Tea Time at The Manor: Difficulties, The Future, Weddings, New Events
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2024
- 🏡 Welcome to Mapperton, Englands' Finest Manor House! Join us, Luke and Julie, for an enchanting 5-night retreat hosted by us at one of England's majestic estates. Experience the perfect blend of history and luxury. Discover more on our website: Grand Historic Tours: www.grandhistorictours.com
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The Gilded Age American Heiress Exhibition opened to the public here at Mapperton on the 5th May. However, if you can’t make it in person you can buy a ticket (3 cups of coffee) for a virtual hour long tour with me, and support this ongoing project over at www.buymeacoffee.com/juliejmo...
ROUND-BREAKING AI BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE - NEW EXHIBITION UNVEILS THE UNTOLD STORY OF A GILDED AGE AMERICAN HEIRESS.
A new exhibition offers a glimpse into the captivating world of Alberta Sturges Montagu, the 9th Countess of Sandwich, and an American Heiress from the renowned era known as The Gilded Age.
Curated by Mapperton’s very own American Viscountess, Julie Montagu, the "American Heiress" collection is comprised of more than 10,000 previously unseen letters exchanged between Alberta (Sturges) Montagu and her family, as well as the peerage at large.
Dating from 1888 to 1951, these letters constitute the largest unpublished private collection of correspondence from the period. They offer a remarkable glimpse into the life of a "dollar bride" during the Gilded Age, shedding light on both triumphs and struggles.
The exhibition will explore Alberta's formative years in America, her upbringing in Chicago and New York, and the significance of her inheritance. Visitors will unravel the captivating courtship between Alberta and George Montagu, the future 9th Earl of Sandwich, leading to their marriage in 1905 in London. The narrative will culminate with her relocation to Hinchingbrooke House, the original family seat, in 1916 as the new Countess, following the death of the 8th Earl of Sandwich.
The exhibition takes innovation to the next level by introducing Alberta AI, a ground-breaking creation that brings her story to life like never before.
“With the aid of cutting-edge AI technology, we've resurrected Alberta's voice, allowing her to answer visitors’ burning questions about her remarkable journey,” says Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke.
🏛️ Can't come visit us in person! No problem! How about a Virtual Tour of Mapperton House & Gardens! Explore the beauty of the English countryside through stunning 360-degree imagery, videos, and ambient sounds in our immersive virtual tour. Start your tour at: buymeacoffee.com/mapperton
🌍 Explore More with Us! Visit our sister channel: American Viscountess on RUclips ( / americanviscountess ) and Julie's NEW channel: Julie in Italy, Authentic Italy Delivered to your Doorstep on RUclips ( / julieinitaly )
Help support the restoration of our 18th-century Grade II* listed eagles at (www.gofundme.com/mappertoneag....
Shop for the latest Gilded Age American Heiress merchandise at the American Viscountess Shop www.americanviscountess.com/shop
📚 Discover Julie's Best-Selling Books! Did you know Julie is a best-selling author on health and wellbeing? Check out her good for you recipe books and more:
- Superfoods Superfast, 100 Energising Recipes to Make in 20 Minutes or Less: www.amazon.com/Superfoods-Sup...
- Superfoods, The Flexible Approach to Eating More Superfood: www.amazon.com/Superfoods-Fle...
- Eat Real Foods, Simple Rules for Health Happiness and Unstoppable Energy www.amazon.com/Eat-Real-Food-...
- Recharge: A Year of Self-Care to Focus on You www.amazon.com/Recharge-Year-...
📬 Stay Informed! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for the latest updates and events at Mapperton. Sign up here: mailchi.mp/mapperton/mapperto...
📅 Visit and Contribute to Mapperton! Book your ticket now at mapperton.com to explore our Historic House, Award-wnning Gardens and Mapperton Wildlands, England's Most Spectacular Rewilding Project plus our new Gilded Age American Heiress exhibition. Contribute to our exhibition and archive materials at: www.buymeacoffee.com/juliejmo... - A contribution of three cups of coffee or more grants you a virtual tour of the exhibition, led by Julie.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mapperton soon! 🤗
Warm regards,
Luke & Julie
Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke 👑👑
Julie is correct - 2+ hours is an easy day trip in the states
We lived 3+ hours from my grandparents in Massachusetts. My father would OFTEN say, "Do you want to go to Mass or to Massachusetts today?" on Sundays...guess which one we children chose?!
Lmao that’s a daily run around
It takes about 4-6 hours of driving from Austin to reach any of Texas' border with another state (or country).And that's if the traffic's good.
