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.

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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:

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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.

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, sits down with Mrs Georgina Berkeley, who has lived at Berkeley Castle for over 50 years, and Daisy Berkeley, who—alongside her husband Charles Berkeley—helps manage the castle and its historic estate today.

Together, we explore the remarkable story of Berkeley Castle, one of the few great English castles to have remained in the same family for over 900 years. From the12th century to the present day, the Berkeley family, their archives, contents, estate, and even the town itself have evolved together—creating a rare and unbroken legacy.

We discuss how the challenges of maintaining such a historic estate in the 21st century, and the deep sense of stewardship and tradition that comes with living in a house so steeped in the past.

This is a story of resilience, family, and living history—all set within the walls of one of Britain’s most extraordinary castles.

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, visits Muncaster Castle, one of England’s most historic and atmospheric castles, to sit down with its custodians, Peter and Iona Frost-Pennington, and Hugh Frost-Pennington. Together, they discuss what it’s like to work as a family to preserve and manage this 900-year-old estate, balancing heritage conservation with the realities of modern-day upkeep.

From the legend of Tom Fool, the castle’s notorious jester, to the challenges of running a historic property, this conversation delves into the trials and triumphs of custodianship. The Frost-Pennington family shares insights into their deep connection to the castle, the mysteries and ghostly tales surrounding Muncaster, and their vision for ensuring its future for generations to come.

🎧 Listen now on:

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Join this fascinating conversation to uncover the secrets, history, and heart of Muncaster Castle—a place where past and present collide!

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In this episode, Julie Montagu, American Countess, sits down with Sarah Troughton, the custodian of Blair Castle, to explore the fascinating history, royal connections, and enduring legacy of this iconic Scottish stronghold.

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Blair Castle has stood for over 750 years, serving as the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, the only private army in Europe. With its ties to Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria, the castle is steeped in royal intrigue and historical drama.

Julie and Sarah discuss what it means to preserve and protect such an extraordinary estate, the challenges of balancing tradition with modern conservation, and the role of the Atholl family in shaping Scotland’s history. They also delve into how Blair Castle has adapted through the centuries, from its medieval roots to its role as a beloved Highland destinationtoday.

🎧 Listen now on:

• YouTube
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Join this captivating conversation for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland’s most storied and majestic castles!

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Julie Montagu, American Countess, sits down with Nicholas and Victoria Howard, custodians of the magnificent Castle Howard, to explore the realities of living in and preserving one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes. They discuss the challenges and responsibilities of heritage stewardship, how they navigated the unprecedented period of lockdown, and their vision for ensuring Castle Howard’s legacy for future generations.

With an architectural history spanning over a century—from John Vanbrugh’s bold Baroque designs to the later Palladian influences—Castle Howard remains an extraordinary testament to Britain’s aristocratic past. This in-depth conversation delves into the triumphs and trials of maintaining such a historic estate, offering a rare glimpse into life behind the grand façade.

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What Defines a Manor House? A Conversation at Owlpen Manor

In this episode of Secrets of Britain’s Historic Houses, Julie Montagu, American Countess, visits the enchanting Owlpen Manor in the Cotswolds to sit down with Sir Nicholas Mander, Lady Karin Mander, and Hugo Mander, the dedicated custodians of this Tudor manor house with a story as rich as its architecture.

Together, they explore the fundamental question: What truly makes a manor house a Manor House? From its medieval origins to its role in British society, this discussion uncovers the architectural features, historical significance, and cultural impact that distinguish manor houses from castles and country estates.

Owlpen Manor, dating from 1450–1616, is a remarkable example of Tudor and Jacobean craftsmanship, beautifully restored in 1926 after nearly a century of neglect. Nestled in a picturesque valley, it boasts a Tudor Great Hall (1523), a Jacobean Solar Parlour (1616), and rare painted cloth wall-hangings that offer a rare glimpse into 18th-century interiors. The Manders also share insights into the manor’s revival through the Arts and Crafts movement and its continued legacy under their stewardship.

👉 Listen now to discover:

✔️ What defines a true manor house

✔️ The Tudor, Jacobean, and Georgian elements of Owlpen Manor

✔️ How this historic home was rescued from ruin

✔️ The role of the Arts and Crafts movement in its restoration

✔️ The joys and challenges of being a modern-day custodian of a manor house

🎧 Watch on YouTube & listen wherever you get your podcasts!

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