Inside a COTSWOLDS FAIRYTALE Manor HOUSE | Owlpen Manor

This time on American Viscountess, I visit Owlpen Manor - an idyllic manor house, hidden in the most tranquil of valleys in the Cotswolds and home to Sir Nicholas and Lady Mander and their family. It’s a fairytale Manor House with family at its heart - the Manders are the first family since the eighteenth century to raise their children at Owlpen. I explore the history of this enchanting Manor House and discover how the family are seizing commercial opportunities to help secure its future. Join me as I find out what makes a Manor House a Manor House.
To find out more about Owlpen Manor: www.owlpen.com
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American Viscountess Season 3 is produced by Living History Films, www.livinghistoryuk.com - It is made in association with Historic Houses historichouses.org The U.K’s largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens and with Little Dot Studios www.littledotstudios.com who deliver premium and ground-breaking digital entertainment to audiences, wherever they are.
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[@arlenejenkins1127]

I love Owlpen. We stayed there on vacation several years ago--stayed in one of the charming stone cottages. The place was awash with wildlife. It was magical.

[@sharronandrews7675]

I love these manor houses! The history and the families that make them their home. As the generations have to keep things going and how they manage this. Thanks Julie for showing these treasures to us

[@diannehardwick950]

These houses sit so well in the rural English landscape, don’t they? Inside it is so homely and warm looking. The colours are magnificent. Thank you for taking us to see this well loved family home 🌺.

[@jamesm3123]

I live on a farm with 3 acres of gardens that are a bit neglected as i don't have much time to work on them. Watching these videos has inspired me and given me some good ideas..Thank you.

[@shirleystarling7300]

What a wonderful warm inviting home. It’s great to see it’s in good hands with the next generation going on.

[@margaretdevery6547]

Gosh, what a joy this post is, Julie. The Mander family has done the smart thing, adapted their lifestyle with the times & ensured the preservation of this very beautiful & important site. I'd love to hear more about it

[@jangriffiths8013]

That cider press is not only impressive, but it's stunningly beautiful!

[@annabellefritton]

Omg Sir Nicholas was a dream boat when he was younger

[@timothyj1966]

What a Beautiful Manor House! Really enjoyed this one! I think the place is in good hands with Hugo up next! He seems very proud of what they are able to with it.

[@mysticmimi3924]

Absolutely Exquisite. Not enough words to describe this wonderful manor home. Thank you JULIE!

[@heidimiller5475]

I love it. As I watch, someone just told me "Heidi, it's Barry". I can hear someone prowling around our house, banging on the walls and shooting darts into my body. We have a small house. I wonder how we would deal with the prowlers' malicious mischief if we had a large mansion like the one in this film. We would have even more rooms to security check.

[@sueboschetti4933]

These old manor houses are so amazing - thank you so much for these stories😊

[@guybebb7420]

Extraordinary, an abrasive American woman enthused by parochial English architecture. Not new, but rather refreshing. Long may she blunder through the rather odd remainders of English aristocracy, l hope she survives the experience. So many of her background did not. Interesting that it takes an American to yet again protect our heritage, not in this era by money, but by a love of English architecture. Good on her. With respect. Millionaires, spend endless money on ripping the heart out of our old estates. Good on her.

[@chriscloherty391]

Stayed at Owlpen Manor in the summer of 1987. My parents rented the grist mill for a few nights. We had a lovely time. My younger brother caught a nice big trout which we had for dinner one night. It is a beautiful place.

[@carylgrundy7814]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I try to picture myself living at the home. What I would do to change things/ or not. Owlpen, however, is now the top of my list! The gentle hills, the lakes and beautiful gardens! Magnificent!

[@myhappynest6125]

A beautiful well loved home. How do they keep the ancient boxwoods trimmed so perfectly?

[@TowlerAdventures]

The manor is so picturesque it seems like something out of a fairytale ✨

[@catherinecomins9546]

Absolutely fascinating and lovely to know the family are still pulling together to keep this beautiful historic home.

[@S.L.S-407]

The gardens at Owlpen are lovely. It's great that they can make the necessary changes to keep the place going. However the house needs a LOT of work which I imagine would cost a fortune. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place with us.

