Top 10 Best Country Homes in England

[@helenmartin9150]

A granny in Australia says...I have never had the experience of seeing a stately home in the "flesh", to my regret. How grateful I am that at this late stage of life I can take wonderful trips with entertaining people like yourself. I've watched zillions of these shows, but I really enjoy yours, as the love you have for these irreplaceable works of art shines through. I, like you, ADORE Castle Howard.

[@Xploreheritage]

Bless you Helen. As I’ve said before, it’s comments like this that make it all worth while. You might enjoy my latest video on Burghley House. Glad you love Castle Howard like I do 😊

[@TimothyZakaria]

​@eheritageofficial correct me if I'm wrong but how old is the English language I think it's been around since the 1600s. James Stuart edited the Bible but I'm not really sure

[@TimothyZakaria]

​@@XploreheritageI really like World History and England's History is really old. I don't know what language William Shakespeare spoke but my biological father is Isaac Newton and I just found this out

[@TimothyZakaria]

​@@XploreheritageIsaac lived in the 17th century and he didn't travel that much

[@unionjack84]

I've visited Blenheim, Chatsworth, Castle Howard, and Longest. Blenheim is my absolute favorite. They are all grand and take your breath away. The expense for maintaining these homes must be significant. It must be stressful, dealing with the upkeep and maintenance of these homes. But at the same time, imagine how proud the families must feel, to be associated with so much history, and such breathtaking houses

[@Xploreheritage]

Yes aren’t they just fantastic! I can imagine they cost a small fortune to run. You can see why some of the larger homes charge so much for entry! Thanks for watching.

[@ausbrum]

and how lucky to be paying the bills from their tax homes in Cayman...

[@annaverano5843]

Stowe is always my favorite

[@fortnajt]

Hatfield House will always remain favorite to me. But these are breathtaking without a doubt.

[@BarbaraMcCreery]

​@@Xploreheritageno

[@melindadouglas1673]

We visited Blenheim Place when we were in England years ago and I was blown away by it. We don’t have anything like that in the States. I would love to go back to England one day and see the rest of the homes on this list.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Melinda, we are certainly very fortunate to have so many fantastic country homes. I really hope you get chance to visit again. I would love to visit the States!

[@melindadouglas1673]

@@Xploreheritage If you come be sure and go to New Orleans and the plantation homes all over Louisiana and Mississippi. That’s where the greatest concentration of historic homes are. Also the food and people are amazing!

[@Xploreheritage]

@@melindadouglas1673 I will bare that it mind! Thank you.

[@melindadouglas1673]

@samantha ssmith The US Capital is a public building not a privately built home. Biltmore is beautiful but nothing on the scale or detail of Blenheim Palace.

[@annonymously331]

@@melindadouglas1673 Biltmore is definitely on the same scale.

[@lostsoulsstudios]

I worked at and am hoping to volunteer at Wentworth Woodhouse for the first 6 months of 2022 and it’s amazing to see it as your number one choice, it is such a breathtaking and beautiful house that is filled with life by the people that visit and work there, and the events that are put on throughout the year, one of which I worked on myself!

[@Xploreheritage]

You are right, such a spectacular building! Good luck with you volunteering 👍

[@CrazyMama75]

Castle Howard runs a delightful Christmas event, where the rooms are decorated to a festive theme. You can walk around and see the rooms and the "story" of the massively impressive festive decorations. I went in 2023, it was a peter pan themed and so pretty. They had a temporary shop extension and cafe in the back, the food wasn't worth the high cost IMO but the shop was lovely, all the different things to see, from lake with play area, the gardens, the main house, garden centre and the entrence courtyard had a cafe and shop also. And peacocks roaming between cars in the carpark which was novel. I also like that no cars past the entrance. To get to the lake or main house from the entrance courtyard, you could walk or use their tractor train which was so cute. Disability access was difficult, they had it but it didnt cover all areas, was slow and had long wait times, especially for the main stair case stair lift, but thats normal as most architects, even these days, dont think about disability access.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

The wealth on this little island was truly amazing.

