Deck The Halls

Derbyshire is fortunate to have many stunning historic houses where the festive season can truly come alive. Here is a round-up of what they have planned for this Christmas

CHATSWORTH HOUSE

This year Chatsworth is taking visitors on a magical and fascinating trip around the world – a chance to explore far away lands without leaving Derbyshire.

The theme is set from the moment you enter the marquee before the north entrance hall as your journey begins with the unmistakable sounds of travel – doors slamming, the whistle of a steam train and cars revving. Clouds float above, with balloons and aeroplanes, at the far end a miniature caravan sits in a snow scene with twinkly lights and table set for Christmas dinner, and the journey begins...

The responsibility for Christmas at Chatsworth falls on the shoulders of Head Housekeeper Janet Bitton and her staff. A core team of six members of staff creates the themed tour that has been delighting thousands of visitors every year since 2001 – for the last two years, visitor numbers have reached the 200,000 mark. Textile Department Supervisor Susie Stokoe takes on the bulk of the design work and other members of staff from different household teams help as required.

When Janet spoke to me a 10-meter spiraling Chinese paper dragon had just been successfully hung over the Oak Stairs and finishing touches had still to be added to this year’s profusion of decorated trees. Each room has been themed around a different country and where the Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire throughout the ages have traveled, their insights, anecdotes, and mementos accompany the displays. The first port of call is Venice, where the 5th Duke sent his son on the Grand Tour to study art. The colors and beauty of Venetian glass are highlighted before you stray around the corner and into a sparkling white Switzerland where a 24-paned window creates an illustrated advent calendar.