Our Manor is Falling Down - and that’s just the beginning!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- 🏡 Welcome to Mapperton, Englands' Finest Manor House! Join us, Luke and Julie, for an enchanting 5-night retreat hosted by us at one of England's majestic estates. Experience the perfect blend of history and luxury. Discover more on our website: Grand Historic Tours: www.grandhistorictours.com
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The Gilded Age American Heiress Exhibition opened to the public here at Mapperton on the 5th May. However, if you can’t make it in person you can buy a ticket (3 cups of coffee) for a virtual hour long tour with me, and support this ongoing project over at www.buymeacoffee.com/juliejmo...
ROUND-BREAKING AI BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE - NEW EXHIBITION UNVEILS THE UNTOLD STORY OF A GILDED AGE AMERICAN HEIRESS.
A new exhibition offers a glimpse into the captivating world of Alberta Sturges Montagu, the 9th Countess of Sandwich, and an American Heiress from the renowned era known as The Gilded Age.
Curated by Mapperton’s very own American Viscountess, Julie Montagu, the "American Heiress" collection is comprised of more than 10,000 previously unseen letters exchanged between Alberta (Sturges) Montagu and her family, as well as the peerage at large.
Dating from 1888 to 1951, these letters constitute the largest unpublished private collection of correspondence from the period. They offer a remarkable glimpse into the life of a "dollar bride" during the Gilded Age, shedding light on both triumphs and struggles.
The exhibition will explore Alberta's formative years in America, her upbringing in Chicago and New York, and the significance of her inheritance. Visitors will unravel the captivating courtship between Alberta and George Montagu, the future 9th Earl of Sandwich, leading to their marriage in 1905 in London. The narrative will culminate with her relocation to Hinchingbrooke House, the original family seat, in 1916 as the new Countess, following the death of the 8th Earl of Sandwich.
The exhibition takes innovation to the next level by introducing Alberta AI, a ground-breaking creation that brings her story to life like never before.
“With the aid of cutting-edge AI technology, we've resurrected Alberta's voice, allowing her to answer visitors’ burning questions about her remarkable journey,” says Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke.
🏛️ Can't come visit us in person! No problem! How about a Virtual Tour of Mapperton House & Gardens! Explore the beauty of the English countryside through stunning 360-degree imagery, videos, and ambient sounds in our immersive virtual tour. Start your tour at: buymeacoffee.com/mapperton
🌍 Explore More with Us! Visit our sister channel: American Viscountess on TH-cam ( / americanviscountess ) and Julie's NEW channel: Julie in Italy, Authentic Italy Delivered to your Doorstep on TH-cam ( / julieinitaly )
Help support the restoration of our 18th-century Grade II* listed eagles at (www.gofundme.com/mappertoneag....
Shop for the latest Gilded Age American Heiress merchandise at the American Viscountess Shop www.americanviscountess.com/shop
📚 Discover Julie's Best-Selling Books! Did you know Julie is a best-selling author on health and wellbeing? Check out her good for you recipe books and more:
- Superfoods Superfast, 100 Energising Recipes to Make in 20 Minutes or Less: www.amazon.com/Superfoods-Sup...
- Superfoods, The Flexible Approach to Eating More Superfood: www.amazon.com/Superfoods-Fle...
- Eat Real Foods, Simple Rules for Health Happiness and Unstoppable Energy www.amazon.com/Eat-Real-Food-...
- Recharge: A Year of Self-Care to Focus on You www.amazon.com/Recharge-Year-...
📬 Stay Informed! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for the latest updates and events at Mapperton. Sign up here: mailchi.mp/mapperton/mapperto...
📅 Visit and Contribute to Mapperton! Book your ticket now at mapperton.com to explore our Historic House, Award-wnning Gardens and Mapperton Wildlands, England's Most Spectacular Rewilding Project plus our new Gilded Age American Heiress exhibition. Contribute to our exhibition and archive materials at: www.buymeacoffee.com/juliejmo... - A contribution of three cups of coffee or more grants you a virtual tour of the exhibition, led by Julie.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mapperton soon! 🤗
Warm regards,
Luke & Julie
Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke 👑👑
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I think some viewers are forgetting an important detail about the house in Italy.... it belongs to Julie, bought and paid for through her teaching yoga classes and hosting retreats and any other of her business ventures outside of Mapperton.
Mapperton, and everything that goes with it is entailed to the Earl of Sandwich and his heirs, in perpetuity. If Julie outlives Luke, she has no claim to anything related to Mapperton. So the little house in Italy is her ONLY real security. Don't begrudge her that.
That’s a great way to look at things ❤
I hadn’t thought of that. Is there no dowager home on the property. One day her son will be Earl.
It also means that the other children have something to inherit.
@@annaswanson5903 One would hope. But I can't picture Julie happily "dependant" financially or otherwise on her children. The Italian house is also a means of income.
I went to school in the UK for few years and I really don't know how this aristocracy stuff works but the current Earl of Sandwich is a member of Parliament which means when he dies the dowager countess will receive his pension/social security we call it here in the USA. I don't know if Luke/Viscount of Hinchingbrooke is working for a living although you mentioned that Julie teaches yoga just to keep herself busy although if her TH-cam channel gets millions of followers she will be making serious money that can even make her a millionaire. Like another person commented, Julie's son the future Earl of Sandwich will most likely not put his own mother out on the streets when he inherits Mapperton and will Julie receive Luke's pension or an allowance from Mapperton estate. There are so many cottages on the estate that Julie can repair and make it her own retirement place. Does anyone know the answer to this issue????
Thank you for continuing to share the good, bad and ugly of living in an historic manor home. When a building is preserved it more often than not tells a complicated story of successes and failures of the family who inhabited it. Others may say these manor homes are owned by the privileged but I feel they are owned and cared for by preservationists who want the story to continue.
Yes these properties were owned by the privileged, but they served as the focal point for the artists of the period, and therefore they are the nation's museums. These estates served as the focus of energy of all local and national artists.
@@willchristie2650 Also a place of employment, production, culture, community, etc.
Yes….having and above all maintaining a big house like that today is not a easy task especially if you do not work the land and do not get anything out of it. And even if you did, it would have to be a lot of land with many workers!