[@ChandanPutel1]

Stolen wealth from India 😢🇮🇳

[@stringer-ik1pc]

@ChandanPutel1 your weak country pakistan was conquered by a far superior one. Do you still crap in the street ???😅

[@stringer-ik1pc]

@@ChandanPutel1 india was civilised by the British. Railways. Ports. Universities infrastructure etc etc. The tea trade was started by the British. You still get foreign aid. And there's so many of your proud people over here living off us ,🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nikhilwason5396]

So polite about requesting likes and subscriptions, very refreshing from the common, low- tier, ubiquitous youtubers begging for patreon money and subscriptions. A class act! Well done! Hope you get the credit you deserve.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much! I always feel bad asking for support, but it does help. Thanks for your comment 😊

[@wuruking]

Great Video. My favourite ten country houses in England are (in no specific order): Castle Howard (North Yorkshire), Harewood House (West Yorkshire), Chatsworth (Derbyshire), Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire), Burleigh House (Lincolnshire), Houghton Hall (Norfolk), Holkham Hall (Norfolk), Woburn Abbey (Bedfordshire), Wilton House (Wiltshire) and Longleat (Wiltshire). Note that I have visited more than 500 historic house and castles in England, Scotland and Wales.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much! And thanks for sharing your favourites. I haven’t actually been to Wilton, but desperate to visit!

[@wuruking]

@@Xploreheritage Have you been to Houghton and Holkham in Norfolk?

[@fnanette1]

Absolutely wonderful. I was in the UK often and for long periods of time while teaching in Glasgow. These beautiful homes bring back some of my best day’s adventures visiting as many as I could. 🇨🇦

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@DocNubbin]

Thanks for a great video - I agree that Wentworth House (as the locals call it) is truly the most astonishing house in England. Not only that, the huge stables are the equal of many lesser country homes, and the now restored Camelia house still contains some of the oldest and rarest Camelias in existence anywhere in the world. The restoration is well under way, and despite it being off the usual tourist trail, I would urge anyone vising England to make the effort of booking a tour. Also, there are loads of videos on youTube detailing the restoration of the house, so have a look at those. (I have a soft spot for the place as I lived and worked in Rotherham for 30 years!)

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed. I’ve been invited back in a couple of weeks to see the restored Camelia house and enjoy some food! Can’t wait 😊

[@brucewinther6926]

I have actually been to 4 of these homes and they are even more beautiful ( and large) in person---Hard to think of a person or families considering any of these HOME !! Love this channel and am thrilled to see anything English and this historic

[@Xploreheritage]

They sure are! Really glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks so much for commenting!

[@michelleali-mohammed5264]

These homes are absolutely amazing, I am completely overwhelmed by this video.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@monikaadolf6253]

I love those Homes. Unfortunately the time to build likes this has passed.Beautiful homes and good manners and language has gone.

[@margaretcaldarone1005]

Lovely, thank you so much for exposing us to these magnificent Palaces, called home. Great Voice.

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed!

[@luisefaulstich7685]

I loooove Lyme Park. Felt inlove with it when I saw it in Pride and Prejudice😍😍

[@Xploreheritage]

Isn’t it just gorgeous!? 🥰

[@jamesa1918]

Excellent choices, some absolute stunners, thrilled to see Wentworth Woodhouse is your number 1! We really are spoiled for choice in England when it comes to stately homes. I love hearing a bit about their histories and construction, and will be keeping a close eye on your channel!

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi James, I appear to have missed your comment! Terribly sorry! Thank you so much for your support.

[@davidcattin7006]

I can't imagine this kind of life. They are all amazing!

[@berylfleming2451]

Excellent and informative and every one of them ideal to visit for very different reasons. Perhaps some interior shots next time. Highclere has the fascinating Eqyptian Exhibition about Tutankhamen's tomb discovery, its history and treasures but they are all fascinating in so many ways. Thank you. Makes one long to get out and about again! Beryl Fleming

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much for your comment and feedback! I would have loved to have used more interior shots but I need to be careful that I have the rights to the images. I’d definitely love to do a future video on most opulent interiors 😄

[@ronaldproctor1776]

Fascinating quick tours, and excellent commentary. Thank you!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you 🙏

[@bobhadley3832]

Wentworth Woodhouse and Castle Howard are my favoites along with Blenheim. Thank you for featuring them.

