An American Aristocrat's Guide to Great Estates

Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke pays a visit to Newby Hall, England's real-life Downton Abbey. Follow her on a tour of this elegant designer show house built in the 17th century, where she meets current owners Richard and Lucinda Compton and witnesses firsthand how they preserve their designer past while finding new ways to showcase their creative heritage. Her visit concludes with the grand opening of a sculpture exhibition in the estate's prized 25-acre gardens.

Eastnor Castle is one of Britain's grandest private residences and an estate that has been home to one family for over 400 years. While the current owners honor the estate's past, they must also look towards its future to stay relevant and profitable in the 21st century. Join host Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke as she visits heiress to the estate Imogen Hervey-Bathurst for an all-access look at the 97-room castle, the history of its past tenants, and the inventive initiatives being taken to meet the financial demands of modern day.

Host Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke has been traveling the U.K., visiting Britain's finest royal homes to see how they are staying relevant in the 21st century. This time, she focuses on her own manor house: Mapperton, a stunning, 2,000-acre estate nestled deep in the Dorset countryside. See how Julie and husband Luke keep their Tudor-period building profitable against running costs of nearly $220,000 a year by running pheasant shoots, yoga retreats, and tours of the estate and their stunning, award-winning gardens.

Christmas is coming to Mapperton and Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke is determined to create a gala yuletide celebration. Her mission begins with the hunt for the perfect tree on the grounds of her 2,000-acre estate, followed by a trip to the real Downton Abbey--Highclere Castle--to get some tips on turning Christmas into a revenue generator. She can't stay long though; there's still a 13-foot Norway spruce to decorate back at her own manor house, plus food to prepare, a church carol service to host, and a grand feast for 110 guests.