Friday, October 24, 2008

Highclere Housetour

Hooked on Houses is having a house tour today and I thought I would participate. Rather than show my small little apartment, I thought I'd show something a bit more grand. Highclere was featured in the September issue of World of Interiors in 1988.This grand estate is owned by the Earls Carnarvon and has morphed from an 18th century Jacobethan lodge to include something of each of its quirky owners. Capability Brown laid out the park surrounding it that you see above.The Entry hall, seen above, is rather unassuming considering the size of the pile. Below, the present Earl (in 1988) stands with a portrait of his grandfather, a noted Egyptologist. Interestingly enough, the portrait was done by GW Carter, who was the brother of the Earl's gay partner, Howard.From the entry hall you enter into the grand 3 story saloon. Love that skylight and all the massive gothicness!Off the saloon is the drawing room seen belowThe smoking room lies nearby, seen below. In a hallway between the Drawing and smoking rooms - a little hidden cupboard was found which had ancient egyptian relics. The cupboard seen below. How did it get to be forgotten?Below is one of the dining rooms, refered to as the 'stuart' dining room. I love the way the table is set! What a great place for a dinner party, surrounded by your ancestors!The beautiful library is seen below. In the foreground are a desk and chair owned by Napolean from his time at St Helena.Here is a closeup view of the gilded doorways of the Library.To end with, this is an interesting portrait (one of a pair) of one of the original owners of Highclere. I love the unusual frame!

11 comments:

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

I knew you'd show us something amazing, and this didn't disappoint.

The 3-story saloon could almost be an old cathedral with its "massive gothicness," as you put it. LOVE the front door in the shot where you look into the entry hall.

I'm fascinated by the hidden cupboard that was "forgotten"--and held ancient Egyptian relics. Wow. Can you imagine being the one to rediscover that? It's a house with hidden treasure!

Thanks for joining the blog party and taking us on such a wonderful tour! :-)

Julio Muao said...

That was a wonderful and informative tour. Thanks.

Ms. Tee said...

This is an amazing place. I love the light shining in through the ceiling windows in the fourth photo. THank you for the tour and the history of this lovely place.

Style Court said...

Love the smoking room. Thanks for the tour Stefan.

Rue said...

The smoking room and the library are amazing. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of history.

rue

Teacats said...

Wonderful tour and brillant choice for this season! What a fantastic place for a spooky Halloween masked ball -- just imagine the incredible costumes, dancing and dinner ..... Many thanks for sharing!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

There is nothing better than architectural details and fine art that get our hearts racing!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Karla & Karrie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for a stunning tour. I was so enthralled, I went to the castle website to see more. So many beautiful rugs. Loved this tour -Jane

KVC said...

This is amazing! The 3 story saloon has the feel & look of a cathedral. Great pictures! KV

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Sah-WOON. Oh my. I can't even believe that 3-story saloon...it's kind of like Gothic churches I've seen in Europe. Wow. WOW!

Thanks for sharing this fabulous home.

Anonymous said...

this is crazybeautiful. i can't even imagine!