If you haven’t visited Chatsworth House before, you are missing out. Set against a backdrop of stunning countryside in idyllic Derbyshire, Chatsworth is a beacon of decadence, a symbol of wealth and fashion. And it truly is one of the most beautiful stately homes in the country.
The stunning Chatsworth House.
Source: www.visitengland.com
Who Has Lived There?
Once home to Hive heroine Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House has seen many a distinguished guest saunter through its hallways. Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester) stayed in one of the bedrooms whilst visiting the first owner of the estate, Bess of Hardwick. Mary, Queen of Scots was brought here during her imprisonment and even Charles Dickens took a turn around the Painted Hall. And God Bless Him, King Henry VIII’s portrait hangs in the anteroom to the sculpture gallery…this cat gets everywhere!
Fast-forward to the modern day, and Chatsworth must seem like a second home to Kiera Knightley! She has filmed two of her hit period dramas here; first playing Georgiana Spencer in The Duchess, and secondly as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride & Prejudice, where Chatsworth featured as Pemberley.
The scene where Mr Darcy ruins Miss Bennet’s day out at Pemberely (Chatsworth!)
Source: www.yorkgsa.org
What Is There To See?
It is well worth the entrance fee, there is so much to see and do. We began by exploring the house. From the beautiful painted hall, to the bedrooms, and the sumptuous enfilade of staterooms. The interiors of this grand home will really blow your mind! Stroll around at your leisure, and watch out for the violin door…!
How sumptuous…however, we doubt the chairs are original!
Source: www.places-to-go.org.uk
Chatsworth & The Arts
There is a long-standing connection with Chatsworth to the arts. The current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have enjoyed extending the art collection that their ancestors began. There are some truly stunning portraits, vases, busts, vast ceiling paintings and modern day installations within the house and grounds, my favourite of which being a portrait of Georgiana Spencer as the goddess, Diana.
Every woman’s dream…to be a Goddess!
Source: uk.blouinartinfo.com
Should You Go?
Er…yes! You can easily spend a whole day at Chatsworth; exploring the extensive gardens part-designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, manoeuvring through the stunning sculpture room, spending time with the animals in the farmyard or grabbing a scrumptious scone in the cafe. There really is so much to see and do for all ages! Oh…and the gift-shop is fabulous!
