Overlooking the lush green meadows of the banks of the River Aln and dominating the small town of Alnwick in Northumberland is the vast medieval fortress of Alnwick Castle. The stark and dramatic exterior of the castle, the site of various battles and sieges throughout the middles ages, contrasts with its opulent Victorian interiors and landscaped gardens that have led to … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Alnwick Castle – An Iconic Castle in Northumberland Made Famous by Harry Potter
Great British Houses
Great British Houses: Kingston Lacy – A Beautiful Italianate Country House in Dorset
Often referred to as an ‘explorer’ and ‘adventurer’, William John Bankes lived his life with such vigour that Byron referred to him as ‘the father of all mischiefs’. Kingston Lacy, a glorious Italianate country house originally built in the 17th century, is a monument to Bankes adventures. Following his tragic exile from his own country due to ‘homosexual acts’ Bankes continued … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Kingston Lacy – A Beautiful Italianate Country House in Dorset
Great British Houses: Cliveden House – The House Made Notorious by Political Scandal
Once home to one of the most famous cliques in British history, the ‘Cliveden Set’, Cliveden House is a country mansion that boasts some of the most impressive gardens in the country and a history peppered with political scandal. Built in a mixture of English Palladium and Italian Roman Cinquento style that overlooks the River Thames, Cliveden House is currently a very … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Cliveden House – The House Made Notorious by Political Scandal
Great British Houses: Bolsover Castle – A Stunning Castle in Derbyshire That Played a Key Role in the English Civil War
Part 12th century medieval palace ruins and part 17th century Elizabethan renaissance mansion, Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire is a unique and internationally important structure. Once home to Cavalier playboy Sir William Cavendish who entertained King Charles I within its walls, Bolsover Castle has an intriguing past and earned its place in history with its role during the … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Bolsover Castle – A Stunning Castle in Derbyshire That Played a Key Role in the English Civil War
Great British Houses: Holkham Hall – A Stunning Palladian House With a Huge Art Collection in Norfolk
With one of the finest private collections of sculpture and paintings in the world, Holkham Hall is an art museum in its own right. An 18th century country house built in an exquisite Palladian style, Holkham Hall is located in the heart of the Norfolk countryside and remains the private property of the current Earl of Leicester of Holkham. Quick Facts About Holkham … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Holkham Hall – A Stunning Palladian House With a Huge Art Collection in Norfolk
Great British Houses: Audley End – A Stunning Example of Jacobean Architecture in Essex
Built to impress a king, Audley End House is a stately home with palatial aspirations and one of Britain’s finest examples of 17th century Jacobean architecture. Thanks to ambitious restoration work carried out in the Victorian era and ongoing careful conservation, Audley End remains to this day one of the grandest and most extravagant country houses in the UK. Brief Facts … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Audley End – A Stunning Example of Jacobean Architecture in Essex
Great British Houses: Beaulieu Palace House – Home to Britain’s National Motor Museum
Beaulieu Palace House, as it is grandly known, is part medieval Cistercian Abbey and part Victorian Gothic revivalist country mansion. Opened up to the public in the 1950s by the famous 3rd Baron Edward Douglas-Scott Montagu, Beaulieu House created the blueprint for other stately homes transition from family home to tourist destination and exists today as part of the group of … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Beaulieu Palace House – Home to Britain’s National Motor Museum
Great British Houses: Chequers – The Country Home of Britain’s Prime Minister
Chequers Court is the official country retreat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Currently enjoyed by David Cameron, Chequers is a 16th century gothic mansion elegantly restored to its former glory by Reginald Bloomfield in the early 20th century. Once the jail of a banished royal, Chequers rich history dates back to Elizabethan times but its treasures are … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Chequers – The Country Home of Britain’s Prime Minister
Great British Houses: Balmoral Castle – Her Majesty The Queen’s Private Scottish Home
Balmoral Castle will forever be known as the happy family home of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children. An epic Scotch Baronial castle, fit for the Queen of Great Britain and grandmother of Europe, Balmoral Castle remains the autumnal residence of the Royal family to this day. Brief Facts about Balmoral Castle wBalmoral Castle is located in Royal Deeside, … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Balmoral Castle – Her Majesty The Queen’s Private Scottish Home
