Highclere Castle to Unveil Sustainable Events Venue: A New Chapter for Downton Abbey’s Iconic Estate
A New Chapter for Highclere Castle: The Future of Visitor Experience
Highclere Castle, the illustrious estate made famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey, is set to undergo a transformative development that promises to enhance the visitor experience while preserving its rich history. The castle, with its lush gardens and stunning architecture, will soon welcome a brand new, purpose-built venue on its picturesque south-west lawn, replacing the existing temporary marquee.
A Sustainable Vision
The new building, expertly designed by BHB Architects and currently under construction by Feltham Construction, aims to provide sustainable visitor facilities that harmonize with the estate’s historic surroundings. This ambitious project was made possible through a generous sponsorship from Viking, a long-time partner of Highclere Castle, known for offering captivating behind-the-scenes tours of this iconic estate.
In the words of Lady Carnarvon, the estate’s owner, “We are hugely grateful to Viking for this incredible collaboration. This new building ensures Highclere can continue to share its history while securing the future of the Castle for generations to come.” Lady Carnarvon’s passion for Highclere’s heritage is palpable, and this development promises to fortify that legacy.
A Design with Depth
Inspired by the 18th-century landscapes designed by the renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the new venue seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Curving pathways, strategically placed trees, soft-planting beds, and cozy seating areas will create an inviting atmosphere where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the estate.
Viking, serving as the lead sponsors of Downton Abbey on PBS Masterpiece, has played a vital role in bringing this project to fruition. "We are delighted to support Highclere Castle with this exciting project," said Karine Hagen, executive vice-president of Viking. "This new events space will provide a beautiful setting for visitors to enjoy while ensuring the preservation of this treasured landmark."
Innovation for the Environment
One of the critical aspects of this new development is its commitment to sustainability. The building will incorporate eco-friendly features such as solar panels, a heat exchanger system, and other low-carbon technologies aimed at minimizing the estate’s environmental footprint. This proactive approach is not just a nod to modern environmental practices; it signals Highclere’s dedication to safeguarding its historical legacy for future generations.
A Bright Future
The new events space at Highclere Castle is poised to redefine the visitor experience, offering a stunning backdrop for events while generating essential income to support the estate’s ongoing conservation and maintenance. As visitors flock to experience the charm and grandeur of the castle, they can anticipate not only a beautiful venue but also an opportunity to engage with the castle’s storied past.
Highclere Castle continues to stand as a beacon of British heritage, and with this new development, the estate is not just preserving history but actively ensuring it thrives. We look forward to seeing how this exciting project evolves and how it will enchant future generations of visitors.
Stay tuned for updates as the construction progresses, and prepare to experience an even richer connection to the history of Highclere Castle, a truly remarkable landmark.