Easy day
Totally agree 2 -3 hours is totally normal day out.
What about:
1. Hosting a classic car show
2. Pop up restaurant weekends.
3. A space at The Chelsea Flower Show.
4. Outdoor movie/picnic nights.
5. Outdoor music/picnic nights.
6. Outdoor food truck/stall festivals.
7. Landscape Painting weekends.
8. Falconing event.
A bike race / or 1/2 marathon around the estate. A Christmas home tour where the house is specialy decorated for families to tour.
What do you all do as a family when you have a couple of days to be together?
@@laurenbouchie2394trouble is marathons and runs dont actually generate much money.
Car show... and maybe a dog show or a horse show with classic historic horses (draft horses. traveler vanners , thoroughbreds, native ponies, cart horses..... What could be more delightful than trekking around Mapperton back roads for a a pony cart. picnic.
One thing I love is how Julie can so easily mix British and American slang in a conversation.
Also how energetic she is?
I love that too !
I think you should call it “Spilling the Tea”, have a cup of Tea and chat.
Include coffee since Americans and Europeans are coffee drinkers.😅
Love that title, "Spilling the Tea".
SPILLING THE TEA!! ❤❤❤❤ is the best
You should have a monthly costume themed venue. What fun!!! Charge so much for entry. Give away a prize for best costume. You could have some local musical entertainment for dancing. You would make lots of profit on food and drinks.
Americans LOVE their road trips!!!
3 and 4 hour drive there is nothing.
But we also have interstates which makes a huge difference.
England has “interstates”.
We also just love our cars and think NOTHING of driving for ages
@@Dexdog😳 ummmmm ok and yet you still call 1hr from London “not close”
@@Dexdog they are called motorways
Roadtrip!!!! And in the US the cost of gas/petrol is much lower than in England.
I'd like to add - if I were to come to the country side in England - I would most definitely come JUST to visit Maperton BECAUSE of your RUclips channel. You were a lifeline of sanity during Covid and I will be eternally grateful.
Same here!
Us, too! We visited London, Bath, and Wales over 20 years ago, and always wanted to return, but not sure about a city visit with all the unrest. Leaning more toward peaceful countryside visit with Highclere and Mapperton visits!
Wow! He helped create the historic houses movement. So thankful!
Wow, Julie. You nailed it when you pointed out that the association makes sure that in all the shifting back and forth between Tory and Labor governments, the preservation and production efforts are sustained. As an American, this function is one of the top reasons we see the value of the positions of aristocrats and nobles across the sea. Sure, we dispensed with monarchy for various reasons, but in ours there are still the wealthy and elite that influence for better for others or worse, or solely for self. Thanks for being a great example of for-the-better.
I love how she raises her hand to interject.
And yes, we WOULD drive a couple of hours for a day trip. 😄
Vermont, USA I drive 2 hrs to get to my parents house on back country roads with farmers and tractors blocking the road. My son traveled 3 hrs to get to NASCAR races in highway and back roads.
So yes the people in the USA will travel long distances in a day for an event
Can confirm that 😂 Vermont here as well
Would love to hear from your children on how they view living at Mapperton, your projects, and the possibility of inheriting and carrying on the work you have started.
Which child will inherit Mapperton?
@@lisaroberts5935I’ve been wondering about that too
@@lisaroberts5935 Nestor seems to be the most involved with the estate, but he is not the oldest.
@@bryanspindle4455 Probably because William is at school. We also don't know if it's about willingness to be filmed. William might be an introvert or might not want to be on his parent's channel.
AGREED. From Australia. How are the children involved please. Have you thought of "advertising" on a tourist site(s ) in my country.? We love England and like Americans will drive for a long time, plus our roads are not straight highways! Cheers.
Luke is so smart. He said in places like this you have to think 50 to 100 years ahead. Julie is brilliant because she is authentically listening to her husband and finds him fascinating. He is but she really does it so smoothly . Cheers and excited about these fireside chats
I like how you two communicate! It's wonderful to see a couple discuss their ideas for the present and the future of their home. You engage in these talks calmly, with humor and bounce ideas off each other. It's wonderful to watch! 💕
#Mapperton if I was going to stay at your place, I would want you and Luke there.
I think others would prefer to have you there and not gone.
What about also focusing on companies which often look for special seminar locations, where the participants can get away from the daily stress of the business environment. Perhaps, you can work around a similar package to the one used for your "5-night retreat" - it would be for a day or two, with tours, walks etc., and can be adjusted to their requirements. I personally feel that Mapperton would be a perfect location for "stressed-out" managers - (away from the maddening crowd!)