Great British Houses: Bletchley Park – The House That Helped Save Britain in World War II – Where Enigma Was Decoded
The name ‘Bletchley Park’ conjures an image of harassed mathematicians hunched over monstrous typewriters, inputting endless numbers and letters, pale-faced women wired into huge switchboards, listening, and everywhere the pained silence of ultra secret, life or death, wartime work. Bletchley Park was once simply a curious, Victorian English country home but today it is one of … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Bletchley Park – The House That Helped Save Britain in World War II – Where Enigma Was Decoded
Great British Houses: Waddesdon Manor – The House Built by the Rothschild Banking Dynasty
Waddesdon Manor is a Louis XIV style French renaissance château lavishly built in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. As extravagant as you would expect, Waddesdon Manor is one the grandest country houses in the UK and contains an internationally significant collection of 18th century French furnishings and 18th and 19th century … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Waddesdon Manor – The House Built by the Rothschild Banking Dynasty
Great British Houses: Leeds Castle – “The Loveliest Castle in the World”
You can’t talk about the history of the English royal family in medieval times without taking a moment to acknowledge Leeds Castle. First a Norman stronghold, Leeds Castle has been the royal residence of six queens of Medieval Britain and if walls could talk I’m sure it would have some secrets to tell. Now a 19th century gothic castle built amongst 12th century ruins, Leeds … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Leeds Castle – “The Loveliest Castle in the World”
Great British Houses: Goodwood House – The Home of the Festival of Speed With a Fascinating History
Goodwood house is primarily a 19th century regency style palace that has gone through a series of major remodels and extensions since the year 1600. With an art collection that has its origins in the Royal house of Stuart and famously unusual and decadent interiors, Goodwood House is nevertheless a modern English country house complete with golf course, cricket ground and … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Goodwood House – The Home of the Festival of Speed With a Fascinating History
Great British Houses: Chartwell – The Beloved Home of Sir Winston Churchill – The Home That Was His Daily Inspiration
The family home of Sir Winston Churchill for most of his adult life, Chartwell is a museum and shrine to the man who led Great Britain to victory during the Second World War. Now a National Trust property, Chartwell is an understated Victorian country house, originally dating from Tudor times, with beautiful gardens and a spectacular view of the Wealden Hills that Churchill is … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Chartwell – The Beloved Home of Sir Winston Churchill – The Home That Was His Daily Inspiration
Great British Houses: Osborne House – Queen Victoria’s Great Seaside Retreat
The treasured houses of England are widely populated by visitors every year. Any glimpse of a royal artifact or architectural design common from an ancient era entices the attention of many. One house in particular that has a long standing name on the stately house scene is Osborne House. Located in East Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, Osborne House is elaborately decorated in an … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Osborne House – Queen Victoria’s Great Seaside Retreat
Great British Houses: Hever Castle – The Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn Eventually Owned by American William Waldorf Astor
There are many remarkable and grand houses in England that have been the center stage for life changing historic events throughout time. Hever Castle is one estate on the map that is enriched with history and beautiful architecture. The Castle is located 30 miles south-east of London, in the village of Hever, Kent. Prior to your visit, there are several important facts and … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Hever Castle – The Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn Eventually Owned by American William Waldorf Astor
Great British Houses: Lyme Park – Made Famous as Pemberley in Pride & Prejudice – A Beautiful National Trust Property in Cheshire
An exquisite estate is usually described as having intricate architecture, a thorough background in historical events, and many highly sought after collectibles contained within the house. An estate that is very much categorized as such is Lyme Park, located south of Disley, in the county of Cheshire. It is now managed by the National Trust and is surrounded by beautiful … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Lyme Park – Made Famous as Pemberley in Pride & Prejudice – A Beautiful National Trust Property in Cheshire
