The Most Famous Estates in British Period Drama History

Michelle Young at UntappedCities.com highlights some of the famous estates from "English period drama history" and of course, Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey is top of the list:

For Americans, the stories of plucky commoners making their way into the hallowed halls of British aristocracy is possibly the colonial origins of the American dream, and what’s more, they’re inklings of our once illustrious beginnings over the ocean. In New York, we lament the demolition and decline of the grand estates built by the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and Morgans, but we know that this type of beauty, an architecture of such pure individual vision, could not have survived in a culture purportedly about the collective. (Let us also not forget that the wealth of the American robber barrons was also built off of a good amount of corruption, counterbalanced later by a healthy dose of philanthropy.) And there was once a time when the upper crust of American society was married off to the British nobility – one of the inspirations behind the story of Cora Crawley’s marriage to Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey.

So as Americans, we not only identify, but we also obsess about an England that is no more and a United States that likely never was, and vicariously live it through the wonderful estates that thankfully still exist in England as featured in sumptuous period television productions.

Downton Abbey aka Highclere Castle

As perhaps the most well-known house in television history, the real Downton Abbey is located in Newbury, west of London. Highclere Castle is currently occupied by the Earl and Countess of Carnavaron, the family that has lived there since 1679. The house was designed by Charles Barry, the architect who also designed the English Parliament. The interior was decorated over the course of centuries, with “spoils” brought back by the men of the house from their travels, including items like Napoleon’s desk and candelabras from the King of Sweden. The house is as central of a character in Downton Abbey as any of the people, and there could not have been a more illustrious setting than Highclere. The best part is you can easily visit or have your wedding there. There are also all sorts of great events for the public, like the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt, charity runs and county fairs held on the (1000 acre) property.

I think Michelle hit the nail right on the head about Americans being obsessed & wanting to live vicariously though these lovely estates. To see what other incredible estates made the list click here.