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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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...

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.

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.