Great British Houses: Woburn Abbey – Everything You Need to Know About Woburn Abbey
Woburn Abbey is one of the many jewels in the crown of England's state homes. It occupies the east end of the village of Woburn, Bedfordshire and is the current home of the Duke of Bedford. It is a unique estate that is surrounded by a visitor center, Centre Parcs village, safari park, and a miniature railway system. There are definitely features that will entice a variety of … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Woburn Abbey – Everything You Need to Know About Woburn Abbey
Great British Houses: Longleat – Everything You Need to Know About Longleat House and Safari Park
The first stately house to open to the public as a tourist attraction was Longleat. It also has the first safari park to be established outside of Africa. If you are searching for a fun location, where your family can enjoy outdoor entertainment with a mixture of history, then Longleat is a great spot to visit. The true beauty of the grounds is the immaculate house which has a … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Longleat – Everything You Need to Know About Longleat House and Safari Park
Great British Houses: Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire – The House Made Famous by The Remains of the Day
Large and grand homes dot the English countryside. However, one mansion in particular is enriched in baroque design elements. Dyrham Park is nestled within a deer park, located near an ancient village in South Gloucestershire, England. The house itself is located within parkland that measures 274 acres. If you have a passion for historical landmarks, then continue reading for … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire – The House Made Famous by The Remains of the Day
Great British Houses: The Stourhead Estate – Everything You Need to Know about the Great House and Gardens in Wiltshire
If you have a passion for unique English houses, then Stourhead would definitely be well worth a look. The Stourhead estate, which measures at 2,650 acres, is located near Mere, Wiltshire, and at the source of the River Stour. The overall estate features an exquisite Palladian mansion, gardens, fountains, farmland, and a village. Stourhead also happens to be one of our most … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: The Stourhead Estate – Everything You Need to Know about the Great House and Gardens in Wiltshire
Great British Houses: Castle Howard – Everything You Need to Know about the Real Brideshead
Castle Howard is one of the most treasured homes in England, located in North Yorkshire. It has been the home to the Howard family for over 300 years, and is still a private residence for the current Howard family. While the house is not a real castle, it was given the name as a standard for all houses that are built on the site of a former military castle. However, it is a … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Castle Howard – Everything You Need to Know about the Real Brideshead
Great British Houses: Hardwick Hall – Everything You Need to Know about this Elizabethan Marvel
There are many grand and architecturally significant houses in England. However, there is one in particular that stands out from the rest. Hardwick Hall, which is located in Derbyshire, is the former home of Elizabeth Shrewsbury, also known as Bess of Hardwick. It was built between 1590 and 1597 and designed by architect Robert Smythson. Key Facts about Hardwick … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Hardwick Hall – Everything You Need to Know about this Elizabethan Marvel
Great British Houses: Blenheim Palace – Everything You Need to Know about the Birthplace of Winston Churchill
The only non-royal country house in England to be titled as a palace is Blenheim Palace. This large estate is located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England and is the current residence of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. As one of the largest houses in England, this is one location that is a must-see on your visitor itinerary. Key Facts about Blenheim Palace Originally … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Blenheim Palace – Everything You Need to Know about the Birthplace of Winston Churchill
Great British Houses – Everything You Need to Know about Chatsworth House in Derbyshire
The are many grand and remarkable houses in England that have been a part of British history for years. They are a must-see in any tourist itinerary or for those who wish to get away from the normal bustle of their daily life. Located along the eastern bank of the River Derwent, in Derbyshire, is a beautiful estate known as Chatsworth House. Key Facts about Chatsworth … [Read more...] about Great British Houses – Everything You Need to Know about Chatsworth House in Derbyshire
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
