The Country House Podcast

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A deep dive into all things Country House with hosts Ben Hancock, Conor Lynch & Geoff Heath-Taylor. 

Hancock Productions


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 94 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Country House Podcast

    Beaulieu Palace House: 'The Gilt and the Gingerbread' | 81

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 53:15


    Geoff and Rory are joined by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and his nephew, Ben Montagu-Scott, for a fascinating episode on the extraordinary and storied history of Beaulieu Palace House in the New Forest, Hampshire.Originally the 13th-century gatehouse to a medieval abbey, Beaulieu Palace House is an unusual example of Scots Baronial architecture in southern England (see our episode on Scots Baronial with Dr Ralph St Clair Wade). Owned by the Montagu family since the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII, this podcast traces the transformation of Beaulieu through centuries of architectural change, royal visits, decline and ultimate resurrection begun under the pioneering stewardship of the current Lord Montagu's father, whose seminal book 'The Gilt and the Gingerbread (or how to live in a stately home and make money)'  gives this podcast episode its title.With lively anecdotes and insights, you will be drawn into a world where medieval roots meet modern comforts, where traditional farming meets cutting edge tourism... and where a public attraction meets a family home.

    Joseph Paxton: Gardener, Engineer, Entrepreneur | 80

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 66:33


    Geoff and Rory discuss the remarkable life of a Victorian genius; the upwardly mobile Joseph Paxton. The son of a farmer, he found a patron in the 6th Duke of Devonshire and by the age of 23 Paxton was Head Gardener at Chatsworth. He would later become a nationally sought-after engineer and latterly a Member of Parliament.The Silicon Valley entrepreneur of his day, Paxton embraced the latest technology, designing the Great Conservatory and Conservative Wall at Chatsworth, before catapulting to fame as the designer of the Crystal Palace in London.

    Brideshead Revived: Castle Howard's 21st Century Renaissance with Nick Howard | 79

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 65:53


    Nestled in the Howardian Hills of ‘God's own country' of Yorkshire, something extraordinary is happening at Vanbrugh's great English Baroque masterpiece, Castle Howard. Famed for its seminal role in Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton, for 75 years, an entire wing of Castle Howard has remained a burnt-out shell after fire ravaged the house in 1940.But in recent years, Castle Howard's current custodian - Nick Howard - and his wife Victoria, have overseen a remarkable 21st century renaissance, bringing in the country's best architects, designers and craftsmen to begin the monumental task of returning these burnt-out rooms to their former glory.Joining Geoff and Rory on the podcast this week, Nick Howard discusses the decision making process behind this revival, and talks us through the renovation journey. The results are a triumph, and testify to Nick and Victoria's dedication to Castle Howard and their desire to secure its future for many generations to come.

    'The Three Classicists' Fifteen Years On | 78

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 36:09


    This week were are privileged to be joined by legendary architectural trio 'The Three Classicists' to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their seminal exhibition at RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects).In May 2010, friends Ben Pentreath, George Saumarez Smith and Francis Terry collaborated as 'The Three Classicists' on an exhibition that showcased their work and beliefs in the noble tradition of classical architecture, particularly through the power of drawing.Joining Geoff and Rory on the podcast this week, Ben, George and Francis reflect on the exhibition fifteen years on, discussing what has changed and what has remained the same... and sharing some stories about the wonderful country houses they've designed in the interim.

    Castel Gandolfo: The Pope's Summer Palace | 77

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 58:48


    As conclave meets to decide on a new Pope, all eyes are on the Sistine Chapel as millions of Catholics around the world wait in eager anticipation for white smoke to billow from the Chapel chimney.In recognition of this extraordinary ritual, and in tribute to the life of Pope Francis, this week's podcast episode explores one of the great papal palaces of Italy; Castel Gandolfo ('The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo') - the Pope's summer residence 25km outside of Rome.In this episode, Rory talks Geoff through this cliff-top, lakeside villa, exploring the architecture, interiors, gardens and history. Please join us for a veritable feast of frescoes, baroque architecture and citrus groves.We would like to let all our Catholic listeners know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Cardinals during this time.

    The Ancient Seat of an Ancient Family: Powderham Castle With the Earl of Devon | 76

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 61:55


    In light of the upcoming sale at Dreweatts auction house entitled 'The Attic Sale: Powderham Castle & Brocklesby Park' (taking place on 3rd June 2025), we are delighted to be joined this week by Charlie Devon (Charles Courtenay, 19th Earl of Devon) to discuss his ancient family seat of Powderham Castle.The Courtenays, a crusader family who came to England with Eleanor of Aquitaine, have lived at Powderham since the 14th century. The house reads like a biography of domestic English country house architecture over the past 800 years, with each generation of the Courtenay family having added to the existing medieval core.