I think that is a fantastic idea.
Great idea!!
Team Building
Luke, you crack me up - I live in the western part of Texas (Permian Basin) - 5 hours from any major city in the state and yes, I drive hours to go somewhere for a day trip.
12 hours, top to bottom of the state. Oceans (Gulf Coast), tropics (Houston), desert 🏜 (W Texas), mountains (Davis Mtns area). We have it all, lol.
roads in Canada and the US are quite different from the UK.....Bowls of extreme speed spaghetti compared to tiny windy one lane roads.....
Julie and Luke, you may need to study The Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. They have the estate with
tour, they have a wine tour, taste test, shop etc., they have hotel accommodations, land activities, then they built a regular style hotel on the premises for other vacationers, etc. It make spark some ideas
for the future. I think you should pursue working gardens with healthy eating fruit/veggies to help save humanity! Also, creating gorgeous flower / small tree, topiary gardens could create garden club tours, create a shop with lovely crocks, planters, floral bouquets. Artists could come create pictures/ paintings, artwork and sell the items. I would also partner with buses/ drivers to bring elderly out to
your area. People forget about helping seniors. The other thing is you need to make things more affordable for more people to be able to enjoy Mapperton and the surrounding towns.
Biltmore is different though, being in Asheville and other parts of WNC. We love Biltmore and do take day trips periodically but I don't know that it's exactly an equal comparison.
I’m a broken record recommending that Luke and Julie come and film at Biltmore. I’m sure they would leave with 100 brilliant ideas for Mapperton.
I agree Biltmore does it beautifully. We are four hours away and visit at least once a year. They do it well!
Biltmore also partnered with Range Rover for a driving experience.
Biltmore does a gingerbread house contest too that’s a huge money maker.
I live in Canada and driving and hour or two is nothing here, it can take almost an hour just to go from one end of my city to the other. I live three hours from the Canadian Rocky’s and people will often drive to the mountains for the day:
Would you be allowed to open a caravan park on the estate where people could come and camp with their RV’s or Vans, I’ve watched a lot of van life videos of people in the UK and often the caravan parks the go to are really just fields with very little services.
I always thought you should do movie nights during the summer months where you rent an outdoor screen and people can bring their own chairs or lay down a blanket and watch movies.
Brilliant ideas!
Especially old English or classic black & whites. Movies themed around holidays or celebrations
Here in Ontario Canada, we will easily drive 2-3 hours one way for a day trip. To commute into Toronto it can take 1.5 hours one way. The country is so large so that covering distance is inevitable. 🇨🇦
It’s a pity coach companies don’t do tours to Mapperton from Lancashire because I would certainly book a few days away just to visit you.
Nice lampshade hat Luke😂
😂 good roast
😂😅
😂 yesss😂
Sorry,that was mean and a put down. Hope Luke forgives me. They are such a fab couple
Hello, Julie and Luke. What about a Murder Mystery Weekend (or midweek)? You know, like those murder mystery dinners, but longer? Think of all the fans of murder mystery books where old country houses feature prominently as setting. You’ve got the perfect setting right there. It could be done well, you wouldn’t want anything too tacky. OTOH, perhaps the entire concept is tacky! Glastonbury festival? Might be a bit of a nightmare though.
I think with Julie doing the old houses program should be giving you both a lot of ideas & insights into what other families are doing as to how you can diversify Mapperton. The firesite chats are going to be a good way for all of us to know what you are planning as well as doing & so keep us in the loop & excited to help you as much as we can. I am thinking that advertising is a great way to go, maybe making a video that you can release onto youtube & other sites just promoting Mapperton with all the adventures it provides & encouraging people to book in & spend a week exploring it all.
Pllleeeease Luke. Julie is right. As a lifelong West Coast American, I’m planning a day trip to the ocean that’s a 2 hour drive each way. The drive is part of the fun of the trip. Tapping into cruise passengers is a great idea-they’re already on vacation and will consider any travel as part of the experience.
What port would these cruise passengers come from tho?! Luke is right - UK folk do not drive these distances for a day out.
Road trips! Woohoo!
The more facets in a jewel, the more magnificently it sparkles. 💛
Cruise ships! Port of Portland! Definitely!
@@lurlenejones456 not exactly near Mapperton! 😄
Here’s an idea for another use for your property: If you could get your estate to be used as a film or television show location, you’d get a big draw in just fans wanting to see it. You’re welcome 😊
That makes me sad that there were Estates torn down, left to ruin. So sad, need to preserve and tell the stories.
