Hello sweet friends! I am headed to Houston to give a presentation on Georgian Gardens tomorrow at Newman’s Castle. Recently, I was given a wonderful opportunity, to view Autumn At Highclere Castle Home Of Downton Abbey. It was absolutely magical. To read about Georgian gardens for so long has been wonderful. But to see one in person is beyond compare.
Autumn At Highclere Castle Home Of Downton Abbey
You cannot imagine the thrill it was to walk up the same path I have seen so many times on television.
It was so surreal to walk up the long drive.
Highclere Castle is located in Hampshire, England. It is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. The first written records of the estate date back to 749. In the late 14th century the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham, built a Medieval palace. The estate you see today was largely rebuilt for the third Earl following a design by Sir Charles Barry between 1842–49.
The house is done in the Jacobethan style (Combined styles of Jacobean and Elizabethan). It was a popular style during the 19th century Renaissance Revival. Some of the motifs, particularly noticeable on the corner towers, also reflect the Italianate style.
You can see strapwork design on the towers. It is often found on Northern European Renaissance architecture.
The back of the castle features red brickwork.
The entryway is absolutely stunning!
Sadly, photography is not allowed inside. But let me just say the interiors do look very close to what you see on Downton Abbey. It was a true joy to see all the artwork and furnishings up-close.
The Grounds
There are over 5000 acres on the estate. This is a map of the areas I toured.
Some of the gorgeous Lebanon cedars were planted in 1783.
There were also oak, elm and ash trees wrapped in autumnal splendor.
Lancelot “Capability” Brown
The grounds were transformed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown in 1770.
Brown is probably England’s most famous landscape designer.
He earned his nickname as he always saw the capabilities of the landscape and what it could become.
I visited Highclere the second week in October. I can only imagine that the colors have intensified even more.
The Monk’s Garden
The Monk’s garden was originally a productive fruit and vegetable garden. Today it is more of an ornamental garden.
It’s tucked away by the natural slope of the land.
Jackdaw’s Castle
Jackdaws Castle was built in 1743. It is an architectural folly.
Follies were often built to enhance a particular view. They were particularly popular in 18th century English landscape design. Generally their sole purpose was to allow strollers a place to rest and admire the beauty of the setting. Follies were usually styled as mock roman temples, symbolizing classical virtues, or faux Medieval ruins.
Modern benches also dot the scenic landscapes.
Alas, there was so much more to see and sadly not enough time to do so. I hope to return in the future.
My Dress Pattern
I used an authentic 1920s dress pattern by Lady Marlowe 5155.
View B was used for the dress and view A for the collar.
I used a polka dot fabric found at a thrift store. It was all the rage in the 1920s!
The pattern was very good. As it is from the 1920s there are very little instructions provided so a beginner would need some assistance from an experienced sewist.
I had to reset the collar twice before I was satisfied.
A satin ribbon bow at the neckline finishes off the look.
The wool cloche hat came from Etsy. I embellished it with dress fabric cut on the bias. The mother of pearl buckle and ostrich plume are antique finds. The t strap shoes are from B.A.I.T.
YouTube Video
There is also an accompanying YouTube video.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura
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A Downton Abbey Inspired Dress
What an amazing experience and how lovely to see all the gardens and grounds we didn’t really get much chance to see on the shows. Did you get to stand on the amazing staircase?
I love your dress. It is much like the styles worn by the characters on the show. It would be so much fun to see people in period costumes roaming around.
While I am sad for your friend that she didn’t get to enjoy the experience, I am so happy for you to have the chance to be there and see it in person. Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos!
It must have been so thrilling to be coming up the drive with the Downton Abbey theme song playing. And you look adorable in your polka-dot dress. So appropriate for the occasion! See you next weekend!
Oh Laura, what a special treat for you – and us to share in! I can’t believe you were actually there at Highclere – a dream of mine which probably will never happen but I lived it vicariously through you! Love love love your dress and hat! I’m sure you will reminisce about this day for many years to come!
What a totally fabulous post and opportunity. I would have taken that same “walk up the path” photo! Just like the show! I’ve seen TV specials about the grounds and everyone knows Capability Brown — what’s so amazing is that after all these years it has been so gloriously maintained. I love your dress — it’s darling! So happy you had this opportunity!
How fun! I enjoyed reading about the castle and family in Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by the current Countess. You probably know that there is an InstaGram account for the castle, where the Countess will show some of the nooks and crannies of the inside. I don’t always have time to stop and watch her videos, but I enjoy the pictures.
That was neat to see the map of the grounds and outbuildings. I didn’t know what a folly was as pertains to architecture–thanks for the insight!
By the way, today’s email about the Little Women Christmas is the first I’ve received from you in a while. I don’t know what happened to the others–they are not in my spam folder. Just wanted to let you know. Maybe there was a glitch that is fixed now, since I started getting them again.