[@jonimarchese7655]

Hi Julie, I just loved Owlpen Manor, the various stages of renovation throughout the years, from the medieval times to present. The Cotswold's are on my, travel list for the Uk, including Mapperton of course. Thank you for showing us this amazing Manor house. Love from N.Y.

[@wdjones4735]

Very well loved manor. It’s always fun to see how “ordinary families” live and make it work in these houses👍🏻👏🏻 Thanks for sharing. Your dress is gorgeous!

[@1Thedairy]

What a beautiful warm house so tastefully decorated and the gardens are just stunning! You do an amazing job Julie and I love your dress.

[@pheart2381]

Yo!I love the architecture.

[@longwaytotipperary]

Always enjoy hearing the stories of these fantastic homes and the beautiful scenery and the lovely families that live there!

[@martin1698]

Dear A V thank you so much have been watching for a long time best regards to you and your family Martin king

[@gracecaron773]

Beautiful. I have Denby Cotswold dishes (for 48 years now) so light up whenever I hear the word lol!

[@kathryn1304]

This is easily one of the most beautiful videos

[@magpiesmith971]

I am in love with this home and it’s history ❤. And the couple that owns it. Charming 😊.

[@amitharajaram5357]

Amita. R. From South Africa. Love your interesting and informative presentation. It's so one to one approach. Well Done.

[@yikes7607]

I enjoyed this so much! It's so nice that these historical houses have survived and found ways to evolve whilst still maintaining their character, still being a family home but also opening to the public so others can enjoy their beauty and in return help maintain them. It's a perfect symbiosis. And that church looked so stunning and exotic, it's really special! I kept rewinding and pausing, the Byzantine style really speaks to me.

[@klezmersue]

Delightful! Thank you for this visit! :)

[@HerAeolianHarp]

This was a wonderful video, charming and informative. Julie has such wonderful enthusiasm, and Owlpen is beautiful.

[@emford7932]

Your British accent is more prominent in this video Julie! How cool!

[@lindsayduplessis6033]

I very much enjoy watching these videos, but all I can think while I watch is that I'd love to get a pressure cleaner on all the rooves! And walls! The upkeep must be insane, I'm not sure I'd have the patience for it. It's so easy for it to look tatty. But the families are always so invested, it's lovely.

[@danielbrian4945]

I've seen Owlpen Manor in a few magazines over the years. It's nice to see other aspects of the property in your video. Thanks.

[@clarefoskett9959]

What a magical place. It's completely beautiful. I would say that this is one of my favourites...❤

[@victoriafrost5461]

The library (please correct if wrong) with the green panels looks cozy.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Enchanting beauty in every corner❤

[@mehitabel6564]

The Manders have done lovely things to develop the garden, I live not far away and used to visit the house 30 years ago, before they shut for a while to rear family. It really is the most beautiful, hidden and tranquil place and even this video doesn't show the utter loveliness of Owlpen. The little family church there is tiny jewel box. Also it is one of those rare places where you can feel a real, visceral connection to the distant past. I remember standing in one of the bedrooms on the upper floor looking out over the garden and feeling the brush of long sleeves against my arm. Just beautiful, I recommend it to visit.

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

The church is breathtaking- wow!

[@javiersanchezmejia2350]

Wonderful home and beautyful video

[@crittielynn]

We stayed there in the early eighties! So nice to revisit! Thank you!

[@28105wsking]

These manor houses are so beautiful, so full of history, and so full of incredible architecture. The furnishings are also so beautiful, but I wonder who has to dust and vacuum all that stuff? It must be hard to keep up with at 70-plus years. We really must appreciate all the hard work and money that must go into keeping the properties up. Truly labors of love! Thank you so much for sharing these treasures with us! 🙏🙏🙏

[@Dexdog]

I’ve been to Owlpen in 2003. It has changed.

[@longwaytotipperary]

Absolutely wonderful!!! ❤. I hope you and your guests have a fabulous time!!

[@michelemcgarvey7517]

The front garden is stunning!

[@dawns4641]

Americans here….we just got back from the Cotswolds and would have loved to see their beautiful gardens. Hard working owners to keep their properties.

[@kathymacneill9158]

Wow! I have been following your videos of first your own manor and now Owlpen. So informative and enchangting. I would love to visit Owlpen, rent a cottage, walk the gardens and dip in the lake - idylic! Alas no wedding plans for me...unless?