So sad these properties were stolen from the abbies and nunneries.
I am American living in the UK and it is SHOCKING how many beautiful old houses are left to waste. I often tell Brits if they let Americans live here freely we would restore everything. 😊
@@xymoxkatits sadly the same in france so many chateaus falling apart that us Brits are buying to renovate and its not always easy to restore listed buildings sadly
Mapperton fireside chats!
I wrote a while ago suggesting you host screenwriters, writers and artists retreats - these would be quiet non-intrusive week or two week gatherings. The artists could stay in six of the rooms, but you could also offer huts to sleep in.
I personally wouldn't mind if the house stayed open to the public while at a retreat. It would add a unique element to storytelling.
If the dining room could be closed, or retreat attendees could eat at the cafe, that would also work. Lunches could be bagged and eaten in their rooms or outside in the grounds. Writers might write a short story, novel or screenplay inspired by the historical aspects of the rooms, furniture, art, stories they might want to expand upon. You could even host these after the open house season is over.
I think it would be really fun to come for a week, write a five or ten minute screenplay, have a vote to see which is best and film it (on a phone or with one of Luke's cameras) on the last three days of the retreat. (Writers participating in all aspects of filmmaking.) You could even invite the villagers to a screening.
Visual artists might want to sit and draw or paint in a quiet corner indoors or out in nature. At the end of the retreat you could host an art show!
You could also host a day of plein air painting. Artists would come from quite a ways, and visitors like to watch them paint and see who the winners are at the end of the day so the cafe would benefit. They would probably also pay for a tour.
You should find businesses along the way on your route. Then get out day trip pamphlets. So Antique stores, various other destinations along the way and farmer's markets etc. Many places do that in America to create day trips.
I'm in Texas, driving 2 hours to get to a vacation or day trip is pretty much the norm.
Takes an hour to go from the North end of Austin Tx to the south end on a good day!
@@maryfrump7937 I remember when driving from Austin to San Antonio was a nice trip. But NOW? Nope. Used to take less than hour. Now it takes more. And that was just driving from south Austin to North SA.
Same here in NM; 2+ hours to go anywhere.
Julie is correct, we love an adventure and will drive hours for a day trip.
Y’all need a Day Trip Special, maybe include the train ticket and have a Mapperton snack or tea box for the ride home. Yoga day trippers. Mom groups who kids love to ride the train… lunch, play all day, grab your tea box and back on the train.
My friends had a large home that was a wedding venue and I would never do it. Wedding guests went past "Private" signs to go raid their personal kitchen and pantry (there was a commercial kitchen in the guest part of the house) taking food and ice cream out of the freezer, stealing vintage collectibles and knickknacks!!, driving away with cutlery, dishes and even children's toys from the lawn-- tricycles, etc.!! Guests drank and damaged things, didn't want to leave on schedule and the family got complaints from the nearby town about loud music and fireworks during the receptions.
Let others do the weddings. You have so much more to offer. My father used to tell us not to build a big "white man camp fire" where you are hot on one side and cold on the other. Build an Indian fire, small, that warms the air all around you. AND I'd drive several hours to Mapperton.
Luke & Julie - I love this format plus it's productive for you guys! I have an idea to elaborate on the bus tours:
Call it The Art of Antiques - bring in an antiques/historical expert to "hold" the tour, and explain the antiques throughout the house, their history, the different types of antiques, how to spot real ones versus fakes, etc. People LOVE to learn about antiques!!! There's that added expense of the expert, but it may be a trade-off for not having a meal to serve, and increasing the busloads!! (p.s. to Julie - no need to fight your natural development of the accent lol, I hear it sneaking into your vowels!)
Julie and Luke, have you ever thought of creating a space for a museum that everyone can come to see? You han charge an entrance fee. You can also have workshops for sewing, knitting, embridery lacemaking, etc. I would suggest a textile museum. There are so many reenactors of all the centuries who would love to see clothing especially the 18th century dresses. You can also host events for 18th century (1700s), Victorian, Roman, 1920s, Viking, Mideval reenactors. This would attract a lot of people. Other ideas are antique, vintage, book, jewelery, craft fairs. On Holloween you can also host a big event, do an egg hunt for family and kids on easter, etc.
Yes i agree with you and they could do tour buses from different cities.
Fireside Chats! Love it!!! Don't forget the tea the next time Luke and Julie, LOL! 🫖☕☕🍪🍪 I would love to see your four children host a fireside chat and talk about what it is like to live at Mapperton House?
