London Calling

I know I've said this before, but if you're not already watching Downton Abbey, hurry up quick,  get on board!  It's quality television, and that's pretty hard to find these days!

We've finally caught up with the current episode in Season 3 (we watched all of Season 1 and 2 over the last 4 weeks).  Good thing crying burns calories because I cry during almost every single episode.  I wish I could tell you all the reasons why, but I don't want to ruin it for all of you future Downton Abbey addicts.

Mr. BMJ likes it so much that he turned the channel during the Super Bowl last night so we could watch it.  If that doesn't convince you, I don't know what will....

Guess what I read in People Magazine?  You can actually tour the castle!  OMG.  I NEED to go (yes, I know that I sound like my 2 yr old)! I've always wanted to go to London, and now, I can see where one of my favorite shows is filmed.  Eeeek!  Here are some fun facts about the real-life castle:

1.  It is named Highclere Castle and is currently owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.  It is located about 90 miles outside of London.

2.  Sir Charles Barry, the architect of London's House of Parliament, began reconstruction of the current structure in 1842.  It was originally an 8th century medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester.  Construction took about 36 years to complete.

{Architectural design by Sir Charles Barry, 1842. Image @ Christie's}

3.  The Castle is on a 6000 acre estate (larger than Central Park) and is over 120,000 square feet.  The Earl and Countess started counting the rooms, but got bored and tired.  They estimate there are 200-300 rooms.

{source}

4.  The reported value of the estate is $240 million, but don't go trying to get a mortgage loan just yet.  It's been in this Aristocratic family since 1692 and they don't seem to be motivated to sell.
5.  You can rent the castle for $24,069 for a wedding or private event.  Can you imagine getting married there?  Me neither?  Fairytale wedding for sure!

{source}

6.  Tours of the castle are selling out quickly through 2013 due to its new fame from the show.  They only allow tours a few days per month due to filming, private events, and privacy of the Carnarvons.  Better get your tickets soon here! ;)


Information obtained from various sources, including People Magazine, February 4, 2013 issue; www.highclerecastleshop.co.uk, and www.wikipedia.org.

p.s.  Why do I drink Baby Mama Juice?  Because Baby Girl has a nasty cold,  I don't have a thing to make for dinner tonight despite pledging to be more organized and do my weekly shopping on Sundays, and I gained 2 lbs from eating so much crap this weekend.