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Secrets of Britain's Historic Houses
WORLD’S FIRST SOLAR POWERED CASTLE | How They Did It | Athelhampton
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Athelhampton House in Dorset is the focus of this NEW episode of historic house visits here on the American Viscountess channel. Living in and maintaining these homes is both a wonderful privilege and an enormous challenge. And one of the greatest tasks every house owner faces is heating a centuries old building in a sustainable and economical way. Giles Keating at Athelhampton has faced this challenge in a totally pioneering and ingenious way!
Join me as I visit Athelhampton House - the first solar powered Manor House in England.
To learn more about Athelhampton: https://www.athelhampton.com
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More episodes
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The Earl and Countess of Dalkeith at Dabton House: A Georgian Retreat on the Queensberry Estate
18:54|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.Carlton Towers: Heritage, Restoration & Life Today with Lord and Lady Fitzalan Howard
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43:12|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.Muncaster Castle: 900 Years of History, Family & Legacy
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