Living in ‘Downton’ still takes my breath away...
AS THE real-life setting for Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle has been dazzling TV viewers and cinemagoers for years – and even the lady of the house says it still takes her breath away.
Lady Carnarvon, who has lived in the stately home for 21 years, says she has never taken it for granted and is delighted to be welcoming back visitors as the new film – Downton Abbey: A New Era – hit cinemas on Friday.
She says the latest movie is needed more than ever, to give people some escapism after the pandemic and as they deal with the current cost-of-living crisis.
Lady Carnarvon revealed the historic venue is still suffering from the financial impact of the pandemic.
She said it could take another five years for full recovery after they had to shut the doors during lockdowns.
Highclere, in Hampshire, is now one of the most recognised homes around the world and a top tourist attraction.
Lady Carnarvon said: “I always take a deep intake of breath. Highclere is never something I take for granted.
“You know it’s an amazing place to be and it’s a beautiful building. Reassuringly, it is still here and still the same.”
Actor Dominic West, part of the cast in the new film, said that the house is the real star of the show.
“I’d never been to Highclere before. You go up the drive and then you come over the brow of the hill and there it is,” said Dominic, 52, who plays a silent film star appearing in a movie being shot at the stately home.
“It’s like some Disney castle. It’s such an extraordinary outline against the horizon.”
Speaking of the movie, Lady Carnarvon said: “It’s a lovely film with the most amusing lines. Everybody in the cinema laughed out loud, so what’s not to like about that?”
On making the film during the pandemic, she said: “It was an extraordinary achievement with all the different Covid protocols. They were trying to achieve something light and filled with laughter, hoping that the world would be a slightly better place when it did come out.
“I still think it’s incredibly valid that we need a world of light and laughter, because the actual world is full of grief and sorrow, and I think we can stay stronger with it.
“The Downton Abbey film is a wonderful escapism – and we need that.”
On balancing the books after the pandemic and facing the cost-of-living crisis, she said: “It will take us five years and I think we are all grateful for being here.
“Everybody here is really dancing from foot to foot all the time. Energy is used, not necessarily in going forward, but just trying to keep upright. It’s interesting. It is very challenging for all of us.”
Lady Carnarvon added: “The Downton Abbey film reminds visitors to this country, wherever you’re going – whether it’s Cornwall, Scotland, Devon or Ireland or wherever – that there are stately homes which are fairly unique to visit and I think we are lucky and people can enjoy this.
“We are very lucky to be here and very lucky to have the Downton film.
“We want to share our luck with other stately homes and visitor attractions.”
Lady Carnarvon said she is also currently working on a new “Friends of Highclere” project, offering fans online access to Highclere. More details are set to be announced.
Visit www.highclerecastle.co.uk
‘It is escapism...and we need that now’