{"id":344576,"date":"2025-09-11T10:00:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T14:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=344576"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:04:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T20:04:47","slug":"live-like-downton-abbey-an-ode-to-english-country-house-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/live-like-downton-abbey-an-ode-to-english-country-house-style\/","title":{"rendered":"Live Like Downton Abbey: An Ode to English Country House Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

The fairytale allure of aristocratic life continues to captivate on screen and in real estate.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Buckinghamshire, England<\/a> | <\/span>United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

It was the American-British novelist Henry James who praised<\/span> \u201cthe well-appointed, well-administered, well-filled country house\u201d <\/span>as the most perfect invention of the English, revealing both \u201ctheir social genius and their manners.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

James would surely have tipped his hat to \u201cDownton Abbey,\u201d which after 15 popular years on our screens has secured its place among fictional estates as venerable as Jane Austen\u2019s Pemberley, Daphne du Maurier\u2019s Manderley and Evelyn Waugh\u2019s Brideshead Castle. But while “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” marks the end of an era, the show’s influence on real estate continues, with buyers seeking properties that capture the same aristocratic elegance and country house appeal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Zionsville, Indiana<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Encore Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Steeped in tradition and landscape, the English country house style endures on both sides of the Atlantic\u2014in bricks and mortar, as well as on screen. <\/span>Recent Realtor.com research<\/span><\/a> found \u201cthe timeless elegance and romantic charm of Tudor and Victorian architecture\u201d infuses the oldest and largest grand houses in America, particularly those in the northeastern U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n

The country house vernacular is a consistently popular choice for new homes, too: though barely 20 years old, the Georgian proportions of <\/span>this house in Zionsville, Central Indiana<\/span><\/a> perfectly capture that old-world charm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s hardly surprising the English country house has endured so well. The mix of old and new\u2014in furniture, textiles and architecture\u2014makes for a reassuring blend of nostalgia and continuity, while comfortable elegance balanced with tasteful formality creates lived-in sophistication. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Buckinghamshire, England<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

For John Goodall, architectural editor of \u201cCountry Life\u201d magazine, this combination of comfort and formality is key. \u201cIt\u2019s a very different vision of elegance and it\u2019s bound up with country living and sports, but also high culture,\u201d he says of the style. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where you can see a Titian on the wall, but the dogs are running around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Denham Place<\/span><\/a>, a palatial 17th-century manor house in Buckinghamshire, England, is a fine example, complete with its own cinematic history as a location for the 1973 James Bond film, \u201cLive and Let Die.\u201d Amply set up for equestrian pursuits and bordering a championship golf course, the house\u2019s interior balances luxury and relaxation, from its magnificently restored state rooms and private chapel lounge to both a formal and informal dining room and a fully equipped gym. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Dallas, Texas<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Briggs Freeman Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Successfully blending period details with the changes demanded of modern luxury living is key to the country house aesthetic, as reflected in the evolution of Downton\u2019s own style.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Crespi Estate<\/span><\/a> exemplifies the art deco style featured in the latest movie. Built in 1938, this stunning Texas property showcases the same period aesthetic and \u201cis a rare expression of old-world opulence brought to life on Dallas soil,\u201d according to Pogir Pogir, global real estate advisor with Briggs Freeman Sotheby\u2019s International Realty, who emphasizes the <\/span>timelessness, romance and exceptional craftsmanship that make it <\/span>chime with its English cousins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Languedoc-Roussillon, France<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Montpellier Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/p>\n

And for potential homeowners keen to embrace the country house lifestyle, but on French soil, <\/span>a classic 17th-century ch\u00e2teau<\/span> at P\u00e9zenas in the Languedoc-Roussillon offers an irresistible combination of opulence and tranquility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Airy interiors, with generously proportioned windows, frame a backdrop of century-old trees, ornamental fountains and elegant parkland, a setting as suited to events as it is to relaxation and retreat. In our restless age, the country house lifestyle feels more precious than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make like a contemporary king or queen\u2014here\u2019s how to live the castle life in 2025<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The fairytale allure of aristocratic life continues to captivate on screen and in real estate. Buckinghamshire, England | United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty It was the American-British novelist Henry James who praised \u201cthe well-appointed, well-administered, well-filled country house\u201d as the most perfect invention of the English, revealing both \u201ctheir social genius and their manners.\u201d\u00a0 James […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770370,"featured_media":344712,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1393,1399,1398],"tags":[1441,1451,1498,1505],"class_list":["post-344576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-and-culture","category-home-and-design","category-featured","tag-france","tag-indiana","tag-texas","tag-united-kingdom"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.jpg","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1rDG","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":345484,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/live-a-shakespearean-fantasy-in-these-picturesque-homes\/","url_meta":{"origin":344576,"position":0},"title":"Live a Shakespearean Fantasy in These Picturesque Homes","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"November 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"As the playwright\u2019s work renews its position in the cultural spotlight, we celebrate the most accessible architectural flourishes of the era, writes Florence Hallett Verona, Italy | Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty The much-anticipated release of \u201cHamnet,\u201d the big-screen adaptation of Maggie O\u2019Farrell\u2019s acclaimed novel, is proof\u2014if it were needed\u2014that Shakespeare\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Shakespearean home in England","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shakespeare_ManorHouse2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":400,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/where-the-worlds-wealthiest-want-to-live-in-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":344576,"position":1},"title":"Where the World\u2019s Wealthiest Want to Live in 2025","author":"Procurement Admin","date":"January 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"These countries are seeing major shifts in luxury property as millionaires and billionaires choose to relocate The Armani Beach Residences at the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Credit: Dubai Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Millionaires are on the move. The great wealth migration, which paused briefly during the pandemic, hit record levels in 2024\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":343837,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/how-to-live-in-a-castle-in-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":344576,"position":2},"title":"How To Live in a Castle in 2025","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"April 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Make like a king or queen with panoramic views from the turrets, luxe interiors, swimming pools \u2013 and even the odd moat, writes Aimee Dawson Perugia, Italy | Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty They say an Englishman\u2019s home is his castle. Certainly that has been the case for the Howard family\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Header.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":342652,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/whats-a-perfect-home-for-gen-z\/","url_meta":{"origin":344576,"position":3},"title":"What\u2019s a Perfect Home for Gen Z?","author":"SIR Admin","date":"September 12, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"This young generation looks for spectacular properties that fit their digitally native lives, writes Aimee Dawson Miami Beach, Florida | ONE Sotheby's International Realty A new generation has entered the property market in recent years: Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012. As these young people have begun buying\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/imagereader-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/imagereader-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/imagereader-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/imagereader-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":342779,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-fate-of-real-estate-in-an-election-year\/","url_meta":{"origin":344576,"position":4},"title":"The Fate of Real Estate in an Election Year","author":"SIR Admin","date":"October 7, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"More than half of the world\u2019s population go to the polls in national elections this year. How does political change affect real estate markets? A view of the Kennedy Center from the Residences at Ritz Carlton Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Photo: TTR Sotheby\u2019s International Realty This year marks an unprecedented\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Brand News"","block_context":{"text":"Brand News","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/brand-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image2.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image2.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image2.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image2.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":342095,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/private-paradises-4-remote-luxury-homes\/","url_meta":{"origin":344576,"position":5},"title":"Private Paradises: 4 Remote Luxury Homes","author":"SIR Admin","date":"July 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Privacy is the greatest luxury. And with a luxury home located in the right locale, getting away from the fuss and frustrations of daily life by finding refuge in a remote destination is a dream turned reality. 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