    Auckland Castle: The resurrection of a bishop's palace | 75

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 61:45


    Over the Easter weekend, Christians around the world celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For this episode we decided to choose a country house that has also been somewhat 'resurrected' in recent years! For 800 years, Auckland Castle in County Durham was the seat of the 'Prince Bishop' of Durham. In 2012, following years of decline, it was sold by the Church in a very sad state. However, far from disappearing into history, the house and estate have instead been brought back to life... and have brought life and hope to the surrounding countryside, the town of Bishop Auckland and the whole of County Durham!

    Houses at War with Tim Bouverie | 74

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 49:59


    In this week's episode we're joined by renowned historian Tim Bouverie to discuss his new book, Allies at War, and the political role that country houses played during the Second World War. From Chequers and Ditchley to the Livadia Palace (location of the Yalta Conference), country houses have long been important instruments of 'soft power' during times of war and peace.Allies at War by Tim Bouverie is published this week and is available from all good bookshops.

    St Giles House Pt. I - The Rise and Fall of a Country House | 73

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 52:37


    This week we look at the rise of a political dynasty - the Ashley-Cooper family, Earls of Shaftesbury - and the evolution of their house in Dorset, St Giles (affectionately known by the 7th Earl as 'The Saint'). Like so many grand houses and their families, the Ashley-Coopers fell upon hard times in the 20th century, and so we also look at the decline of St Giles; from one of the great ancestral seats to little more than a decaying shell at the turn of the millennium. Wonderfully there is a twist at the end of the tale, which will give us hope for next week's episode...

    The Mitford Sisters | 72

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 64:35


    In this fascinating episode, Geoff gives Rory and our listeners a whistle-stop overview of the famous (or infamous) Mitford sisters; the socialite daughters of the 2nd Lord Redesdale and all great beauties of their day. From Nancy the novelist and Diana the Fascist to Jessica the Communist and of course Debo the Duchess, the six Mitford sisters entranced and scandalised early 20th century British society in equal measure.

    Studley Royal & Fountains Abbey | 71

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 56:45


    In this episode Rory guides us around one of the great landscapes of England - Studley Royal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of an 18th century water garden surrounding a medieval abbey.

    Eltham Palace: An Art Deco Icon | 70

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 64:07


    In this episode, Geoff and Rory delve into Eltham Palace - one of the great art deco houses of the 1930's. 

    Castletown House: Paddy's Day Special | 69

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 54:13


    We celebrate Paddy's Day by taking a look into the architecture and history of Castletown House.

    The Evolution Of Home With Emma Sims-Hilditch | 68

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 52:30


    With Rory on video call, Geoff joins Emma Sims-Hilditch in her home to discuss the evolution of home. 

    Swiss Country Houses & Chalets | 67

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 55:59


    In today's episode Geoff and Rory delve into the topic of Swiss Country Houses & Chalets. Remember to send in your Q&A questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Castle Ward: The Love Story That Resulted In A House Of Two Halves | 66

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 41:04


    Geoff & Rory celebrate Valentine's with a fascinating tale that intertwines love and country houses.

    Weston Park With Gareth Williams | 65

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 65:52


    Gareth Williams, Weston Park's Curator, joins Geoff & Rory to discuss the history of the house.

    Easton Neston With Henrietta Spencer-Churchill | 64

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 62:13


    Geoff & Rory are joined in-person at Blenheim Palace by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill to discuss Easton Neston.

    The Country House Portrait With Eleanor Stephenson | 63

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 50:25


    Geoff and Rory are joined by Eleanor Stephenson to discuss Country House Portraits.

    The Oval Office | 62

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 64:00


    In this episode we recognise the transition of power happening in America by discussing the most iconic room in a country house, the Oval Office!

    Q&A - Country House Memberships & The Country House Calendar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 12:55


    Remember to send questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Orangeries | 61

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 50:01


    In this episode, Rory quizzes Geoff about the history, purposes, and designs of orangeries, including the famous orangery at Versailles.

    Calendar Houses | 60

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 60:32


    In this episode, Rory takes us on a journey exploring the history and appeal of calendar houses.

    Hogmanay | 59

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 50:58


    Join Geoff and Rory as they delve into the meaning and traditions of Hogmanay! Thank you for your support in 2024, we wish you the very best for the new year, and do stick with us as we continue to discuss all things country house! With love, Ben, Geoff and Rory!

    Christmas At Ven With Mike Fisher | 58

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 62:18


    Geoff is on location at Ven House with architect Mike Fisher, while Rory streams in to discuss what Ven House is like at Christmas.

    Christmas In The Caribbean: The Glenconners, Messel & Mustique With Lady Glenconner | 57

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 70:54


    We are joined in today's episode by Lady Anne Glenconner who regales us with fascinating stories about her life and Mustique. You can purchase her new book at the following link: https://www.waterstones.com/book/lady-glenconners-picnic-papers/anne-glenconner//9781835012383

    Q&A - Pediments & Daylight Robbery!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 17:52


    Remember to send in your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com if you'd like your questions answered!

