Heading out from London, American Friends of British Art supporters embarked on a journey to the lovely countryside of Yorkshire, where we lodged at Middlethorpe Hall, a lovely Queen Anne building with architecture inspired by Sir Christopher Wren.
After settling in, we visited nearby Scampston Hall, a handsome Regency gem, where the owners Sir Charles and Lady Caroline Legard introduced us to the gardens, laid out by Capability Brown.
he following day we visited Castle Howard, made recognizable by the film Brideshead Revisited. This Baroque masterpiece designed by Sir John Vanbrugh features impressive, if not theatrical, interiors. The surrounding landscape includes walled gardens, open vistas, and significant architectural features like the Temple of the Four Winds.
At Castle Howard, we enjoy lunch with its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Howard, who descend from the original owner the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. The following day we visited Newby Hall. Built in the 1690’s by Sir Christopher Wren and enlarged by John Carr, it features some of the finest Adam interiors in all of England, and is surrounded by award-winning gardens and landscapes.
Returning back into the town center, we visit the 7th century York Minster Cathedral, which has undergone significant restoration work and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England. That evening, we enjoyed dinner in the Georgian Fairfax House, designed by John Carr for the Viscount Fairfax.
The following day, we headed back into the countryside for a visit to the 12th century Haddon Hall, resplendent with its leaded glass windows and crennelated roofline. Romantically situated high atop the River Wye, the Elizabethan terraced gardens offer extraordinary views across the valley.
Our next stop was Chatsworth House, home of the Dukes of Devonshire, and one of the most photographed houses in England. During our time at Chatsworth, we receive guided tours from the house’s conservation team, the Head Gardener, and the resident archeologist, all offering profound insight into the historic fabric of the house and landscape over the centuries.
Our last stop on the tour included an overnight stay at Belvoir Castle, with a dinner in the State Dining Room hosted by the Duke of Rutland.