Kia Ora from New Zealand. Firstly, I can't imagine feeling the negativity I'm reading here from people who should be encouraging you with the huge number of projects you continually give your whole hearts & souls to. I can't believe how hard working you all are, & how very far you've come in such a short time when you consider the age of this stunningly beautiful estate. It must seem heartachingly impossible at times, but keep going, please!
I see the love & pride on everyone's faces who are involved in Mapperton, & the huge respect between the three generations residing there. How I'd love to shake your hands!
It would be wonderful to see the farmland working properly & washing its own face, which in turn would help generate £ for the refurbishing projects, but even though I live for your posts, I simply am not in a position to help with £ being a retiree, which makes me very sad.
We have scraped up enough money to come to England this month (so excited!), to see some precious people who helped us when we adopted 2 of our beautiful sons from Russia 26 years ago, & whom we may never get another chance to see again, our gorgeous son who lives there now, people we met travelling (the hard way, with packs on our backs & a $10 a day budget) through SE Asia & of course, merry old England, couch surfing most of the way! I just hope & pray we can get to Mapperton to see it for real, a dream come true for me.
Thank you so much! ♥️♥️♥️
i don't think i ever realised HOW big the whole estate is ... holy moly.
Luke and Julie, this video is absolutely sad and daunting! I wish I were a billionaire, and would give you what you need to do everything….BUT, alas, I am not. I so enjoy your vlogs, and have followed you for awhile! I don’t believe this is clickbait…your pictures tell the story. I am an 80 yr old feisty woman who lives on a fixed income alone in a log house in Pennsylvania, USA that I maintain myself, so I can only a tiny bit appreciate what you see needs to be done. Please, all you folks who can, help Luke and Julie!! They are gems!! 🌷💕🐻
Mapperton manor and grounds are stunning. What a shame the family waited so long to address restoring this treasure. Thank God you have and are working hard to bring life back to this manor and it’s future. We hope to visit soon.
Did she ever say why they let it go to rack & ruin?
@@samanthab1923 The Earl of Sandwich and his family have only owned this estate since 1955. Their ancestral home was Hinchingbrooke House, which they had to sell along with most of the contents... it became a school. They bought the smaller Mapperton Estate with the proceeds from that sale. So I'm sure much was already dilapidated when they bought it. th-cam.com/video/sxeUe4R3YjA/w-d-xo.html
@@eschrad Gotcha 👋
Possibly reach out to Hopwood Dupree, as he is restoring his ancestors 600 year old Manor Hopwood Hall, he also has a channel on TH-cam. Hopwood Manor is near London in Manchester. They have skilled tradesmen and woman volunteering their time to help restore the once abandoned Manor. Many are students honing their skills. He has also earned grants that help with the huge restoration.
“Near London in Manchester.” ???? Perhaps if you are used to Texas or Alaska distances, Manchester is “near London.” By English standards, the two cities are not neighbors.
@@EnglishJoanInOregon Yes, I made a mistake due to being tired. The grammer police are always appreciated!
Mapperton is blessed to have Julie and Luke! Thank you both for all the hard work you invest!
I was thinking why don’t you guys fix up the properties that can be rental properties first and then putting that money that you get from after you fixing it and renting it out as maybe cottages for Airbnb or making up guest houses so you can rent them to locals and all that, and you can use the money from that to fix up smaller projects to leading to the bigger projects
That and hire Mexicans they are tge roofing kings of America.
Yes, and team up with local real estate? Win win!
That would be nice. Hate to see anything in ruins. It’s hard to draw people in because there are no sights to visit nearby. They need more to do them just have a sleepover.
No, that won’t work out, the money they would spend for fixing cottages to rent out, will just paid barely enough for the money they spent to fix a cottage.
Could you team up with a school that teaches masonry or woodworking and trade hands on experience for room and board? That way people could gain valuable hands on experience on listed project and you could get some work done at a more affordable price? Or put a call out for any experienced thatcher, free stay and eats at Mapperton? There are many people that would love the opportunity to spend time on your estate.
Yes i have seen that work for somewhere before but cant remember wjere
Love that idea 💡
Many Chateau owners enlist volunteers, the volunteers do a task they are well suited for. The volunteers get to "live" at a historic home and see a part of a world different then their own. Stephanie Jarvis from The Chateau Diaries utilizes volunteers, maybe reach out to her for inspiration.
@@peggyhansen4516 Stephanie Jarvis can't even manage to take her dog to the vet so she is not very reliable. However, The chapel on her property is being restored so that is a good step. The grand salon at one end of the chateau is falling down & no work has been done on that for a year. It's not even a matter of funds but of not caring, I guess. I would hate to see Julie & Luke have their reputation linked to SJ.
King Charles has founded the Heritage Fonds for that reasons like a schools with craftwork education
Even with needed repairs, this place is stunning! Rafters to dungeon...
People will be more likely to come to stay, not for an exhibit. Consider the old horse barn block for apartments instead.
yes - short term rentals for individuals that are interested in non-Grand...Tours, re-wilding projects, etc. thank you
While I admit, I am not an expert in restoration, I would like to offer a thought. I see so many young Brits going to Italy and other foreign areas to learn the trades needed to restore old places. Have you thought about putting a call out to the international community and staging a "learn from the masters" for a summer in exchange for a place to pitch a tent (maybe use the carport) and food to gain the skills such as stone work, clearing areas, thatching, tapestry work, etc.? There is a new segment of this younger generation that seem to be eager to offer their services in exchange for knowledge that is soon to be lost as the master craftsmen die off. They don't mine living "rough" as long as they feel that they are contributing to the social good and gain experience and knowledge in the process. It will still be expensive for the building materials and food but you could increase your exposure to the world by showcasing this initiative even though you are an hour away from the big cities. This might actually become a place for curious on lookers to watch the work being done. While I don't usually comment in such public forums, I thought I would off an opinion that might be of some benefit. I want to wish you well in your endeavors and hope that you can keep things going. History is so precious and once lost can never be regained. And these beautiful estates are so some of the best in the world!
I posted my comments before reading others so I apologize for a second post. If the economy is so bad for many, maybe turn back the tables and let people work at the estate for room and board (that they restore with some of the barns, etc.). This would help with long term upkeep and keep people off the streets while being productive. I love the ideas of the Dowtown Abbey "downstairs" theme and having weekend lessons on how to can fresh veggies from the garden, etc. I would have loved to have someone teach me the ideas of garden to canning!
