Great Estates Excerpt
896 views · Published 15 December 2014 · 2:07 · Indexed 28 October 2026
Channel: Umbrella Entertainment · 2014 · Film & Animation
“Available on DVD through www.umbrellaent.com.au” Great Estates takes an in-depth look at the workings of Scotland's most magnificent country estates through the eyes of the current owners, the assistants (or ghillies), the gardeners and the housekeepers, not forgetting the paying guests who frequent these great estates. This series documents the inner-workings of an estate and the many complexities of managing such an operation. Episode 1 - Dumfries House With its sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set in two thousand acres of land, this is a stunning example of a Great Estate.Described as an 18th century time capsule, the principal rooms and their contents have remained unchanged for over 250 years. In 2007 HRH The Prince of Wales headed a consortium of charities and heritage bodies to purchase this unique house, its contents and adjoining land. Prince Charles himself reveals what this estate means to the protection of British heritage. Episode 2 - Inveraray Castle The location for the Downton Abbey Christmas Special is the home of Torquhil Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll, his Cadbury Dynasty wife and their children. The 18th century neo-gothic vision sits on the shore of the Loche Fyne and is surrounded by a 16 acre garden and estate of 60 000 acres. Guests have included Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria and American music impresarios Lerner and Lowe. Follow the Duke and Duchess as they go about running the 'Real Downton Abbey'. Episode 3 - Kincardine Castle Described as pure Scottish fairytale, Kincardine has played host to many famous people. Her Majesty The Queen's neighbours Andrew Bradford and his wife Nicola live alone in this 75 room highland castle. Andrew looks after the grounds and Nicola runs the kitchen making and selling shortbreads, chutneys and preserves. Episode 4 - Rosslyn Estate The home of Rosslyn Chapel, a location used for filming blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, legend says that Rosslyn is the home of The Holy Grail. Some say it's the resting place for the Nights Templar, while others speculate that it contains the skull of John the Baptist. In the company of owner Lady Helen Rosslyn, we explore the many mysteries that surround this small chapel on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