    3 Country House Books To Get For Christmas | 56

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 70:58


    In this first of three Christmas episodes, we are joined by Alice Loxton, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Robert O'Byrne, and Luke White to discuss three excellent books:18: A History of Britain in 18 Young LivesBlenheim: 300 Years of Life in a PalaceThe Irish Country House: A New Vision

    Alice Loxton Joins Us To Discuss Vita Sackville-West | 55

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 49:26


    In today's episode, Geoff and Rory are joined by Alice Loxton (History Alice on social media) to discuss Vita Sackville-West (one of the subjects of Alice's brilliant new book!), Sissinghurst, Knole and more.

    Q&A - Is It Possible To Build An English Country House in Mexico? & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 16:05


    Remember to send your questions in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com or via thecountryhousepodcast.com website to have your question answered on the show!

    Building Country Houses To Last With Tim Moulding | 54

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 61:47


    Geoff and Rory are joined by Tim Moulding, a builder from a long, multi-generational line of builders. Remember to send your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Country House Fires | 53

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 57:26


    In this episode, Geoff guides Rory through the devastating fires that have completely destroyed country houses in the past. How can they be caused, and how can old houses prevent fires today? 

    Our One-Year Anniversary: Jane Churchill & 'The Country House Look' | 52

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 55:41


    Geoff and Rory celebrate a year of The Country House Podcast by traveling to visit Jane Churchill and quizzing her on all things country house interiors. Remember to send your questions for our Q&A to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Guy Fawkes Special: Rushton Triangular Lodge | 51

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 54:40


    In today's episode we discuss Rushton Triangular Lodge, a spectactular folly, to commemorate November 5th.

    Q&A - Your Dowager Quotes, Modern Country Houses & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 33:09


    Remember to send in your questions to us at admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Halloween Special: The Hauntings Of Country Houses | 50

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 61:52


    In this spine-chilling episode, Geoff and Rory commemorate Halloween with stories and insights into the most famous country house-related ghosts and hauntings. Remember to submit your Q&A questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Dower Houses: Our Tribute To Dame Maggie Smith | 49

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 49:26


    As a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, Geoff and Rory dive into the topic of Dower Houses. Remember to send your questions in to the Q&A via admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Q&A - National Trust, What Geoff & Rory Do For Work & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 29:10


    Remember to send your questions in via our website or via admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    A Unique 1980s Country House Project: Henbury Hall With Jeremy Musson | 48

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 43:50


    In today's episode, Jeremy Musson joins Geoff and Rory to chat about Henbury Hall.

    Q&A - New Country House Architects, Jacobethan Houses & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 30:57


    A reminder to send your Q&A questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    One Of The UK's Finest New-Build Country Houses: Shilstone House With Sebastian Fenwick | 47

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 44:00


    Continuing our series on new-build country houses, Geoff and Rory are joined by Sebastian Fenwick of Shilstone House in Devon.

    Q&A - Country House Animals, Hierarchies & Stately Homes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 22:47


    Our weekly Q&A featuring your questions!A reminder to send your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com. 

    Francis Terry: The Joy of Designing New Country Houses | 46

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 61:48


    Geoff and Rory are joined by Francis Terry who provides fascinating insights into designing new country houses today. Remember to send in your questions for our Q&A to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Q&A - Gendered Rooms, Preservation Listings & Gate Lodges

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 17:46


    In today's Q&A episode, Geoff and Rory answer another batch of your submitted questions. You can send them in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com for the chance to have yours answered!

    English Parsonages | 45

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 49:57


    In this episode Geoff quizzes Rory about the history, architecture and role of English Vicarages, Rectories and Clergy houses - and why they make such appealing homes.

    English Vineyards With Ed Mansel Lewis (Harvest Special Part 2) | 44

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 52:22


    Today we're joined by Ed Mansel Lewis on the second part of our Harvest Special, Ed joins us to discuss English Country House Vineyards. 

    Q&A - Coming Up With Estate Names, Country House Seasons & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 22:17


    In today's Q&A episode, Ben puts your questions to Geoff and Rory. Do continue to send them in to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Walled Kitchen Gardens With Giles Godfrey (Harvest Special Part 1) | 43

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 40:26


    Giles Godfrey from Keythorpe Hall in Leicestershire joins Geoff and Rory in the first part of a Harvest Special to discuss walled kitchen gardens. You can learn more about Keythorpe Hall at https://www.keythorpehall.co.uk/Remember to send questions for our Q&A episodes to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Palladio's Villa La Rotonda: The Most Important Building Of The Last Millennia? | 42

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 45:57


    In this episode Rory teaches us about Villa La Rotonda just outside of Vicenza in Northern Italy. Remember to send your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    The Palace Of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh Special Part 2) | 41

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 48:17


    In this second part of the Edinburgh Special celebrating the Fringe festival, Geoff and Rory discuss the Palace of Holyroodhouse.Remember to submit your questions to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

    Celebrating The Fringe With Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh Special Part 1) | 40

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 44:00


    In this episode, Geoff and Rory commemorate the beginning of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Part 1 of 2 Edinburgh Specials, highlighting the famous Edinburgh Castle.Reminder to send questions for the Q&A episode to admin@thecountryhousepodcast.com

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