How much did it cost to run Downton Abbey?

The television show has brought worldwide fame to Highclere Castle (which Lady Carnarvon's husband's family has owned since the late 17th century), especially among what she calls “lots of lovely Americans.” But the house costs $1.5 million a year to run, and it has not received the windfall that viewers of the show ...

How much did it cost to run a house like Downton Abbey?

He said many clients spend $6 million to $8 million on renovations, though some spend much more. In the end, the total bill for keeping an estate is upwards of $1.5 million or more.

How much did it cost to maintain Downton Abbey?

One estimate found it would cost more than $8.3 million annually to pay for life at Downton Abbey. The backdrop for the international drama is also the real home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

How much does Downton Abbey pay to use Highclere Castle?

In 2013, the New York Times wrote that it costs $1.5 million a year to run Highclere Castle. The Countess has done everything she can to make sure the estate continues to rake in that amount. With the help of Downton, they're on a steady course for being financially stable for years to come.

How much does it cost to make an episode of Downton Abbey?

According to The World of Downton Abbey, each episode of the show cost around £1 million (approximately $1.5 million) to produce. Given that the show ran for six seasons and featured five Christmas specials, this totals to an eye-watering amount.

How much would it cost to live at Downton Abbey?

How much is Highclere worth?

mortgage experts say Highclere is valued at about 72 million British pounds, — or about $95 million dollars.

Who owns the real Downton Abbey?

Today, Highclere is home to George Herbert and his wife Fiona, the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon (Lord and Lady Carnarvon), owners of the 'real' Downton Abbey house.

How much money did the Crawleys have?

The Crawley family is excessively rich, with Forbes including the patriarch Robert Crawley's net worth at $1.1 billion on its “Fictional 15” list. The huge popularity of the show has also brought the cast members wealth and success.

Who will inherit Highclere Castle?

His eldest son Lord Porchester will inherit the Highclere estate after the Earl's death. His second wife Fiona Carnarvon is a former accountant with Coopers & Lybrand and is the eldest of six sisters.

How was Downton Abbey funded?

For 2 decades, Downton has been funded in large part by Lady Grantham's American inheritance. That ended when undiversified Canadian railroad investments threatened to sink the estate. However, Matthew Crawley (the new son-in-law) provides a welcome infusion of capital from an unexpected inheritance.

Did Downton Abbey have toilets?

So the lavatories of even the really grand country houses were as nasty and as uncomfortable as was humanly possibly. Non-absorbant toilet tissue was available, but you were just as likely to get torn up bits of newspaper. Yes, even for the bottom of the Dowager Duchess of Grantham.

Do families still live like Downton Abbey?

Hughes and the rest of the staff at Downton Abbey still exist today. Many of the great houses of England prevail (though they are as likely to be occupied by international billionaires with superyachts as they are by aristocrats).

How many servants did Highclere Castle have?

At the top stood the butler and housekeeper. Dowton Abbey, the series, highlights eleven servants who ran the household, but in 1912, Highclere Castle, where the exterior and interior shots were filmed, used the services of 25 maids, 14 footmen, and three chefs.

How much does it cost to get married at Highclere?

Weddings at Highclere begin at $25,000; the library seats 100 people for dinner, and afternoon tea can be served for 150.

Is the castle in Downton Abbey real?

HIGHCLERE CASTLE, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND

Highclere Castle was used as the set of the fictional Downton Abbey itself. This impressive Victorian castle is the off-screen seat of the present-day Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

How large is Highclere Castle estate?

Highclere Castle, stately home in Hampshire, England, owned by the earls of Carnarvon. The castle has more than 200 rooms and stands on a tract of about 1,060 acres (430 hectares). It gained fame as the setting for the television series Downton Abbey (2010–15).

How much does it take to run Highclere Castle?

According to a 2013 New York Times article, the castle alone costs $1.5 million to run every year, and that doesn't include any major renovations or repairs. Today, besides the family-branded gin and cigars, Lord and Lady Carnavon's most important business is hospitality on the Highclere estate itself.

How many rooms are in Highclere Castle?

There are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle Saloon and during your tour you will explore the main state rooms so familiar from "Downton Abbey".

Are Lord and Lady Carnarvon divorced?

Wilby and Princess Prospero Colonna di Stigliano (née Frances Loftus). They had two children before divorcing in 1998: Lady Saoirse Herbert (born 2 June 1991)

Who is the highest paid on Downton Abbey?

Dame Maggie Smith reigns over the Downton Abbey cast in earnings. With her sharp wit and amazing one-liners, Violet Grantham, the Dowager Countess, played by Dame Maggie Smith, was, perhaps, the most memorable "Downton Abbey" character of all.

Who is the richest person on Downton Abbey?

Downton Abbey

According to Forbes' Fictional 15 — an annual list of the richest fictional characters — the Earl is worth an estimated $1.1 billion in today's dollars. No wonder Lady Mary was so upset that she couldn't inherit.

Did Downton Abbey go broke?

This report includes details on forthcoming episodes of season 3 of Downton Abbey. It's good news for the aristocratic Crawley family: They can afford to keep the family home, Downton Abbey, even after financial disaster wiped out their fortunes. How?

Who lives at Highclere Castle now?

The current (8th) Earl of Carnarvon lives in Highclere Castle with the Countess, his wife, during the winter months. They return to their cottage during the summer when the castle is open to the public and tours are going on.

What is the square footage of Highclere Castle?

The Castle itself covers 100,000 square feet and has a total of 300 rooms. Throughout the property, the rooms are opulently decorated and furnished, with each detail providing a unique insight into Highclere Castle's history.

What castle is used for Downton Abbey?

Throughout the Second World War, Highclere Castle was home to children evacuated from London. There are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle and during your tour you will explore the main state rooms so familiar from "Downton Abbey".