A Visit to an Exceptional English Stately Home

If you have ever visited Britain, or at the very least watched Downton Abbey, you can’t fail to be impressed with its long history of Royalty and Aristocracy. Wherever you travel in Britain, you will never be far from reminders of times past where title and wealth were flaunted in the construction of Castles, Palaces, Abbeys, and Cathedrals. Who can deny the beauty of Windsor Castle and the stunning features of Westminster Abbey?

In later periods of history, another form of opulence appeared. From the mid-sixteenth century until the early 20th century, hundreds of the wealthiest families in the country built majestic and grandiose residences, which became known as Stately Homes. The lavish residences could be found mostly in the countryside, with a farm, a few hundred acres and housing for servants to complete the package. They were magnificent status symbols and their titled occupants competed to entertain royalty and other nobility while enjoying self-sufficiency and revenue from agriculture.

Sadly, events in early 20th century Britain saw the demise of many of these gorgeous homes. However, there is still a healthy list of homes standing in all their glory, many of which are still occupied. One of the most stunning in England lies very close to my heart. Allow me to introduce Chatsworth House, located in Derbyshire, England.

As you approach this magnificent house, the golden tones glisten in the sunlight and during the summer months the impressive Emperor Fountain darts high into the still air. I have seen this view a hundred times and it still leaves me breathless. As a little girl, I watched my father play for the village cricket team just a short walk from this scene. The Duke of Devonshire would frequently stroll down from the house to cheer his team on. The house has been in the Cavendish family since 1559. In the five centuries since then, the house and expansive gardens have seen many changes. The current occupants, the 12th Duke of Devonshire and his wife, are working very hard to maintain its beauty while adding contemporary themes, and continuing to remain an important part of the community.

The unique beauty of Chatsworth House blends well with the stunning Derbyshire Dales and surrounding stone-clad villages. A visit to the estate offers the opportunity to experience the luxurious lifestyle of a Duke and those who came before him. It’s truly incredible that a historical home of this magnitude can be passed down from century to century and still be glorious and relevant in the 21st century. It’s the ultimate juxtaposition of old-world successfully blending with new. Chatsworth continues to be creative and reinvent itself to the benefit of the public it serves.

As a young girl, I craved the glamorous lifestyle of a Duchess and soaked in everything Chatsworth had to offer. I attended many events held here over the years, and every time I come back home, it’s the first place I visit.  I recently celebrated my birthday here with lunch and a visit to the Farm shop, which sells exquisite meats, cheeses, pies, and desserts, with Chatsworth’s own brand of beer and wine.

After the initial impact of this stately view, what can you expect from Chatsworth? As you park your car in the courtyard, to your right are the beginnings of the expansive house and gardens. Ahead of you, the brick Carriage House offers delicious afternoon teas and an enticing homegrown and homemade menu. The children can enjoy the farm and playground beyond this. Going onward, a walk high up into the grounds takes you to the former hunting lodge, with a spectacular view of the Derbyshire hills. Read on for a brief guide of the house and visuals from my cell phone!

The house is huge and the guide book shows that the Ground Floor, First Floor, Second Floor, and North Wing are part of the tour. There are also private quarters inaccessible to the public. As you enter the Ground Floor you are greeted with the stunning Painted Hall and the Grand Staircase. The ceiling dominates the room with original paintings from the 17th century.

Progress to the first floor with views of the Library and Ante Library .

The second floor leads to the impressive State Rooms showing the Drawing Room, State Bedchamber, State Music Room and many others.

The Second floor and North Wing feature many art and sculpture galleries spanning centuries of talent.

The glamour of Hollywood has even visited Chatsworth House! Pride and Prejudice filmed here in 2005 with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Here is a picture I took of the sculpture of Mr. Darcy, created for the film, complete with unassuming tourist and Chatsworth Sheep in the background!

To give this beautiful house complete justice, you will need to allow several hours for the tour. Take your time and move slowly through each room absorbing the displays. After you’ve seen the house, exit via the gorgeous gift shop where you will be tempted to take home as many souvenirs as your suitcase allows. Take a break for refreshments and prepare to see a complete array of stunning English Country Gardens. Your path will take you along several hours of waterfalls, cascades, a large maze, indoor greenhouses, and many flower-filled trails. The gardens are enchanting and you will find yourself intentionally lost as imagination takes over and they become all yours to explore. You are alone in your gardens, the King of your Castle, as you roam through acres of meticulous landscaping.

As you eventually find yourself again, you reluctantly leave this gracious and magical world. A gradual trip back to reality can be found in the charming village of Baslow, just a short drive away. Baslow offers several good pubs that provide meals and the stylish Cavendish Hotel offers a more upscale experience.

To learn more about Chatsworth, opening hours and how to get there, Click here for the official website of Chatsworth House https://www.chatsworth.org/house/

This is one of many Stately Homes in Britain. Although it’s my personal favorite, each one is unique in style and grandeur, offering an insight into its own individual history. If you are planning a visit to England, take a look at this link to get started! https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/britains-best-stately-homes/

It would not be fair to close without noting Chatsworth’s stunning neighbor, complete with historical connections. If you find yourself in the area, save an afternoon for Hardwick Hall. Its occupant was Bess of Hardwick, one of the first tenants of Chatsworth House. The house, “more glass than wall”, is an insight into Tudor living and offers gorgeous grounds for an afternoon stroll. (See above link for more details on the House)

Last but not least, my very own Chatsworth Sheep!

I hope you have enjoyed this article and have put Chatsworth House on your travel list! Please contact me with questions!