Too intrusive of their family - their kids are not there for your entertainment.
Yes. Don't invade privacy.
But if the children are interested in training in the family business, production and public speaking would be excellent life experiences.
@@sallyannc3176 Chill out!!! Some people!!! I have the utmost respect for everyone. It is not about their children for my entertainment!!! It is a question that can be answered yes or no. You can't ask questions now days? Wow!!!
@@lurlenejones456 Who is invading anyone's privacy? OMG!
Both of you are
Mappertons best asset. 🎉
Thank you Julie and Luke for sharing your vision for Mapperton. I am in awe of the creativity and energy you are investing in maintaining the estate. It is so very beautiful and deserves it. Wishing you every success in all your endeavors.
Thank you so much!
Julie, Luke apt title for this wonderful get to know the Viscount and Viscountess, what a wonderful place to surrounded by and the abundance of family history at our glance. Would be great to meet all your staff that helps to keep Mapperton Manor House and grounds looking amazing. Take care, God Bless. 👍😇🙏🏰
Love being given so much insight into running Mapperton! Also always entertaining to watch you and Luke together! Luke’s parents are great to watch also with so much historical information!
Since you are only an hour and half from Southampton, I believe there would be a lot of interest pre and/or post cruise for stays at Mapperton. We sailed out of Southampton last August & would have loved to have visited.
Have you guys thought about corporate or team retreats? Many companies like to do these as a team building activity. Many also like to take their teams away from the big cities they are located to calmer locations. You can also be a bachelorette party destination if weddings can’t be done right now. You can set rules to make sure they are not crazy parties. Same thing with baby showers.
Reach out to television networks that use wedding venues for their shows or how about hosting antique road show? Reach out to the movie industry and let them know your available for movies or shows as they do with the show Bridgeton. My god they pay gobs of money enough to help cover your renovation costs and probably a lot of bills
you finish each other's sentences, so sweet
Corporate / Exec retreats; have your own coaches (buses) from a central point. Get on the workshop/retreat circuit for special topics (beyond yoga); host regenerative farming conferences… all probably need more housing.
I drive an hour and a half to two hours just to commute to work let alone a day trip to Napa Valley, or to Monterey or to Los Angeles
Hi Luke and Julie
I had another thought. Again using coach bus for people more than an hour drive from Mapperton. Near my family home in Pennsylvania, we are at least an hour plus drive from Pittsburgh Pa. There is a Theater group putting on plays through the summer and early fall. A large barn was used for seating and stage and a restaurant near the playhouse offered food. They had two shows per day; day and early evening. The Playhouse has been in existence for over 100 years now and the little town it exists is extremely small. It’s all accomplished by tourism from Pittsburgh day tour industry. Another option since you have outer building and no one would come to the Manor inside unless you provided a separate tour. $$$
Of all that has been discussed here in this great video I think you both are right that this digital community that has been created is wonderful. It does bring people together that under any other circumstances you would never have had the opportunity to meet and learn about your immensely interesting life. I admire your passion and how very down to earth you both are. My husband and I look forward to every video here and in Italy! This was a great idea.
The one camera review with Luke facing the camera, and first glance the lampshade looks like a crown. Looks nice on you, Luke.
I live in Australia, Sydney. We drive 12 hours for our children to attend a competition that goes over 3 days. Then pack up the last morning of the competition and drive the 12 hours home. I live 2 days drive from my from my family/childhood home. I drive 10 hours south to see my sister in Melbourne. To visit my Aunt in Wollongong I drive 1 1/2 hours, eat lunch, visit the beach and then drive home for dinner at night. Yes it’s a big day, but not impossible. For big day trips, we break up the day and make the drive a part of the holiday.
Atlanta, GA here, and it is NOTHING for most of everyone I know to drive for two or even three hours each way for a day trip. I myself have done it multiple times. We Americans sure do love our Automobiles!
Hopefully one day my husband and I will be able to visit you all at Mapperton! Thank you for the excellent, informative and entertaining shows you produce. Best wishes from the States!
You don’t want to VRBO your precious house, especially to people with children. My sister with a lake house in Georgia has it on Air b&b and a family destroyed a new washing machine, kid urinated on the front porch and somehow someone damaged the pool. Unless you have an onsite housekeeper/ butler, don’t let random people in your precious home.
If you can grow sunflowers and can plant a field of them, people will come just to have their pictures taken amongst them. That seems to be all the rage to have family portraits taken in sunflower fields. It would be good for wedding backdrops as well.