Good Luck- we all have our house repairs
If the Corleigh barn is on unstable ground, give up on that project and reuse the stone elsewhere on the estate. And use the timbers. Surely they don't expect you to salvage that bad of a wreck.
I agree that prioritizing income generating renovations first would be the way to go. Definitely look into schools, universities for labor help at a cheaper cost. Wishing you continued success in keeping this beautiful place alive 😍😘
There is way too much vegetation around all the structures, which wasn't addressed in the video. The cement used in historic buildings, which was produced decades or centuries ago, is not the same as today's; that's the concrete spalling and cracking problems you are encountering. If the foundations are moving, causing the walls and columns to lean or crack, you need to start at the bottom, stabilize the ground, and then deal with the walls. Fixing a roof is not going to solve the primary problems. You have a terrific place there; set priorities by cost-to-benefit ratio.
I always wonder why stuff is just left. Is it always a money issue? The pool for instance. Luke remembers it fixed up 30 years ago but then never checked on it.
I agree with some comments,there are barns that could be saved but the one that was really falling apart needs knocking down. You have to decide what’s really necessary to save. Associate your yourselves with schools to give them practical work experience and put them up in tents or the barns. Stone maisons, thatchers , farming etc… need to practice on real projects. Not everyone can afford the grand tour but could stay for a few days in reasonably priced appts gîte style !!! We admire you and your team for what you all do 😘
I agree. The high life is not for me, and mansions make me depressed. But one part of the whole Mapperton business could be geared towards us lower-budget people with interests in local history, wildlife, native crafts, gardening, etc. But that might be spreading themselves much too thin? Diversity, yes; but also focus. Where is the business plan?
You guys are thinking about this from the wrong angle…. What you need to do is get the children, educated in the trades necessary and start a family business with the required training and certifications to be able to do this as a trade…. then your children have a future set for themselves and you have a family business that can cut your cost of maintenance dramatically…. And you are saving historic homes….. my dad was one of 14 children ,and he always used to joke that Pepe called them cheap farm labor!!!
As a former tradeswoman, I completely agree! My family relies on eachothers trade skills to repair our home. Besides the ever increasing costs of building supplies, labor is usually the biggest portion of any restoration expenses. If the children were to learn trades and aquire a business management degree if needed (some people are talented in business without a degree) this could help the estate immensely. Julie and Luke might want to also consider getting their hands dirty and try to tackle smaller repairs by watching well reviewed TH-cam tutorials.
I agree. Get the volunteer in pronto! Privately educated children are a great expense and it needs to be accounted for.
Open a restoration school. Skilled instructors could guide students to restore your pieces. Just a thought.
They need monthly rents in order to raise proper money to cover their costs. Visitors is great supplemental income but not enough and it’s limited by it being seasonal.
Excessive vegetation on stonework causes a great deal of damage. Get that under control to reduce the rate of deterioration.
Oh my! I understand what some posters are saying, not the mean-spirited ones, but the realization that people have their own bills to pay and it's one thing to help a little when you think it's a couple of fairly manageable repairs for such a beautiful property with centuries of English history and architecture, to millions of dollars for repairs. Even if the $3 million is raised, it is a lifetime of maintenance for these historic estates. It's that much harder in that Mapperton is far for your average tourist to travel to. It is a destination spot on its own. A destination I can't wait to plan a trip to with my sister! I love architecture, history and Julie's cooking segments.
How do you keep enough money coming in annually to repair and maintain Mapperton now and for generations to come?
I certainly don't know and it might sound crazy but Julie can create a product or two that Americans would buy. She's a relatable, down-to-earth, infectious, funny, poignant, hard working gal from the Midwest, Chicago suburbs, who fell in love and found herself in the English countryside with her family trying to save their historic family home which, for anyone, is a labor of love. What that product is I don't know but as they say with writers, write what you know. Is it preserves, a cooking line, a clothing line, shoes? A clothing line and shoes would mean new styles annually and best sellers stay in production. Just throwing out some ideas. I'd buy sweaters, jeans and shoes etc. from the Julie Montagu line, classic and stylish apparel. We're always cold here most of the year too (upper Midwest). You could then parlay that into the Mapperton Homeware line, whatever classic English styles are, and tying in Alberta and styles from the American Gilded Age era. Bedding, towels, lamps, furniture, rugs, etc.
It has to be something she believes in that is a quality product and knows that her fellow Americans would just as easily purchase from her, if not more so, than some nameless, faceless, personality-less (I know, not a word) company or other person. Julie on QVC or HSN and making the rounds on the morning shows nationally and locally, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, L.A., Kansas City, Dallas, about her line of whatever, telling her story of growing up in the Midwest, wherever it is her parents and siblings live today, and just being a regular American entrepreneur who just happens to live in an historic English home, found herself on reality tv briefly, no airs about her, and why she created whatever product it is that I am going to buy.
I’d prioritize fixing the famed garden and orangery spaces since that is such a huge draw and you’d want it to be in tip top shape for all the weddings you host. You can probably put a bar on wheels to serve cocktails inside the orangery on days you host weddings.
I am sorry, but I am 73 years old, live on a rigid fixed income when sometimes getting groceries can be a challenge, do not have the funds or physical ability to repair my own home (without any possibility of outside help)--so there is no possible way I could ever donate to a stranger’s project. I understand why you felt the need to ask, but thank your lucky stars that you can ask--I HAVE NO ONE I CAN ASK FOR HELP!
If repairs were done ages ago by the original family and kept up, then why would it need so many repairs? Why wasn't this property kept up? What happened that it wasn't kept up?
The question is can they figure out a way to rescue these 300 year old structures? Or do they throw up their hands and point fingers at not being billionaires and the march of time? The UK and France are filled with ruined structures for this reason. Should they just let it happen here without trying to figure it out?
Weather, time, animals, normal wear and tear.