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure 😊

[@andreaedwards8644]

I'm really delighted to have discovered your channel and this thoroughly interesting video. I'm Australian and I am so privileged to be able to say that I've visited seven of these spectacular sites. Once things settle again and the world has learnt to live with COVID, I'll return to see the other three, starting with Burghley House....how spectacular! I look forward to all of your future offerings. Thank you so very much from one grateful Australian.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Andrea, thank you so much for your kind words! That’s great that you have visited so many. You won’t be disappointed with Burghley, it is truly spectacular! I really hope you get the opportunity to come over soon ☺️

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

I live near Burghley, it really is stunning! Check out nearby Stamford in Lincolnshire, probably the finest stone town in England. Hatfield House in Hertfordshire is also excellent, its where 'The Favourite' was filmed. It should have been included in this top 10.

[@Xploreheritage]

@@LLLLLLLLLucas You are right, Stamford is absolutely stunning. I am also a big fan of Hatfield, and like you somebody else said it should be in the top 10. Rest assured I’ll be doing more videos like this, and no doubt Hatfield will feature!

[@andreaedwards8644]

@@LLLLLLLLLucas Thank you very much for your suggestions. I'll add them to my long list of must see places. I can't begin to tell you how fortunate you are to live in such a wonderful country. How I wish I was able to permanently relocate. All of my great grandparents hail from the UK, but alas not my grandparents, otherwise I would be there well and truly. Again I thank you and hope to be on English soil again really soon. 😊

[@amyarcher3930]

What a wonderful, WONDERFUL video. Thank you so much for creating your interesting, detailed and well done programs. Keep going. This was a huge treat to find on this sunny Saturday over her on the East Coast of the USA. Thank you so much. KEEP GOING, Please. (I subscribed.)

[@Xploreheritage]

Bless you Amy, thank you so much for your lovely words ☺️

[@mytobytobster]

What a treasure your video is for everyone. It was such a treat to be transported back in time.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed!

[@angesanfilippo43]

Very enjoyable tour, thank you. I've always been fascinated by these wonderful stately houses. When I was in Nottingham as an au-pair, I lived near Wollaton Hall and visited Chatsworth.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much for your comment. Really glad you enjoyed! Wollaton Hall is absolutely wonderful 😍

[@oliverkent7158]

Went to Burghley yesterday. Somewhat Chatsworthian. The Great Hall and walk and ceiling art were magnificent.

[@Xploreheritage]

Such an incredible place 😊

[@joanellemulrain2454]

❤ Excellent - Wentworth Woodhouse is truly extraordinary - only a short ride from London, it is not to be missed.

[@sp-bl1sl]

Thank you for your videos from an American who is addicted to England's country houses. Are you in Yorkshire? Wondering if you have been to Brodsworth? Have been to several of these houses and have to agree. Blenheim makes the Vatican seem cozy, and I am hoping to be allowed to haunt Chatsworth after I die--coming over the hill and seeing it for the first time, with the sunlight hitting the gilded west windows at dusk, was one of the greatest moments of my life. Chatsworth's single flaw is that Robert Adam never worked there, although the set piece he would have created would pale compared to the many layers of Chatsworth as it is. Kedleston nearby, is such a set piece and is definitely in my top ten. I'd also add Osterley Park even though it's proximity to London precludes it being considered a country house. I love the fact that you can take the tube to see it, and it feels like you are on a country estate just a few miles from Heathrow! Harewood is very high on my list (all that Chippendale!), and greatly looking froward to Wentworth being open to the public on a regular basis. Keep up the good work!

