Radio Times

Review by:

Alison Graham

Some people still don’t know that Chatsworth hosts weddings, says the country house’s wedding organiser. Well they do now, just as they know that Chatsworth runs a holiday cottage business.

Why? Because we see a Pride and Prejudice-themed promotional shoot for the weddings and follow the refurbishing of a holiday cottage.

But there’s no point in carping as Chatsworth is a great big promotional video and viewed on that level it’s all rather enchanting and lovely. The sweet staff seem to have lots of fun and local people thoroughly enjoy taking part in the 48th annual Chatsworth Horticultural and Produce Show, with ribald comments about the size of carrots. It’s Arcadia.

About this programme

2/3. The second visit to the Derbyshire stately home sees the Duchess of Devonshire at the highlight of her social calendar, Chatsworth International Horse Trials. This year there is extra pressure as the event is an official qualifier for the London Olympics, so the course has to meet the governing body's exacting standards. The 2011 season also sees the home's third annual flower festival, although the unusually warm spring weather makes the tulips flower early, leaving floral designer Jonathan Moseley 5,000 blooms short just days ahead of the grand opening. And there is drama in the dining room when members of the public complain about the table settings.

Cast and crew

Cast

Narrator

Max Beesley

Crew

Executive Producer

Alexander Gardiner

Executive Producer

Andrew Nicholson

Share this episode