Thanks for showing us the other side of your responsibility living on an historical estate. It's an enormous task. Unfortunately we are currently homeless and living with friends, I'm also disabled. I wish you every success in your endeavours ❤ from Queensland Australia
Finding ways to reduce utilities like solar or wind for electric and something to reduce heating costs will be a start. It has to be hard. Finding ways to do more yourselves would also save a lot. We are all hurting, otherwise folks could do more. Many will find it hard to have the sympathy for a home like this when our relative tiny homes are in need of work. We all appreciate the history, but thungs have to turn for us before we can help you. Some may give the $5 to you instead of feeding themselves so please consider this when asking for so much help. Millions is a massive ask. The barn, just let it go. Breed your livestock more and sell more. Rent out for events. Sadly you are at a point many families have found themselves in with these homes. Getting it making reliable income is going to be key. I know you are trying. See about offering locals stays or something for volunteer work.
For solar…. How much sun does England really get? ☀️
Might be time to hand it over to the National Trust to be enjoyed by the public full time and maintained by professionals.
I totally agree. If you think this is worth saving, give it to an organization funded to fo so.
Does the government not have grants available? How on earth can they require upkeep and repair with no help available?
Ever thought of having a fundraising ball? Where people can come and enjoy your delightful home and donate a minimum amount of say 100 GBP, there will be those who can give more, which is even better....just a thought, so that people can feel part of something....I would love to come to one of your dinners but so out of my price range, unfortunately. I love seeing your vlogs and I wish you all the very best in all you do. Your place is truly delightful! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home! Grazie Luke and Julie! 🤩
and honestly, the collapsed barn, save yourself money and let it go. It's unnecessary at the end of the day.
thus, re-wild that area...
Or sell the land and use the money to restore what's really important.
Those of you that post with pointing fingers might want to consider (and ask) what shape was Mapperton in when it was acquired? Somehow, I doubt that it was all pristine & new, needing no repairs. These things snowball, regardless of effort & money spent. Luke & Julie have more avenues of help & money available to them than their ancestors ever had. My money's on them, literally!😅
Hi I’m Debbie Cook (a patron) Have you thought of picking small parts of projects that could be fixed or even partially fixed for between 20 to 50 pounds and setting them up so people could “buy” individual small items that need to be restored . Example would be a painting that needs restoration. Divide it into square inches or millimeters and offer each at a price between 25 and 50 pounds. I would love to “purchase” small affordable repairs like that every month 😀. And it won’t break my budget to do so ❤️
Hi Debbie, that is a great idea! Let me think about how to go about doing this. Thank you!!
Like ‘buy a brick’ for a new hospital
I think this is a great concept! Maybe build a wall and put people’s name on it if they would give a one time gift! It is hard becoming a patron when we got our own families that need assistance. But a one time donation or gift might be a better option for some 😊
I really like this idea! I could help with a one time donation for a project
On another channel, The Chateau Diaries, the owner sold "stars" from the ceiling of their chapel ceiling to pay for the restoration.
Also, I've seen other British restoration channels, where they enlist tradespeople from the community to volunteer services - I'm thinking of the thatching, in particular. There should be some sort of quid pro quo you could agree on.
And offering buildings as a training site for stonemasons, etc. I've seen that on a UK channel where a woman facilitates workers and homeowners to create training exercises for young craftspersons.
The cart shed with the new roof is bringing in no revenue - there are three spaces that could be turned into accommodations for travelers. Close in the fronts, install plumbing and electrics - advertise for visitors and revenue flow. I know it's not quite that simple with planning commissions and regulations - but it would be a start to use space that otherwise is just there and not useful...
Also, with more people working remotely there is more of a market for country living.
This is overwhelming. God bless you both for trying to hold on that wonderful old estate.
What I wouldn’t give to rent out a workshop stall in one of those barns or cart sheds! Local creatives (woodworkers, ceramicists, etc etc) would likely jump at the chance.
It just seems like a no-brainer that priority goes to anything that generates income. Any and all cottages that can be revived and monthly rents collected, on a yearly rental basis, would help enormously. I'm sure there are plenty of people in your area that would love to live there!
If you're willing to deal with crew & trailers camping out, I'm sure there are plenty of location scouts for film and telly who could want to use the house and gardens for shoots. I could see the Bridgertons liking all that wisteria on the stables! Even editorial & fashion photographers would potentially be interested. I know Mapperton has been in films before so might be worth revisiting. Best of luck guys!
Also, as a former art history student I'd have loved to see all those paintings and tapestries first hand ... is there a uni nearby with an art history and/or restoration program that could come for field trips or work experience?
Living in Canada an hours drive is nothing, can take an hour just to get through my city.
I can agree! I drive 2 1/2 hours one way to go to my cousin's house! Another friend lives 1 1/2 hours one way.
With GPS on everyone's phone's, it would be an adventure of driving through Dorset seeing the beautiful countryside!!!! The time would be like nothing!! I'd be stopping taking pictures everywhere so I know it would take me even longer! 😆
I live in a 19th century house in Australia. I have salt damp eating away the stone walls, termites in some floorboards, movement and cracks ...I can relate. My problems are on a smaller scale. I still love this old house, despite all the problems. One step at a time. Good luck guys!!
The real issue is that you need to increase the revenue of the business. Do you have a business manager? Whatever farming you are doing needs to be greatly expanded. Do you have an agent for the property to get it used in commercials and movies? Empty buildings need to get converted to revenue generating properties. Finally you need to go after grants and get friendly with philanthropist. You need to get Mackenzie Scott on your contract list.
Luke, your grandfather bought the place in 1955 but grandfather and father seem to have done nothing since. As a Compton by descent of former owners of Mapperton, fair comment to say your efforts may be too little (keeping such a vast unprofitable and unproductive landholding private) and too late for youtube hustling. The vlogs are entertaining and Julie’s energy impressive. But, It’s not like you’ve held the property for centuries, just 69 years of what you yourself vividly depict here as your family’s neglect. Many fans have put forward suggestions, but the price may be reducing your privacy and privilege in exchange. Best wishes
It all has to be so stressful. I find myself having vast issues with the logic of rebuilding a collapsed barn, or any other building that sits on ground that is shifting and falling away. That makes absolutely no sense to me. There are more than enough other buildings on the estate in far better shape that are not being used and could be converted to income producing uses. If you had more rental units, the estate would be more inviting to more people. They would be more amenable to taking the time to get to the Estate and explore the environs. Which reminds me, taking advantage of your proximity to the Jurassic coast seems like it could be a draw. For example, bringing in Paleontologists and other scientists to lead explorations of the coast and surrounding area. Seems to me that growing the number of annual visitors all leads back to accommodations and special events. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
I love how open and transparent you guys are. You are trying. Everyone should be proud of what you are doing.
