Private Visits Stately Homes

Due to personal connections with the owners of these properties, Dream Escape can arrange special visits to some of our most well-preserved and impressive aristocratic homes across the UK and Ireland generally off limits to general public. Embark on an extraordinary journey through British history, from private shooting experiences to personal tours with the owners. A warm welcome awaits.

Alnwick Castle, England

Alnwick Castle

Arrive in style by private helicopter, landing directly in the estate grounds, admiring the impressive Capability Brown designed landscape in front of the castle. Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years and remains a family home today for the 12th Duke and Duchess and their four children. You may recognise it from its numerous TV and movie appearances, including Downton Abbey and two Harry Potter films, as the location for Hogwarts. Enjoy an informative tour of the State Rooms admiring the magnificent art collection, as well as family-friendly activities involving costumes, medieval crafts and dragons - not to mention your own private broomstick lesson! Plus don’t miss the small but deadly Poison Garden, filled with around 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants.

Baronscourt, Ireland

Baronscourt

Baronscourt has been the home of the Duke of Abercorn’s family since 1612. Situated in a sheltered valley in the foothills of the Sperrin mountains in Ireland’s County Tyrone the estate is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Experience salmon fishing on the River Mourne, take a lesson in pheasant shooting with Head Keeper, Stephen Pollock, who has worked on the Estate for 20 years, or simply relax by the fire. Also a vibrant working farm, throughout Baronscourt’s history, every generation of the family has ensured a programme of planting and landscaping of the park and gardens. Finish a perfect day with the taste of their “multi award-winning” wild venison from the comfort of luxury accommodation set within the original Stable Yard. Not just for day visits - Baronscourt is the perfect country getaway for enjoying outdoor pursuits.

Killruddery, Ireland

Killruddery

Currently three generations, direct ancestors of the first Brabazons to reside at Killruddery in 1618, live in the magnificent 800-acre estate. Earl and Countess of Meath, Lord and Lady Ardee and the Brabazon Family are passionate about conservation, operating a colourful kitchen garden brimming with vegetables, fruit, cut-flowers and free-range meats. Take a private tour of the house, admiring the architectural transformations over the centuries, before wandering the high-hedged pathways of their world-renowned 17th century gardens, with endless flowering borders, ancient trees and apple orchard.

Brynkinalt Hall, Wales

Brynkinalt Hall

Brynkinalt Hall was built in 1612, and has been home to the Trevor Family ever since. The Trevors have a fascinating ancestry, as direct descendants of a union which took place in 942 between Tudur Trevor, King of Gloucester, and Angharad, daughter of Howel Dda, King of Wales. The site of Brynkinalt Hall can be traced back through the Trevor family to the 9th century. However, the family can trace their heritage even further back still - to the marriage of Severa, daughter of the Roman Emperor, Maximus, who died in 388 and Gwrtheyrn Gwrtheneu (Vortigen), the 82nd King of Britain. The family are also descendants of Llewellyn the Great, Prince of Wales (1194-1240), and the Kings of Ireland! Take a tour of this charming property with the current owners, Iain and Kate Hill-Trevor.

Highclere Castle, England

Highclere Castle

Set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland, Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1842, however more recently it has risen in recognition due to Downton Abbey - the award-winning drama series, and now movie. Take a trip to Highclere to meet the owners of the real Downton Abbey, visiting the stud and immersing in quintessential English life with authentic royal connections.

Broomhall House, Scotland

Broomhall House

For the first time since it was built more than 300 years ago, Broomhall House, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Elgin and the Fife home of the family of King Robert the Bruce, has opened its doors. Enjoy a private visit to this remarkable and fascinating property, with a guided tour conducted by Lord Bruce, the heir of the 11th Earl of Elgin. Marvel over the the incredible artefacts, listening to Lord Bruce as he brings his extraordinary family history to life. ⬩

Mount Stuart, Scotland

Mount Stuart House

Set in 300 acres of the finest gardens to be found in Scotland, Mount Stuart House has been home to the Bute Family since 1719. A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive gardens - take a moment to absorb the sheer beauty of the building - before stepping through the door, where design inspired by astrology, art and mythology dazzles. Take the spiral staircase to what is believed to be the world’s first domestic heated swimming pool before marvelling over an early telephone system and Victorian passenger lift.

Tourin House, Ireland

Tourin House

Situated on the banks of the river Blackwater with a fine view of the Knockmealdown Mountains to the north, Tourin is an Italianate style villa with classical proportions, surrounded by arable land and a fifteen acre garden. Meet the current generation of the Jameson family, of Irish Whiskey fame, Kristin, Andrea and Tara - all artists and passionate gardeners - for a private tour of their beautiful and tranquil Irish home and garden. There are 15 acres to lose yourself in, to include the pleasure grounds and walled garden which belonged originally to the tower house.

Althorp House, England

Althorp House

View the rooms and the grounds of Althorp House – the playground for nineteen generations of Spencers - currently owned by Charles. Once the scene of courtly balls, political meetings and even a secret marriage, each of the 90 intriguing rooms in the house, surrounded by 13,000 acres of beautiful countryside has its own story to tell.

Bryngwyn Hall, Wales

Bryngwyn Hall

Expect a wonderfully warm welcome from owner Auriol, Marchioness of Linlithgow. From house parties to simulated game days, shooting to sumptious afternoon tea, with luxurious accommodation - this exclusive country house offers a truly memorable stay. Lady Linlithgow’s Georgian family home for over 200 years, neo-classical Bryngwyn Hall was originally designed by Robert Mylne.

Hopetoun House, Scotland

Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House is a place of beauty, tranquillity and architectural magnificence. Dating from the 17th century, it has been home to the Hope Family since the late 1600s; the present Lord Hopetoun and his family still live in Hopetoun House. In Outlander, Hopetoun house represents the Duke of Sandringham’s house.

The grounds also include a 16th century tower house, Midhope, which doubles as Lallybroch.Not only is the house filled with stunning collections but this truly remarkable and beautiful stately home sits in majestic grounds full of nature trails and scenic walks.

Blenheim Palace, England

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, given to the first Duke of Marlborough by a grateful Nation, following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in August 1704. The palace later became the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill who is quoted as saying “At Blenheim, I took two very important decisions; to be born and to marry. I am happily content with the decisions I took on both occasions”. Sir Winston Churchill’s final resting place is at St Martin’s Bladon, just outside Blenheim Palace grounds.

Find out more

Rosie Peattie, Head of Guiding, has had the pleasure of visiting each of these properties over the years. "It has always been a privilege to introduce our clients to the wonderful characters who own these properties, they never fail to welcome us warmly into their homes and share their fascinating family history first hand" If you want any more details about private visits to these or any other properties, get in touch with Rosie on rosie@dreamescape.co.uk.

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