In this episode of American Countess, Julie Montagu visits the elegant Dabton House, a Georgian country home nestled in the heart of the Queensberry Estate in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Designed in 1820 by the distinguished architect William Atkinson—better known for his Gothic work on landmarks like Scone Palace and Abbotsford—Dabton House stands out for its refined classical villa style.

Originally built as the residence for the estate’s factor, the house was thoughtfully refurbished in the 1980s to become the family home of the then Earl and Countess of Dalkeith. With their children having grown up here, Dabton retains the character of a warm and much-loved family home, seamlessly blending grandeur with intimacy.

Julie speaks with the Earl and Countess of Dalkeith to uncover the history, evolution, and continued life of this charming estate—offering a rare glimpse into the day-to-day reality of living in and preserving a Georgian gem.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of American Countess, Julie Montagu visits the magnificent Carlton Towers, a grand Gothic Revival house in North Yorkshire steeped in history and transformation. Originally built as Carlton Hall in 1614 and later remodelled in the 19th century by Edward Welby Pugin, this Grade I listed house stands as a testament to centuries of architectural splendour and family legacy.

Julie sits down with Lord and Lady Fitzalan Howard to explore their journey of restoring and revitalising Carlton Towers, the challenges and rewards of preserving such a historic estate, and their vision for its future. This engaging conversation offers a rare glimpse into the life of modern custodians working to ensure that Carlton Towers remains a vibrant, living part of Britain’s heritage.

🎧 Listen now on:

• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, visits the remarkable Birdshall House to sit down with Lady Cara Willoughby, whose family has lived in this house for over 500 years.

Together, they explore Birdshall’s exceptional collection of antique furniture and paintings, many of which have been passed down through generations of the Willoughby family. From an unbroken line of family portraits dating back to 1570 to a furniture collection that rivals the finest English country houses, Birdshall is a home where history is not just preserved—it’s lived.

Lady Cara shares her passion for this historic estate, the stories behind the art and antiques, and her ambitious plans to preserve and protect Birdshall House for the future. This is an inspiring conversation about stewardship, storytelling, and the power of place.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.