I am enjoying this conversation. I drive over 2 hours to go to the Mennonite grocery store. My Trader Joe’s is over an hour away. It’s nothing in the US to drive a couple of hours. I love the events in the communities around us. We have wine walks. You buy a wine glass for $25 and walk around and taste wines. If you like the wine, you can buy a bottle. We have art fairs, bicycle races, marathons, a Father’s Day bike ride with the kids, a jazz festival, blues festival, antique fairs. There is something to do every weekend from the beginning of May through the end of October.
If you build up the camp site, you can also rent that out for schools, scouts, other organizations looking to bring a group of kids for a week.
The comment about planning daytrip from the nearest big town with antiques shopping, coffeehouse and other activities along the way with Mapperton as a lunch destination and then another route back to where they started with markets and museums on the way back. Quite often helping others, lead to helping yourself too.
Staff are one of the most important factors in running a business. I think it would be interesting to watch Luke’s mother interview long-term employees.
Incorporating bloopers during filming would be entertaining. Laughter is infectious and the best medicine. This thought came to me in the middle of the night 🤣
Hello Julie and Luke ! I enjoyed this new format and found the topics very interesting. I would say it is certainly not a good idea to give up your beautiful home to be taken over by weddings. Sometimes far too much alcohol is consumed and damage is a real possibility. So far you have done a wonderful job running the estate and business. I agree the development of holiday rentals is excellent. The cottages so far are absolutely lovely. I believe that would be the route to extend if possible. You are both so multi talented and manage your business so well. I think reaching out as you do is not only hard work but extremely interesting. Your energy levels are staggering… England and Italy. I shall consider further. These new broadcasts are very interesting and show further how difficult it is to manage an estate such as Mapperton. All best, Michael.
2 to 3 hours in nothing in Oklahoma. Love the new chat!
What about putting your house in London on Airbnb if you spend most of your time at Mapperton? Fascinating video, learning about the issues behind the scenes. You're both doing a great job regardless of all these challenges!
Horse tours of the land and rewilding areas.
Glamping farmstays using yurt/tents/pods aimed at families. Limited self pitch. It’s what is on offer to keep people entertained. Once you have a good revenue stream from this use it to redevelop older buildings.
How about some kind of historic classes...a seminar with curators or specialists in history, restoration of houses, tapestries, archaeology, furniture, 18th C cooking, how to research...partner with a university so that attendees get a couple of college credits. You could do a similar thing with art classes, gardening.
I like the idea of pre-fab 'pods' and larger accommodations helping raise money to do the work necessary to convert farm buildings to nicer spaces that hopefully will attract weddings willing to pay for all of the conveniences of not leaving Mapperton for anything.
Ditto, agree that Julie is absolutely correct about 2+ hr drive time! Easy peasy ❤
We sometimes drive 3 hours or even longer on a day trip.
Hi , a friend of mine suffering from stress spent a week at a farm that takes you down to a paddock to stroke horses . It was not cheap & she benefitted immensely .Something to look at maybe stroking your bulls in the field for healing . It is important that people also reconnect with nature & lock away their mobile phones .
I love all of your ideas and everything you've been doing to keep Mapperton going. I so wish I could come and visit england. I live in the States, and in Gettysburg, which is historical but to go to England! I would love to see all the old Estates and especially castles to tour, but just to meet the two of you and your family would be wonderful. God bless!
Maybe one day!
You could offer reduced price to Subscribers, for those that want to Camp in Pods for a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday stay. And that way when someone who visits from another country, comes and wants to see Maperton, and they are person with a very modest income, they could afford it.
I've been watching this podcast for the second day now. It is interesting but at the same time, it is so hard to watch. I really think that you are strongly overthinking it, guys. Honestly. Not to diminish the complexity of the whole thing in any way - but your thought really goes back and forth without an outlet. I really think it is important to choose an option and go for it, and see from there. Love your channel, wish you success.
My father worked for a big museum that was a castle. There were a lot of paintings and other artefacts and sometimes something got stolen. He invented the signal orange dot with a diameter of 5 cm and it was painted on the wall behind every painting, especially the small ones. When something went missing the supposts could immediately see that and call the police. It really worked! Maybe a tip for Mapperton with all its treasures. I wouldn't open the house for weddings. I'd rather go for guests that want to rent a holidaycottage.
The ocean is about two hours from where I live and the Coast Mountain Range is part of the drive. There’s also a once daily roundtrip bus service that services my area and that coastal area. Folks will book a hotel and take the bus back later in the week, or, just go for a day. We drove and the roadtrip - being on the road - was part of the fun. Because it was winter and days were short we stayed long enough to eat lunch and explore the beach. Next time the bus as a change of pace, or perhaps going with a private group organized trip. I’m a senior.