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi there. Thank you for your comment. I am indeed from Yorkshire, and yes absolutely love Brodsworth! Harewood is a fantastic house so really hope you get chance to visit someday soon. Thanks so much for your kind words 🙏

[@DocNubbin]

Brodsworth is beautiful and was somewhere I knew about having grown up a few miles away. It is also worth passing through the extraordinary village Hooton Pagnell, about a mile away, whose own country house has been in the same family for 300 years or more, although there has been a house there for nearly 1000 years. The family also owned the village, allowing almost no new buildings there, resulting in a village almost unchaged for hundreds of years. The village population is almost exactly the same in number as it was when the Domesday Book recorded it! The church there plays tunes on its bells every hour. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppzLqZmdaNmppdU&ab_channel=RingerDylan (As I've mentioned above, Wentworth is open for tours now!)

[@susansantapola]

Lyme is a Fabulous exhibition of architecture, local for us, still dubious aquired wealth though. Fabulous commentary as usual, thank you.

[@pamelapeel4893]

Thank you for all your hard work ..loved this video❤

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed 🙏

[@natashanikitina5303]

A very useful (and well done!) video for the future foreign visitors like me! Can't wait to visit all these wonderful places! Thank you from Italy!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much! Really hope you get chance to visit soon’

[@pamelaevans6485]

Very interesting, fascinating places. Would love to get over the pond some day to visit. Thank you; will travel vicariously through your vlogs for now.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much Pamela, really glad you enjoyed!

[@Gerry1of1]

FYI - Longleat is owned by the 8th Marquess of Bath. The 7th died of corono April last year. He was a crazy old koot - Loved Him !

[@Xploreheritage]

Oh yes that’s right, he was great! Thanks for commenting.

[@janetbate2900]

Love the programme. Thank you.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 😊

[@adeeliqbal3925]

Definitely subscribing! Loved the video!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@brontewcat]

Enjoyed your video. I do like to go to historic homes, but probably more their history than architecture. I would dearly love to go to Burghley House and Hardwick Hall. What I find fascinating about these houses is that Cecil and Bess had already built two prodigy houses before these houses (Theobalds and Chatsworth), and owned other houses yet they went on to build more prodigy houses. I know it was necessary for the owners of big houses with big households to to own more than one large house as the household had to move periodically so the main house could be thoroughly cleaned, but to build on such scale is fascinating. Bess’s last husband was the Earl of Shrewsbury, and he had his own houses as well, so I am not even sure how much time Bess even lived in Chatsworth .

[@misspaula7542]

Lovely list and so much beauty. Thank you✨✨✨

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed!

[@pamelawright1369]

We have so many magnificent stately homes in Yorkshire so lucky. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@maxwellconnors2407]

Very informative. When travel opens up, great reference video of houses to visit in England. Thank you.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much, my pleasures! 😄

[@angelanoble3050]

Thank you for the introduction of these amazing houses - very interesting!

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure Angela. Glad you enjoyed!

[@mcraig1969]

Thank you for a great tour. It is unlikely I will be of good health and resources to visit the "Motherland" of my family your videos provide me the means to explore and admire as I should have wished .

[@cq9882]

Found you channel in my feed. A fantastic and very interesting overview. I enjoyed watching this so much. Thank You. 👏🇦🇺

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@garycraigart3579]

Very enjoyable tour.Thank you. You have included my two favorite homes, Hardwick Hall and Longleat House. In that order. My favorites for two reasons. They have the largest windows, so they must be filled with light, and they are the ones I would most love to inhabit. I have seen many of these stately homes but, sadly, never these two.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Gary, thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the video! I agree, Longleat and Hardwick are both spectacular properties. I particularly love the scale of the interiors at Hardwick. Whilst not the largest country home, the interiors are magnificent and that Long Gallery is absolutely mind blowing! I would definitely recommend a visit.

[@naomiweaver1855]

Thank you so much for doing this! It gives me a must-see guide for when I visit England.

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure Naomi, glad you enjoyed!

[@t.r.9542]

thnx so much for your beautiful work. Hope you will make a long video of every country home you mentioned in this video

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you, and I would absolutely love to!

[@siriluckworsfold]

Great clips 👌

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@originaltommy]

Thumbs up! Subscribed! Nice to be here!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much, great to have you!

