The Country House Podcast

Today we discuss another of Vanbrugh's works, Blenheim Palace, coined by Alexander Pope as the most inhospitable home in England.

In today's episode we discuss the life of Sir John Vanbrugh through his greatest works, a radical figure in theatre, design, politics and art. Sir John Vanbrugh's legacy is kept alive most notably by Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.

In today's episode we are joined by the Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, Tim Bonner, to discuss the relationship between the country house and country sports. 

In today's episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss Sandringham House, a long-running Royal retreat. We discuss the criticisms of the estate, the joyful traditions, and the significance of the community's relationship with the house.

In this instalment of The Country House Podcast, hosts Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss how the politics and goings-on of the time influenced the architectural styles and designs of country houses. Much ground is covered, from the Norman conquest to William and Mary and beyond. 

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Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss Highgrove House, the country residence of Their Majesties King Charles & Queen Camilla. All aspects of their home are discussed from the rustic garden temples to the chintzy interiors. 

Andrea Palladio's influence is possibly unmatched in the history of architecture. Ben, Geoff, and Conor discuss what Palladian architecture is and why it became fashionable in many country house designs.

In today's episode we discuss the beloved family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. A testament to Prince Albert's innovation and Thomas Cubitt's famous building mind. 

In this episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss what follies are, their purpose, and some of their favourite follies. If you haven't already, we'd love if you could leave a 5-star rating and share with a friend. 

In part 2 of 2, we ask why Country Houses provide such an amazing location for films, and the storytelling that they proffer. 

In this first part of a two-part episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss Highclere Castle in the broader context of Country Houses featured in films and television shows. 

In today's episode we find ourselves discussing the unique aspects of the Irish Country House, from quoins to rich colours, exterior ruggedness to Desmond Guinness. 

In this episode, Geoff, Conor and Ben discuss the privately-owned estate villages. 

Geoff, Conor, and Ben discuss the decline and destruction of country houses - primarily during the 20th century.  *Our apologies for Ben's poor audio on this episode and previous - this has now been resolved for all future episodes!*

Today we discuss Norfolk's Blickling Hall. From Dutch Gables to ghastly ghouls, Jacobean design to a 9-year old owner, fairytale ceilings...there is so much to learn about this magnificent home. 

Continuing from the previous episode, we take a step inside general country houses of the past - noting that no two are the same - to discuss the main rooms and layout, and the intention or purpose behind them. 

In this episode, we delve somewhat into what you can expect to find on a country estate. There is so much and so we primarily cover gate lodges, serpentine lakes, and follies. We will return to the subject with more in the future. We all hope you've had a very happy Christmas and wish you all the best for 2024.

We're joined for this special Christmas episode by The Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners, who explains the experience of running an estate at Christmas time. Belvoir Castle has teamed with Charlotte Lloyd-Webber to bring the theme of the '12 Days of Christmas' for visitors to enjoy.

In today's episode, we delve into the rich history of Wentworth Woodhouse, the longest country home in Europe and the original home of George Stubbs' famous painting 'Whistlejacket.' 

In this episode we take a tour across the Country House architectural periods and give a rundown and examples of each one. This week is part 2 of 2 and includes everything from Baroque to the Arts & Crafts movement, concluding with thoughts about the present day.

In this episode we take a tour across the Country House architectural periods and give a rundown and examples of each one. This week is part 1 of 2 and includes the earliest forms of country houses and ends at the Carolean stylistic period.

Join us for the very first episode of The Country House Podcast. We discuss what got us all interested in country houses, what people misunderstand about country houses, and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward. 

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The Country House Podcast episodes are released every Tuesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. YouTube's release time is 4pm UK time, audio release is 5am UK time.

If you have any suggestions for topics or guests, as well as sponsorship enquiries, connect with us via [email protected]