People go to places that cater to their interests, hobbies and offer fun and enrichment for their kiddos. They return because they feel at home. The place is comfortable, warm, welcoming.
Mapperton has that beautiful garden and there are a lot of avid gardeners in your area. What of a plant exchange? Bring a start and trade. Have a plant sale along with gardening tools on offer. Offer tips and tricks to enhance green spaces.
Picnic in the park and listen to a string quartet, or jazz for example. Picnic hampers are available, or people can bring their own and buy from the cafe as needed.
A book fair with readings given by local authors along with the book sale.
A day or weekend where Mapperton employees dress in period costume highlighting a particular historical period. Guests are welcome to dress up as well. Option for a special tea service. Reserve ahead.
Is it easy to bike to Mapperton? There are athletic sorts who are always looking for places to bike and hike/walk. A small hostel on site could host them - some like roughing it - after walking the estate they eat at the cafe. Chips. Beer. Darts, pool, ping pong and a tv to catch a game.
During our long summer vacation parents are often looking for day camps for their children. Would you be open to having teachers on site to offer fun classes to kids during school breaks?
I won’t mention the fireworks and hot air balloon ideas😄
Just brainstorming. Good luck!
Love all your ideas! A friendly suggestion is to provide a pony cart or safari jeep for people who are physically challenged, elderly, or like me when I broke my foot, who would enjoy seeing the estate areas but might find walking too difficult. 😊
Not ponies
Golf carts would be perfect or a couple of electric scooters
Julie you are right! As someone who lives in New England, I many times will travel 2 hours to visit somewhere just for the day. And and much of this is on country roads. Really enjoy your videos! All of your channels are wonderful!
Luke is right about UK folk tho.
@@sallyannc3176 very true!
Part of the probem is holiday makers,say in the 1950s, the majority would be camping rather than expecting to rent a whole building. People's expectations have changed,but we all could benefit from being within nature. Glamping pods are a good compromise.
Focus on attracting more Americans like Grand Historic Tours. Do more featuring American Heiress history like an American Heiress weekend theme party. We Americans are willing to travel longer and Julie is a fabulous promoter . Maybe make connections with American Historic Homes and Museums.
There are light-weight forms one can use to build dome-like structures, sort of Hobbit houses that can be out of sight. Relatively easy housing for writing retreats, meditative week/ends, Victorian living over a week/end are just a few ideas.
You need a hotel on site!
Looks like many of us are in North America, which makes it difficult to visit. I’d love to see you expand your RUclips and AI ventures.
A Renaissance Fair, and you could change up eras, Murder Mystery Events.
I would love to see the villages or towns around Mapperton ... maybe by highlighting those, it would bring more people to the area, not just Mapperton.
I grew up in California, USA and live in Arizona now and think nothing of driving 2 or more hours to go somewhere fantastic.I love all the locations you've already created. I also love all your great ideas and plans. The cruise ship excursions are a great idea. You have so many plates spinning. Very impressive.
What about the “Earl of Sandwich Tea Shoppe”. You could have an actual tea shop on your grounds in concert with the gardens. You could have a menu of tea sandwiches and cakes. Then sell the merch associated with the name on an endless number of products and wearable items. You could also have an online store which you could promote on your social media channels. Always think about your most obvious asset and in this case, it’s your title!
Juggling is an ok metaphor. I see you guys as diamond-cutters, creating facets.
The more facets in a jewel, the more magnificently it sparkles!
Your fireside chat was like watching a ping pong game! Very entertaining, and lots of good ideas bouncing off each other! Look forward to the next….with a cups! Love from Pennsylvania 💕🌷🐻
Yep, I’m in a small mountain town in California. It takes me just an hour to the grocery store. If we want to go to the coast or anywhere else it’s at least 2 hrs. Most times a day trip out of town will take 2-4 hrs one direction, 4-8 hrs in total. And spend 4-8 hrs at the location. It’s literally an “all day” trip 😉
You are missing out BIG TIME if you are not tapped into the Cruise Ship market...every ship offers bus tours/outings. Even in our small city there were 100 ships visiting each season.
I love those Shepard’s cottages. Do three of those somewhere. It doesn’t matter how many are doing them, if you renovate/decorate them well….. people will come. (Charlotte Gaisford fabrics)
YES! Accomodations at all levels! Thank you! Affordable.