Thank you for sharing!!
I visited last weekend, I had the best tour I have ever had, and the Garden were amazing, just wish I had taken a book. Keep going
Do you not have 'Mapperton Volunteers'? Look at the chateauxs being renovated in France on TH-cam. They all rely on volunteers to help them and in return those volunteers get to stay in a lovely house. IE Escape to the Dream, Chateau Diaries. Might be worth a thought 🙂
This is a great idea
I don’t think those of us in America don’t understand how old these buildings are. Time and weather damage everything, no matter the care taken to maintain them. Luke and Julie, you are doing a wonderful job thinking of ways to raise interest and money. Like others, I wish I had a billion dollars to give you.
You COULD repurpose the broken down barn timbers for the pergola frame.
A lot of your stone work is covered in mosses and lichens and you have a lot of plants that also attach themselves to the nooks and crannies of the masonry. Those can badly erode the stonework over time, especially in a wet climate that can get freezing weather. You also have a lot of mosses on the roofs, which can also erode the roof as well as retain water and create ice dams in cold weather, leading to roof damage and leaks. You might be able to buy some time by having those areas cleaned and treated with biocides while you focus on more critically damaged areas. There are a lot of great English based cleaners on TH-cam that you might be able to create a mutually beneficial relationship with. I bet Sid Partridge of Partridge Exterior Cleaning here on TH-cam would find Mapperton and its buildings right up his alley.
Luke showed us an overgrown area of concern around one of the barns, can you leverage your sheep or other livestock to graze some of those areas down to help keep it from getting worse? Utilizing the resources you have can be a great way of at least managing situations from getting worse.
Transforming places you have to maintain into revenue generating spaces would help to keep them maintained, and if they can make enough revenue maybe even help fund restoration of other spaces. Certainly, try to prioritize areas that can help generate revenue. Don't forget to remind your TH-cam viewers of all your facilities and anmenities occasionally as well. It has been a while since your glamping area was mentioned
Some of the farm buildings are indicated as hard to make revenue for, but I wonder if maybe something like Colonial Williamsburg where you create a space where you try to show a historical snapshot of life at Mapperton when the buildings were with costumed cast reenacting daily life. Local to where I live in California there is also the Ardenwood historical farm, and they have a bunch of activities for families like tours of some old houses on site, and horse drawn wagon tours of the grounds. More time consuming activities and places to stay might help make Mapperton a nice destination since you are a bit away from a major city.
Of course growing your online presence and as your TH-cam subs and sponsors grow will help create new revenue streams as well. I see many TH-camrs try to set Like Goals that when reached on a particular video they will then do something as a reward to their viewers. Maybe you can do something like 5000 likes and you will do a video about a specific building on the property, with a tour and a history lesson. Of you can use Like goals to help pick the next project you work on.
Best of luck, I am confident you can make it work out and will eventually clear that backlog and be able to create a more manageable situation where you are focused more on maintenance than emergencies and restoration. Sorry for the long rambling message, just my Masters and BS in business kicking in.
That's soooo right
Some great ideas!
Thankyou for taking the time to respond. Gives good points that can be used to support the place. Also great advice for others with large, older properties.
😢 I wish I could help. I will be living paycheck to paycheck wondering how I can afford rent, insurance, car payment, etc by middle of October. I've had to pawn things in the past to pay something. It's not easy. Things are just too expensive now! Trips will be done too for a while. Life in limbo. I love your videos and your steadfastness with your ideas. ❤
You could have Garden Party's and BBQ's in Summer!
You could do a Coloring app. It wouldn't bring in a lot of money but I know I spend hours on it when I have insomnia!!! Coloring the house exterior, interior, flowers, animals, people, wedding, eagles, dresses, etc. Just an idea.
Julie, you could teach somewhere.
As a family, you may have to just sell more land off. It's sad to think of.
Forget about repairing a falling down barn. 😢
Polo matches? Crazy but an idea.
Luke, you could go back into your film work. Julie, you could do TV work again. It would bring in something to pay your bills.
Sell the Italian house! Sad to think about since it's finished but you could use the money towards Mapperton! You don't need this extra expense !!! We all wished we had a spare house to go to, but we can't afford it! 😢 I'm not intending to sound harsh but Mapperton is your Primary residence!! If you didn't need the extra money for anything, then, yes, have a vacation home somewhere! They are ideas and some are unthinkable, but they may have to be considered 😢!
As an historic house and Grade 1 listed, could you lease half the house to someone and you just live in the other half? Not sure if this is possible?!
Sell land off to farmers?
Love and prayers to you all! Hugs! 🙏❤
Perhaps the apartment in Italy needs to go and reinvest the proceeds back into Mapperton. Everyone has bills these days that they are not sure how they are going to pay.
What the apartment is worth is a mere drop in the bucket compared to the upkeep costs of Mapperton. Would it help a little? Perhaps. But just a little and just once.
They use the appartement as content for vlogs, so it is generating some money. Besides, they are also allowed to live a life outside Mapperton despite their responsibilities to it.
A very snarky comment
@@janellesettree3838 Explain?
The home in Italy is, I believe, going to be used as an air b&b, besides a vacation home for their family. Luke and Julie work VERY hard, so a vacation home is not outrageous.
It’s your family’s heritage and provenance. You are custodians of this beautiful building. Your love and concern is clear. I only wish, since the National Trust places listings on these buildings, it should allow you to apply for grants to help maintain Britain’s heritage. I send heartfelt wishes to you both. I have no doubt you will find your way. PS I like the ideas expressed of the craftspersons’ teaching and having them come there….. excellent idea.
Have you thought of converting some of those buildings into bed and breakfast or spa or getaway cottage to rent out? Could draw more people…
Excited for the new vlog ❤
I agree with many comments here.
Often these gorgeous places reach this state of decline as a sign of the times changing. Decisions made decades ago were not in line with its continued exsitance. Ageing buildings needing everything done all at the same time and it does generate a high cost that is only rising.
Get suitable accommodation set up for workers or volunteers to stay in while helping.