[@toddbonin6926]

I’m so glad I found your channel. These are excellent videos. I’ve only visited Castle Howard. It’s magnificent. The grounds are breathtaking. I hope to visit Blenheim Palace on my next trip to England ... though Lyme is now tugging at my heart strings. Thank you for sharing your love of England with the rest of us Anglophiles.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you so much for your comments, I’m really glad you enjoy my videos! I’m hoping to make many more as places start to open up again.

[@AdamExploresBritain]

I actually prefer Castle Howard to Blenheim. Blenheim just came across as too much of a monument rather than something to be lived in. When I went to Castle Howard it was also vast but seemed a bit more 'homely' and I much preferred the grounds and garden ornaments. Blenheim was spectacular though :)

[@sjgreene785]

Thank you for sharing the speechless works of art, and not to mention the history. It reminds me of a world bigger than where I stand, and I will visit.

[@Xploreheritage]

Absolutely my pleasure 😊

[@ericmoore571]

I totally agree with the order of the top four! Wentworth Woodhouse is amazing! I can't wait to see it restored to all it's former glory

[@Xploreheritage]

It’s already looking pretty stunning 😍

[@jaybarrows2526]

I thought you did a great job! I certainly enjoyed it! Good luck with future videos. I like love the history and background.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you for your kind words Jay 😊

[@pogosmama1]

Harwick must a fortune to heat with all that glass. No double glazing in those days. Beautiful.

[@Xploreheritage]

Aye, not to mention with all the restoration work going on!

[@leelongshaw1940]

Great show, keep it up. Subscribed.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much!

[@usharavi4152]

Good information, very helpful for students, enjoyed a lot

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks very much ☺️

[@Jossianne19130]

Thank you for making me dream of long gone "belle epoque"...I simply love history!!!

[@Xploreheritage]

Really glad you enjoyed! Thank you 😊

[@pichdara2860]

Most gorgeous I really love it

[@ohshems]

Lovely to watch and I thoroughly enjoyed your choices of houses.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much John ☺️

[@creatoremterrae7933]

What grandeur, magnificent, beautiful, breathtaking, aristocratic , palatial houses. 🏘️🏘️💖💖😍

[@Xploreheritage]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@expecto1982]

Harewood is one of the Oldest Houses. It served many functions over the years, including the Seattle Temple of Justice.

[@jacirasantanna7221]

Beautiful!

[@L_Jan_Turner]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure 😊

[@vickyvaliant8698]

Make this kind of things more...I love it 😀

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you Vicky, I am trying!

[@bhekayaka8753]

Beautiful homes!

[@lindsaykatecole]

You forgot Allerton Castle in North Yorkshire! This one definitely deserves to be on a future list 🤌🏻

[@Xploreheritage]

Yes, good shout 👍

[@MrNooneseesme]

Top selection and I've only visited one , Burghley House and what was intended to be perhaps an hour and half visit ended up being all day and then thats never enough to soak up what can be seen and the atmosphere. The other are so far away and with no car they are a pilgrimage and a half but still I hope to see at some of them. Thank you very much for the upload

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks very much! Well you have certainly visited one of the best! Burghley House is absolutely spectacular. I’m actually planning a short documentary on it. Hope you get the opportunity to visit the others!

[@MrNooneseesme]

@@Xploreheritage I could stop swooning and cooing and goodness knows what!

[@robertldesigns]

I so enjoyed this!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed!

[@KandeShack]

Great video! Thank you!

[@Xploreheritage]

You’re welcome! Thanks so much 😄

[@nickybenson3132]

A Wonderful Video. Thank you so much!!

[@FireRose.77]

The same woman who owned Chatsworth? Hardwick Hall I mean? Also, Harewood House, 1:46 the garden behind the house looks a bit familiar... was it location for "Pemberley" in "Lost in Austen" ?

[@Xploreheritage]

Yep, one and the same. Although Bess was responsible for the original Elizabethan house at Chatsworth, little of which remains. I haven’t seen Lost in Austen, but I think Harewood was used and I believe it was largely filmed in Yorkshire.