[@barbb.9489]

Beautiful homes and tour, thank you ❤!

[@charmainejfritz]

i so love these manor houses and or family homes still - owlpen is just incredible, this could be my favorite (other than mapperton of course) just love it!! so wonderful to hear all the history of these places also. love these videos.

[@leanordials8008]

This house is so lovely. It's so great they haven't changed anything too much. Thank you, Julie

[@maryenglish9314]

So lovely! 😊 Love the chapel.

[@jhankri]

Owlpen is one of my favorite locations. It's such a special place, well lived in and maintained. Stunning in every way!

[@BC1.2.3]

Thank you for sharing this very beautiful Manor house! I simply loved the tour/ virtual visit 😊❤

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Such a beautiful manor house and surrounding gardens,outbuildings and church. The family really has done a wonderful job in upkeeping this beautiful space ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Booboonancy]

I can’t be the only one who always looks forward to seeing what Julie is wearing, as an extra to an already amazing episode.

[@wendywalters4930]

Lovely Manor House. This was so fascinating. Thank you

[@kimmie-kat]

So fun! Thank you for sharing

[@theycallmebernd]

I have book where this house is featured- great to see it in moving pictures! Thank you!

[@rubytroy7756]

How delightful ❤❤❤

[@ellenwood719]

So lovely!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you! 😊

[@wendygillard2133]

Absolutely glorious.

[@LiyaelAdler]

very beautiful

[@rubytroy7756]

Truly delightful ❤❤❤

[@AnnieWarbux]

OMG! I Love it! Even more, I Love that they LIVE in it. There is so much to see and do, inside and out. I think it's my Favorite!! (😉sorry) I commend those who "recreate" hundreds of years of history, down to the doorknobs.. but, come on! Throughout history, these buildings have had additions built, fireplaces covered, draw bridges removed... to go with the flow of the times, as it should be. We rarely see these grand houses being decorated and used to suit modern every day life. This family has their own long history, now, in making this grand house a very special HOME. We see these properties much like museums, fit for movie sets. We (and I mean us, commoners, Americans, po people.. ) imagine that a grander life, in the past, was perfect, pristine, always proper. Nannies and ever present servants to tend to every need and action. I don't believe that it was like that, as often as we think. As a matter of fact, I often wonder about the ways in which these families had made these Majestic properties, a HOME! Collecting their favorites, trying "the new" thing, modifying the old, room for children to roam, space for adults to enjoy time together... all making messes along the way. Knockiing over a vase here, wine in the carpet there, accidental broken window.... this Is Life in 1523 and in 2023, still!! These Grand Houses are Wonderful but, I think they are at their best when they are being Loved and Lived IN. 🍃Beautiful, all around!

[@AnnieWarbux]

Been meaning to leave 2 cents.. I am a Chicagolander, too. We have an accent (I'm told) that sounds like barking dogs because we talk so fast and almost always sound like we still have food in our mouths. (We have the World's Best food so, it's likely..😉) ..but, we also have a way of talking with our hands. Both, at the same time, whenever, however... Maybe it stems from the days when immigrants of different languages tried to communicate, it seems a very Italian American... thing. My grandmother corrected my flailing hand speech, once. (As the baby of 4 kids and both sides of the family, I had to raise my hand like Horschak, for permission to be heard. No wonder I was all over the place🤭) Gramma said that if I was nervous, it's okay but, that I'll make others nervous, too, if they see my hands flying all over. She encouraged me to be confident in what I have to say, because that IS important. Don't distract others from what I have to say by using my hands, so much. They will see my hands more, than hear my words. Gramma was always trying to teach etiquette, table manners, put books on my head to fix posture..(they didn't know I had forcep damage to my cervical spine, at birth...tmi) She would stab our elbow with a fork if she saw it resting on the dinner table..🥺. (She was right, crowding elbows make messes.) So, as Gramma said, about talking with your hands... -The hands should not distract by extending outward beyond the width of the body. -The hands should never be raised higher than the shoulders, where people may find it a bit threatening. -Use the hands for emphasis or direction, but, don't make a Bad habit of it. I see others do it, as well, and it's like a musician tapping their foot to keep time and focus. I think using the hands helps people keep in time. Especially, if using prepared words, in public speaking and having to slowww down our speech, just so others can keep up. (as a Chicagolander, I can't imagine how frustrating that is for you..😱) I totally relate to you so, I thought I would relay this bit of Gramma's wisdom. Because, girl! Your hands are all over the place, sometimes! Jus fyi...

