The Christmas decorations and events at the Rothschild’s Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire are legendary. Recently, to prepare, the dedicated stewards, housekeepers and specialists closed up for winter and started the arduous process of ‘putting the house to bed’.
In cleaning and packing away many of the artworks in preparation for annual conservation work, their practice stems from Miss Alice’s Rules, housekeeping standards introduced by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s sister, Alice, in the early 20th century.
‘Until 2003, Christmas wasn’t a big affair here,’ explains the busy head steward Jane Finch.
‘We used to close for five months, allowing a team of 15 housekeepers several weeks to pack the collection away for vital conservation and cleaning. Today, we welcome about 190,000 visitors during the festive period, which means processes have to be much more streamlined.'
‘We now pack up the house in two days, then set about transforming the interiors with 13 Christmas trees, 3,000 baubles and 30,000 pea lights,' adds Jane.
‘Christmas at Waddesdon’ runs from November 16 to January 5, 2020, and, this year, will include its longest-ever Winter Light trail in the grounds. Visit www.waddesdon.org.uk for further information.
Waddesdon Manor, via the medium of gingerbread
Luxury confectionery crafters Biscuiteers have re-created the glory of French Renaissance-style chateau Waddesdon Manor in gingerbread.
-
Who you gonna call to tell them about Country Life's Quiz of the Day, August 27, 2025Wednesday's quiz is out of this world, but also of this world.
-
‘The closest that screenwriting has ever got to Shakespearean’: In an era of television slop, what should you be watching?Members of the Country Life team reveal what they’re watching — and rewatching — this autumn.
-
Things to do: Music in the gardens, the buildings of the Weald & Downland and a circus at the cathedralKeep your diary up-to-date with our selection of unmissable events and things to do in the next few weeks.
-
Why Britain's finest attractions need visitors like never before — and those who go will be rewarded: 'You are likely to never see them so quiet again'A huge drop in visits to the best museums, zoos and houses in Britain has prompted calls for an extra day's holiday at the end of summer to help us all enjoy them.
-
National Trust considers partial car ban in the Lake DistrictThe National Trust is looking at banning car use in some parts of the Lake District, particularly around Scafell Pike.
-
A spooky museum exhibition in Bristol full of exhibits to send a shiver down your spineA museum in Bristol is putting on a show called 'Do you believe in magic?' which, should you answer in the negative, will do its very best to change your mind...
-
Tintagel's new bridge: Dramatic, contentious and finally open to visitorsThe new bridge has opened at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, one of the most dramatic spots in Britain, and a place whose history is deeply entwined with tales of Arthurian legend. Carla Passino reports.
-
Sutton Hoo's £4m transformation from 'boring heaps of earth' to a place that gives a 'tingle in the hairs on the back of your neck'Sutton Hoo is famous as one of the greatest archaeological finds in history — but has become infamous for its dullness as a visitor experience. The National Trust has now put that right.
-
Thirlestane: A majestic 16th century castle being saved by heroic by 21st century effortsJohn Goodall looks at the ongoing saga of sustaining Thirlestane Castle in Berwickshire through the centuries.
-
Famous film locations to visitCelebrate the best of the silver screen with these film-inspired days out for the family.
