Exploring Castle Howard: The 10,000 Acre Home Of Bridgerton | Houses With History

A Journey through Time and Beauty

Welcome, my dear readers, to the enchanting world of Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. A place where history, art, and grandeur intertwine to create an experience like no other. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through this magnificent estate, guided by the talented interior decorator, Remy Renzullo.

The Great Hall: A Triumph of Architectural Wonder

As we step into Castle Howard, our eyes are immediately drawn to the majestic Great Hall. This architectural marvel, crowned with the first dome ever put into a domestic building in England, leaves us in awe. Remy Renzullo, with a touch of humility, recounts her first encounter with this space, overwhelmed by its beauty and the daunting task of contributing to its splendor.

The Crimson Dining Room: Where History Comes Alive

One of Remy's favorite rooms at Castle Howard is the Crimson Dining Room. This state dining room exudes warmth and elegance, making it the perfect backdrop for memorable dinners. The walls adorned with Crimson Damask tell stories of time and history, with faded spots and remnants of the original colors. As the collection of paintings constantly changes, the room breathes and evolves, showcasing its visible history.

The Venice Scenes: A Journey to the Past

The dining room walls come alive with breathtaking scenes of Venice, captured in mesmerizing paintings. Remy's excitement is palpable as she describes the magical atmosphere that envelops the room when it is lit by candlelight and filled with people. It is not just the visual appeal that Remy seeks when decorating a room, but also the feeling it conveys, the emotions it evokes.

The Annex: A Treasure Trove of Inspiration

Moving to the annex, Remy takes us to a hidden gem within Castle Howard. Originally a bedroom wing, this area now serves as storage for the collection overflow. It is here that Remy spends countless hours, exploring the treasures that await her. From exquisite etchings to small paintings and furniture, this space ignites her creativity and provides endless possibilities for her decorating endeavors.

A Collaboration of Textile Documents: Reviving the Past

In the past year, Remy has embarked on an exciting collaboration with Watts of Westminster, a fabric and wallpaper company. Together, they have been reproducing textile documents and wallpapers from the Castle Howard Archive. One of the standout rooms in this collaboration is the Archbishops bedroom, with its extraordinary Goose wallpaper. The reproduction process has been a labor of love, capturing not only the original design but also the patina acquired over 150 years.

The Admiral's Bedroom: A Transformation of Proportions

Remy's pride shines through as she talks about the Admiral's Bedroom, a space she has dedicated months to transform. The dramatic fabric on the bed and curtains, reproduced from the Castle Howard Archive, takes center stage. The room, with its early 18th-century ambiance, showcases Remy's keen eye for detail and her ability to create a space that exudes a sense of time and history.

The East Wing: Where Beauty Meets Restoration

In the private wing of the house, Remy's initial focus was on the ceilings, recently restored to their former glory. These extraordinary works by William Morris add another layer of beauty to the already stunning East Wing. As we enter the family's private dining room, we are greeted by a warm, dusty terracotta color that perfectly complements the paintings and the signature porcelain collection. Remy's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this room, from the color choice to the regilding of the furniture.

The Temple of the Four Winds: A Glimpse into Vanbrugh's Vision

Finally, we arrive at the Temple of the Four Winds, a true masterpiece designed by Vanbrugh, the genius behind Castle Howard. This banqueting pavilion, a folly of grand proportions, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Its floors, adorned with Byzantine Roman inlay, add a touch of timeless elegance. Remy's words fail to capture the sheer beauty of this place, but she quotes Horace Walpole, who described Castle Howard as "a sublime place."

A Place of Endless Beauty and Inspiration

As our journey