One of Britain’s grandest stately homes is about to unveil its most ambitious transformation in over 80 years. Castle Howard, the magnificent Yorkshire estate that captured audiences’ imaginations in “Bridgerton” and “Brideshead Revisited,” has completed a dramatic restoration of its war-damaged interiors, including the return of priceless 18th-century tapestries to their original home.
The renovation’s centerpiece is the resurrection of the Tapestry Drawing Room, destroyed during World War II when the house served as a girls’ school. Four magnificent tapestries woven in 1706 by John Vanderbank, depicting “The Four Seasons,” will hang once again in their original positions when the house reopens to visitors on April 25, 2025.
“Every generation who has lived in Castle Howard has enjoyed dancing with its particular aesthetic,” explain Nicholas and Victoria Howard, who led the restoration. “From its inception 325 years ago, it has managed to achieve the duality of being both a family home and a place at which to marvel.”
The project extends throughout the thousand-acre estate, with the Long Gallery transformed into a showcase for Italian masterpieces and Grand Tour paintings. The Grand Staircase, reimagined by architect Francis Terry and designers Remy Renzullo and Alec Cobbe, will display ancient sculptures collected by previous generations of the Howard family during their European travels.
Historian Simon Thurley describes the restoration as “a remarkable achievement, worthy of the ambitions of Castle Howard’s first builder.” The project arrives just before the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh, the house’s original architect.
The restoration continues work begun by George Howard, who saved the estate for future generations after the 1940 fire destroyed more than 20 rooms and the iconic dome. The dome was restored in 1962, while the filming of “Brideshead Revisited” in the 1980s funded further renovations.
The transformation promises visitors a rare glimpse into the golden age of the English country house, while ensuring this architectural masterpiece survives for future generations to enjoy.