[@petercehily2687]

Wonderful houses. I love Castle Howard the best. I was a bit surprised that Knole House did not make the list

[@Xploreheritage]

Good shout! I intend on doing more top lists, so perhaps Knole will feature!

[@zarabwz]

Thank you for the brilliant video! It has inspired me to visit the Burleigh house and it worth the travel! Planning to come to York at the first opportunity and visit two recommended houses there too👍😊

[@Xploreheritage]

That’s really good to hear! York is a beautiful city, you are really spoilt for choice with things to do! Thanks so much for your lovely comment ☺️

[@deborahjordan9688]

Beautiful estates well done 👍🏻 love your videos 👍🏻♥️

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@jofereday7213]

Been to Chatsworth, my favourite 😍 many times, Harewood, Castle Howard, all about an hours drive from us, but Wentworth is about 10 minutes away 🤣 Yorkshire & Derbyshire are beautiful county’s & it’s great to live here 🥰

[@Xploreheritage]

You are very lucky to live there! Gotta love Chatsworth! I have a bit of a soft spot for Harewood, and the parkland is absolutely stunning. I live literally down the road from Castle Howard so am so lucky! And of course Wentworth is absolutely spectacular. Thanks for you comment, hope you enjoyed the video!

[@lindanorris3226]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL PLACE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING US 💙✅🌎

[@Xploreheritage]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you.

[@AdamExploresBritain]

A good selection. I might have included Waddesdon or Stowe for various reasons but it's a tight call :)

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you! Good choices 😍

[@viviengardiner1840]

I am currently reading ‘ Black Diamonds ‘ by Catherine Bailey. It records the rise and fall of the Fitzwilliam Family who lived at Wentworth so I found your video s when searching. Love your enthusiasm for stately homes and your very impressive knowledge. It has struck me though how these houses were built by the aristocracy who became very rich through the hard work and often horrific lives of the ‘ lower classes’. Wentworth was extended due the the huge wealth created because the land had huge coal supplies underneath that was mined by men and children who earnt hardly enough to feed their families. Many lives were lost in doing so. Think it’s important that while we marvel at and enjoy these wonderful houses we do not forget their origins lie during massive social disparity which should be mentioned when telling their history .

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Vivien . Yes, a few people have mentioned that book to me, and I really do keep meaning to check it out. Of course what you say is absolutely true and it would be wrong to pretend that none of that really happened. That’s why I like however that so many of these places are now open to the public so that these tragic stories cannot be forgotten and future generations can learn about past injustices. You can still appreciate the incredible architecture however. Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts 😄

[@lisawentworth6831]

By the time the Fitzwilliams came into possession, as they were the coal barons, the house was basically as you see it. Watson-Wentworth, who was a political figure, was largely credited with the remodel from the more modest Jacobean home. The Fitzwilliams were considered, even by their workers, more benevolent employers and treated them well; paid higher, invited them to annual parties, and even helped them out in crisis. With that said, in no way would I want to be in the poorer classes back in the day...being wealthy would provide a much better and longer lifestyle. Many of the other houses mentioned gained their fortune from slavery, so money was often from unsavory means. In fact, Wentworth Castle mentioned in the video gained funds from slavery. The Wentworths were landed gentry, there many centuries before the build of particular house, and got their fortune from land, and were at one point the 6th wealthiest and 12th largest landowners in England...of course the way one got land was often feudal wars...so history is not exactly pretty...but the houses are!

[@MC-mk1ec]

Great channel really enjoyed watching it, thanks

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it!

