Highland Retreats | The storied history of Scotland's shooting lodges with Mary Miers | Ep. 90
The shooting lodges of the Scottish Highlands have beguiled and entranced people from all walks of life for generations. But beyond the romantic facade - the magnificent architecture and breathtaking scenery - lies a complex and at times troubled past that continues to echo down through the centuries.Joining Geoff and Rory on this week's episode is architectural historian, writer and proud Highlander - Mary Miers - who authored a book on 'Highland Retreats' and who is unafraid of tackling the storied past of Scotland's shooting lodges head-on whilst simultaneously celebrating their many delights.
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Shaken, Not Stirred | Goldeneye: The Jamaican home of 007 creator Ian Fleming | Ep. 89
James Bond is one of Britain's most iconic fictional characters, and without a doubt the most famous spy in the world. And the man behind the legend - author Ian Fleming - lived a life almost as thrilling as Bond's.In this high-octane podcast episode, Rory guides Geoff through the life (and many country houses) of Fleming - from his time at Eton and Sandhurst, via his string of high-profile love affairs and service in WWII, to his love of the island nation of Jamaica. All fuelled, of course, by gallons of champagne and thousands of cigarettes.It was at Goldeneye, Fleming's coastal estate in Jamaica, that the author would pen the first of his Bond novels - Casino Royale - in 1952, and it was at Goldeneye that all subsequent James Bond novels were written.Please let us know what you think of this episode by leaving a comment, and feel free to share with us your favourite Bond quotes!
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Clandon Park: Its historic past, present state & uncertain future | Ep. 88
How a fire reduced this 18th century Palladian house to a mere shell... and the questions that it raises.This week, Geoff and Rory are joined by Cornelia Van Der Poll - an Oxford academic and co-founder of Restore Trust - a lobbying group that encourages the National Trust to focus on its founding principles to safeguard our nation's heritage for all to enjoy.In this fascinating episode, we discuss Clandon Park in Surrey - from the architectural and social history of this wonderful Palladian-come-Baroque house (the former seat of the Earls of Onslow) to its current status as one of the most controversial country houses of recent times; after a devastating fire in 2015 reduced the house to a shell, debate continues to rage over whether to restore the house fully or do something 'alternative' with the insurance pay-out.What are your thoughts on the future of Clandon Park? Please leave comments!
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From Venice with Love: Canaletto & 'Canaletto Rooms' in country houses | Ep. 87
How a humble Venetian artist became synonymous with Britain's country house collections...This week Geoff and Rory are joined by renowned Canaletto expert, Charles Beddington, to discuss all things Canaletto! From the artist's humble Venetian beginnings to his 'discovery' by the British Consul in Venice - Joseph Smith - who became Canaletto's patron and agent, placing him firmly on the map for Grand Tourists.In time, paintings by Canaletto would become the souvenir-du-jour for Britain's travelling aristocrats - with the Duke of Bedford commissioning 24 paintings - of which twenty hang in the dining room at Woburn Abbey (one of the famous 'Canaletto Rooms' that we discuss on this podcast episode!)Please join us, and if you enjoy this episode please like it and write us a review. Please also send in questions for our soon-to-be-resurrected Q&A episodes!
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Country House Festivals: From opera & art to motor racing & horse trials | Ep. 86
Every summer, dozens of country houses open their gates for festival-goers, with a huge array of different events hosted within the grounds of our most cherished estates. Off the back of our recent episodes on 'Capability' Brown and Vache Baroque Festival, we have chosen this week to dedicate an entire episode to festivals held on country estates, where fabulous houses provide the most beautiful of backdrops.In this light-hearted episode, Rory takes Geoff on a tour of different types of country house festivals - from the Game Fair at Ragley Hall and motor racing at Goodwood, to Badminton Horse Trials and The Grange Opera Festival.Please join us, and if you enjoy this episode please like it and write us a review. Please also send in questions for our soon-to-be-resurrected Q&A episodes!
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