Reach out to the trade schools and see what training/restoring could be done. The beautiful cycle there is the young learning on the the old and gaining genuine skills.
Hopefully you will find the right community who can come and help without so much of the cost.
Have you considered a dedicated tour bus that would have specific hours of departure from a city and go to Mapperton and then a specific return time to the same city to collect their cars, etc. This would boost the advertisement in outlying cities and hopefully would increase your tours business. Good luck.
Why not rent out the house and grounds to TV and movie productions? I think this was done in the past. Another idea is to create hiking trails, nature tours, have astronomy nights for stargazing. Host events such as bridal and baby showers, birthday and retirement parties, etc. Look to double the number of weddings at the estate. At Halloween, open up one of the farms as a pumpkin patch and have hayrides using farm tractors.
They have been doing all of that and more for for quite a while.
There hasn’t been a movie set there in a number of years. They could use the garden for Bridgerton or similar themed movies.
Was just there a week ago and visited the house and grounds. Yes, we noticed all the work that still needs to be done to maintain her.
In the US there are barn restorers that actually resource barn structure from other barns that are still in good shape but owners don’t want them. Just a thought.
I think a little more signage could help we found it a little tricky the closer we drove to Mapperton that a few more signs could help. One was covered with new foliage growth a a bit hard to see.
Keep up the good work and hang in there we felt it was worth the visit!
Continue to follow your developments!
Btw we loved the soup!!
If the estate requires so much costly work, wouldn't the monies spent buying an apt in Italy have been better spent on fixing things in England?
The house in Italy was a modest expense AND now it also brings in TH-cam funds. Julie and Luke have dedicated themselves for years now and deserve a break like any one else. You don’t have to give up YOUR money if you don’t want.
@@karenhill3558 I have already supplied funds to fix the eagles, not a lot, I'm a pensioner. I have enjoyed this channel but it seems they constantly are wanting more. They are far wealthier than I.
Is there an option to turn one of the barns into horse stables. People could bring their horses to Mapperton go riding on the property and stay.
That is a good idea.
So amazed for all you have done and continue to do for Mapperton!
What about holding concerts, maybe symphony??? Or movies on the lawn?
The local population is too small.
@@PLuMUK54 People drive an hour to do all sorts of things, even go to work 5 days per week. Many would travel for well advertised concerts and they wouldn't have to rely just upon locals. Also, it would be a way to fill AirBnB spaces.
Too far away from cities
@@willchristie2650 I think it was mentioned that it’s about an hour or so from a city. People travel that distance for concerts, many travel that distance for work.
@@willchristie2650 Google says 4 hours from London, nearly 2 hours from Bristol.
That is a BIG responsibility Luke and Julie.
Take photos all around the property to put into many different types of calendars. Can also put these same photos on the covers of low/no content books. (Low Content Books and No Content Books is a big passive income here on TH-cam.) Can also sell these same photos for wall decor. Can also add these photos to many different coffee table books, along with various stories of life on the property throughout the years. Some images can go on clothing, bedding, wallpaper, etc. Do cut flower/grass press prints and put them on clothing, sheets, wallpaper, purses, etc. Have classes on collecting and pressing flowers. Have classes on taking photos of the surroundings. Have classes on anything and everything. A lesson on the hobbies of the women throughout the history of the property. Sewing. Embroidery. Needlepoint. Lessons on whatever the women did to pass the time away.
Once the cookbook has been typed up on the computer, publish it to help support the property. Publish the family letters and such in books, etc. Do like Julie & Julia, the movie, and cook every recipe in the cookbook and do a blog/vlog about it. Have cooking classes. Have artist retreats ... writer retreats ... actors retreats ... any kind of retreat you can think of. Once you've added enough rental rooms/units, rent them out for a week at a time, and during that week have some type of ball. Have Renaissance Fairs. Have Cosplay Fairs. Have various conventions for history buffs ... for historical romance buffs ... for fantasy lover buffs, for book readers/clubs, etc.
There is a company where you can sell your prints on bedding & wallpaper. SpoonFlower - I’ve never sold anything from there, nor bought anything. I’ve seen good & not so good reviews, so check it out thoroughly before making a decision to use them.
The cooking blog could be its own website, with ads on it to support your content. The blog posts could also contain transcripts of the cooking vlog video embedded within it.
Living in California, we don't think twice about driving an hour out town to Sonoma or San Jose to attend an event, a picnic or go on a tour. However, it being different in the UK, may I suggest offering a bus/van tour that leaves London each morning during tourist season and returns them each evening? Much like a tour of the stars homes in Hollywood. You could bring them in by the bus load!
These places seem like they would be better off as living, museums and not as private residences
Time for you to call in volunteers.
Julie, you know over here in America we don't pull enough punches. Why don't you sell that? Corvette is worth at least the mill cuz I've looked it up you say you need all this money and the first thing you see or after you talk a little bit as you riding off and a blue and cream Corvette Mercy girl. That's a bad optics when you heart up for money
She stated in a recent video that the corvette car belongs to the production company that does the series of videos exploring old estates (American Vicountess series?) that she hosts. So, no revenue for them there.😕
I believe y’all are doing the right thing 🙏🏻 I put on my bucket list ❤
I keep wondering how it used to be up kept. It was a working property. Are British laws not allowing for re-establishing animal husbandry, working farm, fishing and hunting while staying at the manner.
Growing heirloom crops and flowers are selling them in a variety market on site during tours.
Is there any way to get an historical value of the house to lower taxes and other maintenance costs lowered or waved because of this? We do this in America.
bringing in Horticulturists or Horticultural Student Retreats
Working the land is no longer as lucrative as it once was. In the past, the rents from an estate would have been enough to finance the estate. These days, that is not enough.
Also, in the past, they were not restoring. They were building, which is both cheaper and easier. If necessary, they would demolish then rebuild. You can't do that today.
In the past, the buildings were newer, so had less damage to be repaired. Much was built at the same time, so has reached dilapidation at the same time.
Labor used to be very cheap, with women being paid 1/4 or less what men were paid, little children working the land, sub-standard housing on the estate being part of the wages, no old age pensions, etc.
It's so much..I know it has to be overwhelming. My thoughts are, make the land pay for itself. Instead of "rewilding" how about re introduce agriculture income as well as rental income with some of those building's that can be more easily rehabbed?