I WOULD CHECK WITH THE LOCAL VILLAGE AND SEE HOW MANY BED AND BREAKFAST OR AIR BNB OR HOTELS THEY'RE ARE, AND WITH WEDDING PACKAGES ADD AN OPTION FOR MAPPERTON TOURS FOR ANYONE WHO STAYS IN THE MENTIONED LOCATION AND LIST AVAILABLE STAYS. AND MAYBE THEY'LL GIVE YOU A REFERENCE FEE.
The Mapperton Great Nature Hunt. People,accompanied by a responsible youngster, are given a list of insects,trees,plants,birds etc and have the day to find them all.
Loved the fireside chat! Your enthusiasm is fantastic and how you just share is great. It was like I was sitting there with you having a lovely conversation. You two are the best! ❤
You both have great ideas for your beautiful, home and grounds . Recently at one of our historic homes in Ponca City, Okla. We had a Royal Tea Party where we served in proper courses of the tea. It was a real hit and people loved being served . It was a time reminiscent of a bygone era and a chance to dress in 1920's era clothing. So much fun!
Just keep trying different things, you will find the perfect combination of whatever is working. It is evolving.
Here in Texas, it is common to have a 1.5 hour commute to and from work. I hope to visit Mapperton one day! And I am so excited about Fireside Chats!
Cuppa Conversation
An idea for conversation: the how to's of you two being an integral part of both a marriage, a business, and a national legacy, create the light touches while exploring difficult decisions as a husband/wife partnership.
6:30 Absolutely! I live in Arizona and we often drive 2+ hours for day trips. When I lived in Florida, I had to drive over an hour just to go across town to visit my mother. Many of us routinely commute over and hour, each way, for work every day. Long drives here are definitely the norm. :)
The cruise ship concept is interesting. A shore excursion to grab a sandwich at the Earl's! ❤
I think so too!
The whole house is daunting. Would love to have the whole house, but the organization is huge. I run a charity where we take peoples bucket lists and make fundraisers out of it. Working on it!! 😊
Add art week ends or 4 to 5 day classes. Can do hands on art classes and study the art work in the house. Have an art professor do the teaching. Etc.
Maybe take a parcel of the land and create a space to lease out land for people to place their tiny houses which could help keep up local populations as well.
Consider auctioning off at high value having guests while offering specials like private tours given by the family and private dinner, might be a good fund raiser while having a bit more control over times and guests.
Since Mapperton is “off the beaten path” for British culture day trips, you’ll have more success with destination events that support a 3-4 day stay. (I love the “Frock Me” idea). Your Christmas show is an excellent start, expanding the number of days offered & accommodations would increase attendance & revenue. Perhaps working with an artist to do a creative retreat/workshop or a writing retreat. While they are there, you make money from their lodging, food, & any Mapperton merchandise you sell at the cafe or gift shop. I can understand that Mapperton’s size does not allow you to continue living in the house while guests are there, so you’ll need to focus on growing the outdoor glamping or tiny houses over time. You are probably familiar with Elmore Court in Gloucestershire, who has a rewilding project and now offers 6 “treehouse” cabins to cater to those who are wanting to “get back to nature”. I know you are wanting to restore the outbuildings…. if you are allowed, that would make fantastic guest lodgings/rooms & generate revenue without upsetting the village composition. I really liked the informality of today’s format & the brainstorming you were doing together. Explaining the challenges in detail helps viewers better understand the money demands. I love it that you are so open to ideas. Good work, the both of you!
Hi Luke and Julie, in Australia everything is a great distance away. 2+ hours distance is considered a quick jaunt up the road and we do it quite often. We will travel any distance if the reward is worth the travel. If I were in England I'd travel any distance to see Mapperton, I love beautiful old houses. Unfortunately, I will probably only ever see it on RUclips. I know English people think very differently. You have been very innovative up until now and I am sure that you will work out a way to generate more visitors. 😀
Can't think of a more lovely place for a hot cream sweet lively cup of tea
Artists retreats are also a great avenue to explore.
It's all about marketing, marketing, marketing.
And once individuals come and have benefited from the scenic gardens, landscapes and nearby inspirational areas around Mapperton, then, the benefits of staying there will travel like wildfire by word of mouth. Various creditors tend to flock together and share experiences on places that have inspired them.
Julie and Luke: Look up the work Old Westbury Gardens is doing-they have something called ‘Nanny Night’ at Christmas time. Lots of families look forward to this event. It is so enjoyable but also a huge fundraiser. It takes place at the Phipps Estate in Westbury NY.
Thanks for the info!