Episode Description:

In this episode of Duchess, our host meets Hollywood actress and Countess of Devon, A.J. Devon. Lady Devon opens up about her career in Hollywood, and explains the difficulty of transitioning to running a historic home. The Duchess learns about the amazing history of Powderham, and we hear how Lady Devon is transforming the estate into a community space for wellness, health, and happiness. 

Have you ever watched Bridgerton, The Crown or Downton Abbey and wondered what it's really like to be a Duchess? If so, this is the podcast for you.

Top Quotes:

“I didn't realise these houses can eat you. I did lose myself to this house” - Lady Devon 

“I wasn’t brought up to be beautiful. I was brought up to be authentic, empowered, and to use my voice.” - Lady Devon

“Running these homes, there’s an immense need and expectation to take care of our communities.”- Emma Rutland

“We can get caught up in the bricks and mortar. But it's our souls that we really put into these homes.” - Emma Rutland

“I will always remember the late Duchess of Devonshire’s advice: You must run it, it must not run you.” - Emma Rutland

About the Guest and Stately Home:

AJ Devon is a former Hollywood actress, who appeared in My So Called Life, Baywatch and Private Practice. Lord & Lady Devon have two children. They have been instrumental in transforming Powderham into a community orientated space promoting health, happiness and freedom of expression.

Deep in the picturesque county of Devon, is one the UK’s most unique historic homes: Powderham Castle. With its unique combination of Georgian, Victorian and Gothic architecture, battlement towers, and crenellations, Powderham’s exterior is an extraordinary sight. Many of the lavish interiors are simply spectacular, such as the Powderham Blue Rococo staircase, or the incredible music room, designed by venerated architect James Wyatt. Like the richness of architectural splendour, the estate has a rich history. Seat of the Earls of Devon, the manor of Powderham was first recorded in the Doomsday Book, and has remained in the Courtenay family for 600 years. One of the more well known ancestors was, William Courtenay who, along with adding many of the extraordinary features of the estate, would scandalise the family and be forcefully exiled due to his sexual orientation. 

About the Host:

Emma, Duchess of Rutland, grew up far away from the world of the aristocracy. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh countryside. She trained as an opera singer in the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a successful interior designer before meeting her future husband David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, at a dinner party. Their marriage in 1992 thrust Emma into a new world, which included the responsibility of preserving one of the nation's greatest stately homes: Belvoir Castle. While simultaneously running the day to day operations of the castle, and raising five children, the Duchess became fascinated with the history and importance of the other stately homes of the UK. Join Emma as she embarks on a wonderful journey through time, to learn more about the incredible homes that have defined Great Britain and, most importantly, meet the other extraordinary women who work tirelessly in the background, to preserve their homes history and magic for future generations.

Resources:

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.powderham.co.uk/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

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