Lady Fiona Carnarvon gave us a peek at the amazing Christmas decorations at Highclere Castle (Hampshire) – which are part of Downton Abbey.
Instagram has attracted 270,000 followers to the 8th Countess, Carnarvon. She shares everyday life with her Castle family through regular updates.
Downton lovers were given a treat this month when she showed off the lavish decorations that had been put up at the estate. This included two herds each of wicker raindeer, an elaborate staircase garland and a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Highclere Castle has spectacular Christmas decorations: Lady Fiona stated that she believes her Christmas tree stands taller than Windsor Castle’s iconic 20-foot Christmas tree
For extra holiday cheer, one room features a Christmas carpet, a roaring fire place and even Santa Claus.
Yesterday, Lady Fiona stated that her Christmas tree is even taller then Windsor Castle’s 20-foot one.
You can see the impressive fir standing in the castle’s spectacular hallway. It is decorated with bow decorations, white snowflakes and baubles.
The Countess confirmed that they have a team dedicated to decorating bows and other decorations.
Sally shared an image of the starcase in decorated pine and wrote, “The staircase is the heart of Castle so Sally has covered it with beautiful frosty garlands. She has done an amazing job, I am sure.
She shared a photo of the starcase, which she had covered with decorated pine. She has done an amazing job, I am sure.
The estate’s grounds include two herds de wicker reindeer. These were loved by the shocked Labradors, the Count and his wife.
Each room is decorated with different sizes of trees, wreaths and garlands. But the Castle’s exterior is not forgotten.
Two herds of wicker Reindeer are found on the grounds, which were admired by the surprised Labradors and the Countess.
The Castle entrance gets lit by an entire procession tree at night. Lady Fiona shared a video from the outside showing the “post-cocktail” hour view.
Highclere does Christmas so spectacularly that all the estate’s decorations are kept, colour-coded, in specially converted outhouses. One barn contains the estate’s two herds of wicker reindeer.
There is even a Chief Elf, aka Sally, a member of the housekeeping team who’s responsible for the bows and ribbons.
Even the Castle can be accessed by the general public. Tickets are available for Christmas dinner hosted by the Countess and the Countess. Guests may also stay at the Castle.
The family hosts Christmas in Castle every other year, and guests are welcome to move in. Lady C has six sister and many nieces, nephews.
Highclere does Christmas so spectacularly that all the estate’s decorations are kept, colour-coded, in specially converted outhouses. One barn contains the estate’s two herds of wicker reindeer – seen outside
There is even a Chief Elf, aka Sally, a member of the housekeeping team who’s responsible for the bows and ribbon – seen in the drawing room
You can see the 25 foot Christmas tree that graces the hall.
She is also fond of inviting friends who ‘have had a tough year’. The dining table at Highclere can seat 30-ish and since there are ‘around 61’ bedrooms, space is not an issue.
These festivities were detailed in last year’s sumptuous Christmas At Highclere book, however COVID has since affected festivities.
In the first lockdown Highclere – like every stately home around the country – was closed. Things were opened again in the summer, with restrictions that reduced visitor numbers by half.
Fiona, an ex-accountant, was the Earl’s second wife. He met Geordie, his second wife, in 1996 after his first marriage ended. Together, they have Edward, a 20 year-old boy.
Prior to that, the Countess shared how thrilled she was to have been part of filming at Downtown Abbey.
They live in Highclere Castle full time, home to the current Lord and Lady Carnarvon. This castle is where all six ITV series on Downton Abbey are filmed.
Some scenes are shot at studios or at other locations. However, cast members and crew often spend time at Highclere. This is where the 8th Earl & Countess Carnavaron live, and have done so since 1679.
The Castle entrance gets lit by an entire procession tree at night. Lady Fiona shared a video from the outside showing the “post-cocktail” hour view.
Yesterday, Lady Fiona stated that her Christmas tree is even taller then Windsor Castle’s 20-foot one.
Highclere was a welcome choice for the sequel. The countess explained that although it is a lot more work, the bustle and bustle keep the castle ‘alive.
She told The Daily Mail that when filming was taking place — from February to June for each of the six series of Downton and an additional one-off two months for the film — she was flat out.
Constantly in the wings, showing crew how to move furniture — ‘you take a girl in your arms and a chair by its bottom’ — and reminding people to wipe their feet and respect the carpets.
Lady Carnarvon loves it all, even despite all of the fancy words. “We became very familiar with each other. It was a routine that we all knew. It was like a new term at school — “here they come!”
A house such as this one is used to being active, full of life. “It is alive because people love it and everything else goes wrong.”
Highclere Castle’s history
Highclere Castle was popularly known as Downton Abbey because of the ITV TV hit series.
They live in Highclere Castle full time, home to the current Lord and Lady Carnarvon. This castle is where all six ITV series on Downton Abbey are filmed.
In 749, an Anglo-Saxon King gifted the estate to Bishops at Winchester. On the property, Bishop William Wykeham constructed a magnificent medieval palace with gardens.
The palace was later rebuilt in Highclere Place House, 1679, when Sir Robert Sawyer purchased it, who was Attorney General of Charles II and James II, and was the direct grandfather to the Earl.
In 1771 Capability Brown, also known as Capability, made plans to alter the Highclere grounds, water, and the symmetrical Georgian House at Highclere in order for the 1st Earl Carnarvon.
In 1842, Sir Charles Barry – who was also working on the Houses of Parliament at the time – finished his final designs for the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon, transforming Highclere Place House into Highclere Castle.
The Countess’ research has revealed that, in 1867, the Constitution of Canada was drawn up in the British North America Act by 4th Earl of Carnarvon and John A. Macdonald, later the first Prime Minister of Canada.
Highclere was used for 2 years as a hospital until 1916. However, as war progressed, medical equipment was transferred to London in order to deal with the rising casualties.
In 1922, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon discovered Tutankhamen’s Tomb with trusted colleague and friend Howard Carter.
Throughout WWII, Highclere Castle was home to evacuees, whose names you can see etched into the roof lead. Four nations sent military aircraft to the Highclere Estate during the conflict.
From 1969 to his death in 2001, the current Earl was Queen’s racing manager.
The Castle today is the home of the 8th Earl and the Countess Carnarvon.