Our Lady Of The Castle

Holly Louise Eells talks to the Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle, the real-life resident of the home portrayed in Downton Abbey, about her new book, Christmas and Berkshire memories

- Downton Abbey

I’m sure, like myself, many of you wonder what it must be like to live in such a phenomenal castle, especially one of the most iconic castles: Highclere in Newbury.

The setting for the award-winning worldwide TV series, Downton Abbey, Lady Carnarvon has been a resident since 2001, with her husband, George Herbert (Geordie), 8th Earl of Carnarvon and their 19-year-old son, Edward. Also worth mentioning are their seven dogs, too many horses, a brood of chickens, a pet rabbit and a sheep!

Known as ‘the real Downton Abbey’, it bustles with activity at the greatest of times, but during the festive season, it comes alive more than ever, which is what Lady Carnarvon wanted to showcase in her new book, Christmas at Highclere. “I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed writing this book,” she says. “It has got lovely stories, ghost stories, recipes, traditions, families, nostalgia and much more.”

Christmas at Highclere is a look behind the scenes at the yearly rituals that make Highclere one of the most magical places to be throughout the festive season, and shares secrets of how you, too, can bring a quintessentially British festive spirit to your home.

“At Christmas, it is a time to sit down and stop,” she says. “It means thinking about other people, cooking for your family and making memories. It is about emphasizing central core values that are important, particularly when it seems to be such a muddly world at the moment.”