Tropicana Nov-Dec 2017 #116 Celebrating the Classics

THE HOME
HIGHCLERE CASTLE, HAMPSHIRE
HIGHCLERE CASTLE, HAMPSHIRE
If you have ever watched the British period drama
Downton Abbey, then you will undoubtedly
recognise Highclere Castle. The splendid
Renaissance Revival-style stately home is the main
filming location for the highly successful TV series.
Highclere Castle is the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon
and is still privately owned by the Herbert Family,
the same family which funded the expedition to
discover Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
In spite of its recent fame, you still won’t see
Highclere Castle referred to in many top lists of
stately homes to visit in the United Kingdom due
to its recent troubled past. As recently as 2009,
the beautiful historic estate was in a desperate
condition with most of the rooms being completely
uninhabitable due to damp and general disrepair.
Few members of the public ever visited Highclere
Castle during these troubled times and even the
family moved out to live in the nearby village of
the same name. However, the TV hit has helped to
save the home, and its £11 million refurbishment is
now well underway. Visitor numbers have increased
dramatically since 2011 when the estate was
reopened to the public.
Visitors taking a tour of the house who have
watched Downton Abbey will instantly recognise
the main drawing room and several other rooms.
Visitors may also see the Egyptian exhibition and
stroll around 1000 acres of parkland and landscaped
gardens. Highclere is currently open for around two
months of the year, including the summer and Easter
holidays and various other public holidays.
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