If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

In this episode we recognise the transition of power happening in America by discussing the most iconic room in a country house, the Oval Office! If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit ou...

Remember to send questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com If you enjoy tuning in, please consider supporting us by joining one of our membership tiers on our Patreon page - we love getting to know members of our community. Please also like, share and comment as you see fit. For more information, please visit our website . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Geoff and Rory explore the history, architecture and significance of 'Orangeries' (including the famous orangery at Versailles) - functional, elegant structures, originally built in 17th-century Europe to protect citrus trees during winter. Born from the opulence of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, orangeries evolved from simple greenhouses into grand glass-and-ston...