[@brendathoms5588]

Beautiful place

[@CultgentlemanJack]

So beautiful what a magical place you truly do seek out the very best Julia and Luke your channel is of exceptional quality. I truly got lost in this episode I felt like I really visited the Cotswolds without leaving my bedroom. Thank you guys can not praise you enough for this wonderful amazing professional content. Thank you for all your hard work it’s very much appreciated I just love curling up and relaxing watching your channel.

[@rubytroy7756]

So beautiful ❤❤❤

[@nigeldewallens1115]

Just exquisite! that was a joy to view! Thank you ever so much and to the owners too! I wish them all the best for their future!

[@rubytroy7756]

Absolute Gem 💎

[@newbysue]

How wonderful, the history and of course the beautiful scenery.

[@rubytroy7756]

Beautiful place to get married ❤

[@ameliaclark5792]

I stayed in Stow at a house named Lords of the Manor it was beautiful.

[@user-ug9rd8rm5s]

Simply wow

[@sallysampson628]

So interesting and enjoyable! 😃

[@jordanacosta2936]

A beautiful place

[@rubytroy7756]

Gorgeous ❤❤❤

[@rubytroy7756]

Totally amazing ❤❤❤

[@nrivera4380]

Such a stunning place!

[@c.j.r.02]

I would love to see tour interview and your the Great Fulford manor in Devon. I remember watching a video on them a long time ago, and the kids took over. The house was beautiful, I would love to see if the kids were able to restore it!!!! I hold so!

[@kellywhitaker3483]

Absolutely wonderful! I'd love to know more about that gobsmacker of a hedge room! Looks two stories tall!

[@yayalove2967]

Gosh I remember watching you are on ladies of london and just being handed over Mapperton. And now it's been voted for 1 the best manor house?! Bravo what An amazing job you've done over the years! You did it girl!🥳💕🥂

[@AmericanViscountess]

🎉

[@elizabethca33]

I loved this video so much! It also reminded me of the show you hosted on the Smithsonian channel “An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates”

[@AmericanViscountess]

Yes! Be sure to check out Seasons 1 - 3 on my KZbin channel! They are all Like that! And we are editing Castle Howard, Burton Constable, Scone Palace, Blair Castle and many more right now!

[@elizabethca33]

@@AmericanViscountess will definitely check them out and looking forward to those videos!! Keep up the good work!

[@rubytroy7756]

So impressed ❤

[@rubytroy7756]

Fascinating 🤨

[@cindygillespie5750]

Love traveling with you and Carlo!

[@teresaquintinha7361]

It looks like a magical place.

[@joybader4035]

Lovely!!!

[@MissSilencedogood]

Julie thank you for sharing this incredible home and the families that are an intrinsic part of the homes and history of the houses. People are interested in this homes not just for the house but for the people themselves. It just shows how important to keep the heritage and the history of our historical homes alive. On a personal note Julie I love your coat! Can you tell me who the manufacture is? I have been looking for a low profile coat without a bunch of labels everywhere for fall adventures lol. I know Le Chameau is a sponsor but I couldn't quite tell who it might be I am leaning toward Schoffel? :D Thanks Julie 😘

[@TowlerAdventures]

The people are just as interesting as the homes ❤

[@rubytroy7756]

So many lovely rooms ❤

[@trininl2196]

I love these episodes. So beautiful and interesting 🌺

[@txarte6883]

Great post Julie but the volume is way low during your interviews.

[@user-ug9rd8rm5s]

I wish someday i would be able to visit one of these

[@rubytroy7756]

Wowwwww ❤

[@rubytroy7756]

Most unusual church ❤

[@barangariby_67]

love home 😍😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰

[@user-po8no1xp6e]

The english must be proud of their rich culture and history

[@user-ug9rd8rm5s]

Wow

[@patriciararick3245]

Well done.