[@markwell4720]

Lovely photography

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jacobzaranyika9334]

Thank you 🙏 eheritage

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure Jake 👊

[@marcus8258]

Really well put together interesting video. Nice to know so many of them are in my native Yorkshire! Subscribed:-)

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you so much, it’s comments like this that keep me going 😀

[@marcus8258]

Well deserved. Keep up the good work:-)

[@ngokafranklin7760]

Marvelous home 🏡💯

[@Xploreheritage]

Sure is 😍

[@johnholt9399]

Brave, but in view of its potential correct to put Wentworth Woodhouse first. Maybe Woburn and/or Kedleston Hall would be ones to have considered? I have recently been inside Wellbeck Abbey which is magnificent, but has only limited public access and for years was completely closed if you ever get chance do go. Syon is also incredible inside. I want to visit Holkham, Houghton and Boughton as major ones I am yet to visit.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi John. Yes I think Wentworth is absolutely incredible, and it has so much potential. The work that has already been done is amazing, but when it’s finished it is going to be truly world class. Good shout with Kedleston and Holkham, both are spectacular country homes! I haven’t been to Wellbeck but looks lovely! Thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@bogigalamb2141]

I love your videos 🤗 so impressive 👍😁keep going

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you, really appreciate that 🙏

[@anne-marie2972]

Imagine to live in one of those beautiful histotical houses😍. I subscribed 💕.

[@tiagoalfreddo]

Please we need more!!!

[@letstalkartmarket5508]

Great content! Thanks for uploading

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure 😊. Glad you enjoyed!

[@LCNWA]

Awesome!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you ☺️

[@paulvonkleist88]

I really love exterior of Belvoir Castle. The interior is also very beautiful indeed. But the exterior is inspiring. It must slip under the radar of most people, because I have maybe seen it one time in the countless videos I’ve watch of “UKs grandest homes ect..”

[@Xploreheritage]

It is indeed a very beautiful building, although I have to admit I haven’t ever been!

[@bcfairlie1]

I totally agree with this list.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you!

[@Iharaera_Henare]

I'm pretty sure the 'e' is silent in Harewood House 😬

[@Xploreheritage]

Only if you watch the Downton Abbey Movie! Actually, you can say it either way 👌

[@lawrenceburness9611]

Working in Leeds Town Hall in the early 1960s when George Lascelles, Lord Harewood was the Artistic Director of the Leeds Triennial Music Festival, I recall that it was Lord “HAR - wood of HARE-wood House”. I’d say most of Yorkshire would say HARE-wood House. I’ve never hear it called Harwood House. So there’s a win-win. Lord Harwood of Harewood!!

[@Xploreheritage]

@@lawrenceburness9611 A very diplomatic answer! Thanks for sharing.

[@Nana-vi4rd]

Are there any medieval manor homes left in England? I would love to see a video of them. These were great, but way to big Hardwick I really like though. I would love to see inside that for sure. The others though look cold and heartless. I enjoyed your video though, hope to see a lot more. Thanks for up loading.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hey, thanks so much for you kind worlds. Really pleased you enjoy my channel. There are a few examples of medieval manor houses still in existence. Haddon Hall for example is pretty magnificent, and considered one of the best preserved in the world. I would love to make a video on medieval manor houses, hopefully in the future this will be a possibility! Thank you 🙏

[@budd2nd]

Hardwick and Longleat and all the other Elizabethan ones, are technically medieval. As the mediaeval period includes and ends with the Tudors.

[@sarahmillard6401]

@@budd2nd I disagree. England had very much entered the early modern age by the time the great Elizabethan prodigy houses were built, as evidenced by their very English spin on Renaissance details. Even the earlier Hampton Court Palace shows a Tudor interpretation of the Renaissance. The layout, purpose and use of great houses had changed very much by that time, from primarily a defensive structure in medieval times, often moated and crenellations, centring on the great hall and the owners living closely with servants, animal husbandry and household preparation, to something more akin to what was seen by Georgian times, with the owners living apart in splendour, the home farm being moved elsewhere on the estate and the servants living further apart from the family. The great halls of medieval manor houses had mostly lost their original function from medieval times, becoming something more like a showpiece room to show off your wealth and power as you dined and received esteemed guests, rather than where food was cooked, everyone ate together and most of the household slept.

