Downton Abbey stately home to be listed on Airbnb for one night only
Written by News on 17/09/2019
Fans of Downton Abbey are being given the chance to stay at the stately home where the TV series is set.
Two guests will be allowed to stay at Highclere Castle for one night on 26 November if they can show they are passionate about Downton Abbey.
They will stay in one of the main bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom and views over 1,000 acres of parkland.
The home’s current occupants, the Earl and Countess of Carnavon, will be treating the guests to an evening of cocktails in the saloon followed by a traditional dinner in the state dining room waited on by a butler.
Coffee will be served in the library after dinner before the guests retire for the night.
The next morning, they will be given breakfast and a private tour of the estate.
Fans can apply to stay at the home through Airbnb, where they will have to include a message illustrating their passion for the TV series.
Bookings will open at noon on 1 October but applicants must be signed up to Airbnb in advance and have good ratings from previous bookings.
The Earl and Countess will choose the most creative applicant to stay with them.
The winners will pay £150 inclusive for their reservation.
Lady Carnarvon said: “It’s an absolute privilege and pleasure to call Highclere Castle my home and I am delighted to be able to share it on Airbnb for a truly unique stay.
“Highclere Castle has been in the Carnarvon family since 1679 and has an incredibly rich history.
“I am passionate about the stories and heritage of Highclere Castle, and I am looking forward to welcoming our future guests.”
The home was built as Highclere Place House in 1679 when it was bought by Sir Robert Sawyer, an ancestor of the current Earl.
It was converted into Highclere Castle in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, who was also working on the Houses of Parliament at the time.
(c) Sky News 2019: Downton Abbey stately home to be listed on Airbnb for one night only
