As the curtain draws on the saga of the aristocratic Crawley family with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, one can’t help but revisit the drama with a tinge of melancholy. Capturing the chronicles of the resilient Crawleys and their convivial domestic staff, and transporting viewers to the post-Edwardian era, the series spanned six seasons and three feature films.
The drama charts the journey of the residents of Downton Abbey through festive highs, political unrest, personal losses and hopeful beginnings, yet the one thing that stood firm through the changing times was the Abbey itself. While the cast was donning corsets and liveries, Highclere Castle graciously took on the role of the title home, which became an unequivocal symbol of the show. The Grade I-listed country home with a Jacobethan exterior and Victorian opulence inside now draws visitors from around the world to step into the station of the Crawley family and their staff.
In the same vein as this stately estate – and the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley’s quaint residence, the Dower House – the following list details Downton Abbey-esque homes that blend rich period design with modern luxury and comfort.
Ombersley Court
Built in 1730 for the first Lord Sandys, Ombersley Court is a benchmark of aristocratic flair and grandeur. Set within 90 acres of landscaped grounds and fringing one of the most sought-after Worcestershire villages, the Georgian manor house is filled with echoes from the past – its 19th-century portico painting a regal approach and ornate fireplaces and embellished mouldings complementing modern finishes.
This home has been extensively reimagined while retaining period features like its extensive library with carved oak bookshelves overlooking the vast grounds.
While the Crawleys of Downton Abbey hosted King George V and Queen Mary, Ombersley Court held the honour of hosting Prince Regent, George IV and the Duke of Wellington – a dear friend of Lord Arthur Hill, the second Baron Sandys. Of the six sprawling bedrooms on the first floor, the Duke of Wellington’s room remains untouched, with its authentic silk wall covering and curtains intact, delivering a true experience of stepping back into history. Complete with a wine room, centuries-old specimen trees and an immaculately preserved detached cottage available by separate negotiation, this estate is a lesson in stately splendour.
Langdon Court
Nestled within 10 acres of the rolling countryside, this exceptional Grade II-listed property was built in 1577 and remodelled in 1693. Its walled, mature gardens, and the private lake make it a sanctuary in its own right – a setup that will appeal even to Downton’s Dowager Countess’s dry pragmatism. Its Elizabethan facade conceals extensive and masterful refurbishments, which have been thoughtfully appointed by the current owners to reflect its original layout while being fitted with the highest standards of comfort and character.
Period features reflect in its high ceilings, hand-carved fireplaces, wooden floors and vast sash windows. A comforting palette of pastel hues creates a snug environment inside the home. Its fully-fitted kitchen is any chef’s dream and showcases the thought that the current owner, a renowned restaurateur, put into building this culinary space. With a media room, library, morning room and drawing room, entertainment areas abound, making this property a host’s delight.
Harbouring further bespoke renovation potential, this turn-key masterpiece exemplifies contemporary comfort integrated into storied surroundings. With additional possibility of being converted into a hotel after planning permission, Langdon Court can be moulded to fit any ambition suited to this exquisite home.
Appleby Castle
Perched at the upper reaches of Boroughgate in Appleby, the castle lies amid 25 acres of postcard-pretty enclosed parkland. One of the UK’s most historic residences, this Grade I-listed building was once owned and inhabited by kings of England and Scotland. It lies in Eden Valley at the edge of Lake District and is characterised by a pitched slate and lead roof.
From its first view to its last, the property seems something out of a period drama or fairytale. Rendering a majesty similar to the home of Downton’s Marchioness of Hexham, Lady Edith, this 22-bedroom castle fits perfectly with the highest ranks of aristocracy and royalty. A 15th-century Great Hall and dining room with soaring ceilings, as well as a second Great Hall from the 12th century, paint a journey through history, while the rest of the property extends contemporary amenities with a gym, hot tub, sauna and games room.
This 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle also features a Norman keep, a 13th-century round tower, three cottages, office space, a tennis court, and fishing rights on the River Eden at its base. With the option of purchasing the property as a whole or in separate lots, this historic estate has been transformed from a medieval relic into a majestic playground for aristocrats and high society.
Stanton Court
Tucked away in the North Cotswold hills and set on a 12-acre garden, this exquisite manor house unfolds over 17,004 sq ft. Featuring an imposing main quarters, four cottages and a three-car garage, this estate is a study in vast proportions and lavish lifestyle. The living quarters are enveloped by stunning manicured grounds, verdant gardens, flowerbeds, ponds and orchards. Very much like the Crawleys’ annual cricket competitions engaging the family, staff and villagers on the Abbey’s premises, the estate also offers a cricket ground, which is often extended to the villagers for community events. Owners are afforded private access to a nearby woodland, perfect for a quiet stroll.
Inside, storied detailing characterises the home with ornate cornicing, fireplaces with fine stone work and marble slips, exposed beams and light oak panelling. The showstopping hall, dual aspect reception, sitting room, study and pantry point to thoughtful arrangements. Bringing some of the vegetation in, an elegant garden dining hall opens into the main kitchen, while the adjacent secondary kitchen unfurls into a vast family room.
The north edge of the estate grants access to the cottages – the Granary Cottage, the Shenberrow Cottage and the Rosemary Cottage, which collectively provide a games room along with the ample living spaces. Built for an elegant lifestyle, Stanton Court now boasts integrations for modern comforts like an indoor pool, sauna, terrace garden, boot rooms, cloakrooms and convenient private staff quarters — a move that would be very much in line with Downton Abbey’s practised rituals.
In closing
This may be the end for Downton, but the opportunity to own a stately piece of living history remains. With United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty’s curated portfolio of vast estates and reimagined period homes, there will be no scarcity of options to own a timeless, regal abode.