[@budd2nd]

@@sarahmillard6401 Oh I see, you were specifically thinking about early mediaeval. But from a historian‘s point of you the mediaeval age ends with the last Tudor. Of course there are massive differences between the early mediaeval and the late mediaeval, I guess I was being literal and may be a little bit pedantic too. 👍

[@sarahmillard6401]

@@budd2nd sorry, I’m very pedantic too! But most historians consider England to be entering the early modern age at least during the reign of Henry VIII, the break with Rome and the increasing influence of the Reformation, Renaissance and humanism being key factors. Some would argue the early modern age began with Henry VII, with the added stability and end of dynastic feuding brought about by the conclusion of what we know as the Wars of the Roses. No historian I know of would consider the reigns of Henry VIII onwards as occurring in the medieval period. Unfortunately, reigns and more widely, royal dynasties do not fit into neat patterns 😀

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Wonderful places 🤗

[@Xploreheritage]

They sure are 😍

[@blorac9869]

Enjoyed, TYVM!

[@charleshamilton9274]

I know this is two-years old and have no idea if you’ll read this but currently, as of July 2023, there’s a home for sale, Denham Place, in Buckinghamshire. As someone with an educated and appreciative eye, your thoughts on this property? Also, is it worth the hassle of buying a listed property? Thanks. Oh, I loved this upload and dutifully liked and subscribed. Well. Done. You.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi there, yes I still read the moments. Oh my Lord, what an utterly spectacular property! I was just reading about this last night. If I had the money I would absolutely buy Denham! Although perhaps way too big. Thank you for your kind words and for subscribing 🙏

[@greggdoty3076]

Visited Castle Howard--loved it, though it's a bit of an architectural Frankenstein. Chatsworth is on my Bucket List. Have also visited Syon and Osterley...though I'm not sure if those qualify as "country," though surely they did at the time they were built. Loved 'em both. Anyway, thanks for sharing. If this f(*king pandemic dies enough for to get back to the UK (I live in Houston) I will SO be heading for Chatsworth...maybe one or two more of these. Thanks for the video!

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Gregg, it’s my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed the video! I have to admit I have a bit of a soft spot for Castle Howard, but I do appreciate the architecture isn’t for everyone. Castle Howard is a fantastic example of the Baroque style, but the disparity between this and the later Palladian additions is something that has been both liked and loathed by its owners. I would certainly recommend a visit to Burghley House if you ever get a change. The interiors are spectacular!

[@angelahankins9148]

Excellent list, we’re lucky to live near to Burghley. Just one comment - we also have Apethorpe Palace nearby so maybe Blenheim is not the only non-royal palace.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you for commenting, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! You are indeed very fortunate to live so close to Burghley 😃

[@sarahmillard6401]

Apethorpe was a royal palace - it was owned by the Tudors and subsequently the Stuarts 😀

[@maryhirsch7170]

Lovely site

[@geoff2504]

Over the years, I have visited several of the country estates that you list in this video collection. Whilst I enjoyed the brief glimpse of each property, I am highly disappointed in your choice of horrible noise which suffuses the commentary. I would have thought some quiet background music reminiscent of the time of building would have been far more appropriate and infinitely more pleasant than a modern noise that is so loud that it almost drowns out the short commentary of each stately house.

[@Xploreheritage]

Strong words Geoff! Although I agree that perhaps the music is a bit loud.

[@Getting_Good2007]

I hop to be able to buy on of them one day.

[@Xploreheritage]

We all do 😊

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I love to see some more, especially those of more modest scale.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you for your comments Kimberly. Hoping to ramp up the filming as lockdown eases. Out of interest, what sort of videos do you want to see? Do you like the cinematic video tours, or do you like me talking a bit about the history too?

[@CopenhagenDreaming]

@@Xploreheritage Personally I love the history bit; it adds context to some pretty images when you know a bit about when, how, why and who...

[@Xploreheritage]

@@CopenhagenDreaming Thanks for the feedback! I think this is how I will make videos moving forwards.

[@neuralwarp]

I tend to favour more cosy houses: Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Hatfield House, Loseley House, Ightham Mote. Also Arundel Castle, Hampton Court.

[@Xploreheritage]

Good selection. I also love smaller cosier houses 👍