Secrets of an English Country House

Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich is not your average aristocrat. Born on the outskirts of Chicago, she describes herself as an all-American girl who unexpectedly met the future Earl of Sandwich and then married into the British aristocracy. Two decades later, Julie is the driving force behind Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands in Dorset, UK – widely regarded as one of England’s finest manor houses. She shares her daily life with hundreds of thousands of followers via YouTube (@MappertonLive) and Instagram (@juliemontagu) as well as Facebook, Patreon and Substack. Alongside managing the estate, Julie built a successful career as a wellness entrepreneur and yoga instructor, writing several bestselling books and appearing on Bravo’s Ladies of London. As a historian, she is a sought-after presenter and commentator on British history and royal affairs for both UK and US networks. In 2020, she presented An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates for the Smithsonian Channel. She later launched the @AmericanCountess YouTube channel, where her production company, Living History Films, produces high-quality documentaries exploring Britain’s stately homes.

• IntroductionThe Changing Life of an English Country HouseA Manor for All Seasons900 Years of MappertonFamily TreeMapperton And Hinchingbrooke House TimelineSPRINGThe House – Tudor OriginsThe Gardens – A Garden in MemoryIn Conversation – Luke Montagu, Earl of SandwichThe Wildlands – A Quiet Revolution During LockdownThe Family History – The 1st Earl of Sandwich, From Cromwell's Ally to Restorer of the MonarchyThe Collection – The 1st Earl and the Objects of a Tumultuous CenturyCountry House Visit – Boughton House, the Portrait We ShareSUMMER The House – Jacobean VisionThe Gardens – Pools and Summer HouseIn Conversation – Caroline Montagu, 11th Countess of SandwichThe Wildlands – White Park CattleThe Family History – Louisa, 6th Countess of Sandwich, Letters, Love and LegacyThe Collection – Louisa's HandCountry House Visit – Castle Coole, Louisa's Childhood HomeAUTUMNThe House – The Georgian FaceThe Gardens – Victor's VisionIn Conversation – Raymond Leaf, Clerk of WorksThe Wildlands – Pigs and Ponies ArriveThe Family History – The 4th Earl, Scandal and SandwichesThe Collection – Travels, Textiles and MusicCountry House Visit – Medmenham Abbey and the Hellfire Caves, Lord Sandwich's CircleWINTERThe House – The Church and Muniment RoomThe Gardens – Orangery and StatuaryIn Conversation – William Montagu, Viscount HinchingbrookeThe Wildlands – The Beavers’ Silent WorkThe Family History – Alberta Sturges, an Heiress RediscoveredThe Collection – Alberta's Legacy in ObjectsCountry House Visit – Blenheim and the Duchess Who LeftIndexPicture CreditsCountry House Visiting InformationAcknowledgementsAbout the Author