Julie and Luke...I am wishing a movie contract for Mapperton.🤞🤞
Viscount and Viscountess (Luke and July) So loved you latest episode and we felt guilty after being part of your restorations via TH-cam that we had to become one of you many Patreon members so we can also be part of your journey for the restoration and upkeep of your most wonderful Manor Mapperton House. Take care and God Bless you both we absolutely love and enjoy your episodes 👍🙏😇🏰
Thank you soooooo much!!!!!!!
I love history and I'm a history lover and to see these old mansions they just have so much character and to see them being restored is amazing., we get to travel back in time and get a clearer view of the past and the way of life in the past it not only brings the past back to life but it gives you an idea of the love and care that went into these places that were long forgotten.
...love history - though, it is also bittersweet...[fill in the blanks of what also has occurred...]
A small shout out, that you are doing a fabulous job & already doing so much to generate income ie restoring the cottage to generate new income. Well done & keep it up. Thank you for this insightful video showing the reality of these beautiful places & the ‘burden’ of being custodians for future generations.
Love watching you guys
If you’re reading this, make the effort to visit. It might be “an hours drive” from a major city but it’s totally worth it and you can easily ‘make a day of it’ because there’s enough to see and do on the estate. We visited in April and were bowled over by its beauty and history. ❤
♥️♥️♥️
And I remember, in a church garden I saw a wall of bricks or tile with the name of a person or family engraved on each brick. People bot the bricks to memorialize someone or to make a donation to the building of the garden. I think each brick was twentyfive dollars- affordable on even a tiny budget so everyone could be involved. And I remember garden benches of tough strong recycled plastic to donate being raffled off. You could have a brass plaque with a dedication:”A gift of the King Family to the glory of God.” On the back of the bench. Put them Around the place for people to rest in contemplation of a sheltered nook or beautiful view. Do you have sheltered nooks? And do make bookkeeping for restoration and projects transparent for the asking in an annual report. Oh! that’s a good idea!! A coffee table book on the “Treasures of Mapperton,””” “China, silver, and crystal if Mapperton”. “Architectural motifs and designs of Mapperton.” “Historical records of Dorset” Sold individually or as a four volume set. Speaking of which, is there a recurring motif or design you could highlight in stuff to sell in the shop? I mean, besides Flutter and Swoop and Mr. and Mrs Beaver? How about “The Heraldry and Family History of Mapperton” or “ Great Houses of Dorset” by Viscountess Hinchingbrooke? Do you have cute beaver bookends modeled on a photo of the two? Or salt and pepper shakers? 😊😊 Tbere is an artist here in North Carolina who makes fabulous things out of wild vines and branches. Building branch huts like that for kids to play in….😊 just an idea! I’d play in them if I was little! 🙏🏻🌈🌷
There was a large walkway and each brick had the name of a supporter or donator.
😢
@@28105wsking Those are kind of ugly, and get dated quickly in this mobile society. Just saying.
You have some very good ideas and said it in such a charming way! So many of these comments are just plain rude. The world needs to become a nicer place for all of us to live in and it starts with having compassion for your fellow man. It takes a lot of guts and hard work to do what they are doing. Constantly trying to keep the funds coming in while the majority is spent before it even appears could be a very daunting project for most of us. I admire anyone who takes on such a task.
Even though a lot of things are rotting, it’s still looks beautiful.
I am sure somewhere in your district there is a pensioner that knows woodwork and will be honoured to assist with little furniture repairs? Start thinking out of the box with the little things. If the little things are left unattended it is forgotten and eventually go to nothing or becomes and expensive operation
The stable block, have a horse show fund raiser amongst the equine community, reach out to them. It will be worth it to see the stabel block restored.
Adding to this: Do you have a future farmers group to teach or encourage farming to keep those builds in good repair? Have a slogan made at Mapperton!
I think I accidentally blew my earlier comment away. 3,000,000£ is a lot of money. Maybe it's time to cut your losses, sell the property, and move on. The Montagu family had to downsize once before. Maybe it's time again. It's ridiculous that you are mandated to maintain buildings without financial help from the government.
Downton Abbey had a storyline about Violet and Mary trying to convince Cora's mother to save DA, which she refused to do. That story was set over 100 years ago. If a season of DA was filmed set in 2024, I expect Crawley's story would be the same as Mapperton's. People have to make hard decisions like this every day for much smaller houses. The estate is a money pit-a beautiful one, but a money pit nonetheless. I'm not trying to be harsh; just realistic.
Yes. These were built by wealthy people who had large staffs/communities of people who lived in the various cottages etc and who had jobs on the estate. An estate like this was like it's own small town really. Someone mentioned Downton Abbey and that's a great show to watch what happens after the first World War when people started to not want to work as servants on grand estates while the owners blew lots of money on pricey paintings, antiques and the like. Once the 2nd world war came, there was just no money left to maintain a lifestyle that was far, far out of date. Again, Downton Abbey captured it perfectly with the story of how the earl married the rich American wife just for her money to fix up the estate (and then fell in love, which didn't often happen). These places date to a time with a very, very, very different economy and social structure. People don't want to devote themselves to serving rich people; they want choices and the chance to make a nice life for themselves. It's great to preserve history, but....so much of this is family pride, where sons (and only oldest sons at that) inherit these houses and the titles that go with them from their fathers, and no one wants to be the one who lets it go. It's just all so outdated.
@@MsFeiji Agree. These houses are now out of date as homes and would be better off sold for offices, conference centres or event facilities. Personally, I feel these hereditary titles are also out of date and have no place in the modern world. The right of inheritance going to the oldest son is archaic and I think even the Royal Family has changed that now. I'd be interested in how Julie and Luke's children feel about the estate - are they going to want to continue trying to keep it up and if it needs £3 million now to fix it up, things must have been let go since the Montagus moved in. Not sure how I'd feel donating to restoring stuff on this estate if in the future it was just sold to a corporation. Reminds me of the DA scene where a neighbouring estate was auctioning off possessions after selling it and the servants saw a gift they had donated money that they could have used for themselves only to see it being sold and realizing that it didn't really matter to the Lord and Lady who received it.
@juliawooster5390 You might want to consider (and ask) what shape was Mapperton in when it was acquired? Somehow, I doubt that it was all pristine & new, needing no repairs. These things snowball, regardless of effort & money spent. I'm proud of Luke & Julie for doing an awful lot!
@@leemccray3908 My previous reply disappeared, so I'll do it again. Whenever we bought a house, if it looked like a lot of stuff needed repair and it looked like a money pit, we didn't buy it. And we always did an inspection for stuff we didn't know to look for. It's not like this is the original Sandwich estate. As others have said, in the past these houses had tenants and a community that provided an income to keep the place up and even with that, after the wars it was often not feasible. The old manor houses and castles that have been maintained, and if the owners can afford to maintain them are stunning. If I'm donating money, it's going to be to a cause that has real issues, food banks, women's shelters and animal rescues. If someone can't afford to maintain their property, they sell it and move on. If the Montagus truly can't afford to keep this estate up, then maybe that's what they need to do. I get honouring the past, but if it comes at the cost of the present and future, I don't think it's worth the price.
The Montagus do have an opportunity to make some money. Having the Alberta Sturgess display at Mapperton is "small beer" as the Brits like to say. They should be negotiating with HBO to get that on the road in the US and Canada to coincide with the next season of the Gilded Age when it looks like Gladys Russell is going to be following Consuela Vanderbilt's path. That could earn them their 3 million and possibly more.
As an owner of a stone house.... craftsman are hard to come by and expensive...such a vast aged estate ...I am encouraged by Luke and Julie's unique approach....the pouring of their efforts and their slim team....all I know is keep plugging along....you have friends, and the history ,and craftsmanship (years ago and today) benefit from your highlighting their import....and you all deserve a great attaboy for your efforts so far....I appreciate your efforts....what a life!...active and using all your skills or acquiring themto save on major costs if possible...keep info coming
It's a prayer with no end, owning such an estate.. It would be overwhelming and daunting for the best of us - and you have no choice really.. I salute you for keeping the positive with the urgent, and find ways to make it all happen. I hope it will work out one day soon!
I just thot of another idea to get people coming there: "Picnic Day! Bring the kids and a picnic and tromp the grounds for a day! Wading in the Beaver Creek, see the wild beavers, climb trees and see baby piggies. Ride bikes on our service paths." Is there a birding recovery center somewhere for wild birds, why not offer Mapperton as a release location when the birds are ready to go again? Is there a river to go trout fishing, or a pond or lake for swimming? Is there a low spot the creek could run into between hills to make a large pond? Putting a new water feature on the migration flyway might make you a destination for Audobon birding. Could you stock the creek with fishable fish? and then introduce eagles or falcons, hawks, and other majestic critters. Pheasants? Pea hens are stupid, but fun. ....but then there will be poop. oops.
I’m wondering if you are being monetized for your videos put ads in your videos so you can make money off these and maybe find some sponsors to maybe put you on the map for tours
Do have a overall plan? Like an environmental scope of work? Probably a 500+ page report detailing archeology, historian, maps, assessments etc?
This seems to be a nation-wide issue! Old manor houses of local and national importance aren’t able to be kept in good condition due to high costs. I have 2 medevil manor homes in my area and one of them is currently being sold by English Heritage due to the extremely high costs of repairs. Good luck Luke, Julie and the team at Mapperton!
To bring people to Mapperton, what about renting a bus where you can bring them to you? A Day at Mapperton?
By allowing vines to grow on your buildings is damaging your stone on your house. The vines keep in moisture and it’s heavy the vine branches cheap between cracks and pull the stone apart.
What a challenge and responsibility to own and manage one of these grand estates! I applaud you for all you have done and bless you for all that is left to do. I am sure it is overwhelming. Your honesty is commendable. What about small projects, like the cup of coffee? Maybe a window at a time in the orangery? We can pray the world economy changes and costs come down and people have more disposable income to enjoy their heritage.
Julie, I will help. I love your videos, and your family. You all are amazing people❤
Thank you so much!
It’s a tremendous responsibility indeed maintaining these beautiful historic properties. I am in awe of your endless enthusiasm in doing so and if I could make a substantial financial contribution I would gladly help. I watch your videos and let the ads run which I know helps in a small way. You are both wonderful.
Thank you very much!
It’s a pity previous owners didn’t have the interest to make a plan of how the property was to survive. Pardon me but they were very lazy about this.
I agree, with the caveat that those in previous generations may not have had the education or training to know what really needed to be done, how to set priorities and, most particularly, they may not have had the financial wherewithal to tackle the big jobs, even after having sold the other house (which might not have netted a great deal in the 1950s).
Many privately owned castles and manor estates fell into decay due to WW2. Many could no longer afford the cost of upkeep and staff. The U.K. was in debt after WW2.
A manor house was willed to my Grandmother who lived in the U.S. by an Great Aunt or Uncle who lived in U.K. during the war. My Grandparents decided not to claim it due to the cost of taxes, etc. They let it go to the state (government) to reclaim.
What about a tv show : "Mapperton Abbey" ? Your house, THE garden, all is beautiful. So you are. Bon courage.
Ya'll....the wisteria is FABULOSO! Chin up and carry on!
I suggest you put your efforts into projects that actually make money. How do the orangery and pergola bring it in? They add to the ambience, but not actually, if they are falling to bits.
While I am ALL IN FAVOR of rewilding, in respect to the future of our poor planet, does it actually make any money for you? Are you selling White Park heritage beef in your cafe or by some food-by-mail (in styrofoam boxes) scheme?
Not everything needs to be restored or renovated or preserved. If having a pergola will make money for you somehow, build a new one. Forget that old pergola. Ease the plants off of it, rip the structure down, and build a new, rot-proof one. Then put the plants back up. And while those eagles are kind of nice, you could have replaced them with something equally meaningful at a fraction of the cost, I suspect.
Don’t be sad it’s just part of the past, Let it go.
We must preserve history. Never give up, never surrender.
Reminds me of certain donation levels that could put a name on stone or brick in memory or something. We gave a donation for repairs at a famous Stadium needing repairs. And enabled my fathers name to be placed in memorium. We recieved a stone plaque for our display as well. Some Donation levels could recieve pieces of the manor no longer needed, but meaniful for Donor display. Or create a new garden area for Donors to,the manor.