I think some reviewers are being a little unfair to Julie Montagu. This show's whole reason for being , it's hook, so to speak, is her experience and perspective. She is an American who married into the British nobility, a fish out of water at the time. Along with a drug addicted husband who was not treated properly she had to deal with a money-sucking estate. She wants to save it and make it a successful concern. So she is touring great estates of the U.K. gathering knowledge and ideas she might be able to apply to her own situation. The owners of which are very very very grateful and eager for the publicity. It is not a documentary hosted by a historian or narrated by a disembodied voice. We are living vicariously in her shoes and sharing in her unabashed excitement and awe.
15 Reviews
Hidden Gem
ljfrank15 July 2020
Unusual Perspective
zw-6759917 February 2021
I enjoyed this show very much. It was very informative regarding how these estates are managed in today's world. I do not think the show makes any pretense of being a show about the history of these estates.It is primarily a show about the struggle to maintain and restore these buildings, and the way the current owners monetize the estates in order to pay for the upkeep. I think the host of the show is a perfect fit given her story and that she wasn't afraid at times to be the goofy American girl.
Love this show!
rangerwife-928596 July 2020
I don't remember how I found this show but I am so glad I did! Julie Montagu is a perfect fit as hostess. My husband is even into the show- a feat for sure. We really love seeing all of the history as well as Julie's narration & history that she provides. I really hope there are more seasons!
Loved this show
terrihoward10 October 2020
I watched the first season and it's wonderful! I enjoyed watching Julie, the hostess, visit with the families and seeing her enthusiastic personality. She was game to see the sights and partake in activities. The estates are absolutely stunning. The show is interesting and will keep you entertained. I look forward to more seasons!
A surprise gem on the Smithsonian Channel
saccool5 November 2020
A rare view of the lives of Aristocrats still living in castles and grand estates from a small town American who was swept into the life. It's an amazing fun way to see the life she was pulled into through her excited and fascinated eyes! She seems genuine about her interest and excitement as she learns about how these families live. Only 8 episodes and I want more!! Ignore the negative reviews, they seemed to be people looking for a different type of show. This is a fun upbeat show that is easy to fall into binging. Love this show and I cannot wait for more.
Great Television
lisaanneuk16 December 2020
Historical , romantic, insightful, personal television through the lense of an intentional and interesting host, in some extremely scenic and amazing estates. For those who are currently landlocked this show has been a godsend, everything needed for a flight of fancy in our own living rooms. Production quality is very good and the title is adept at telling us exactly what this show is about. Hopefully this show will be extended for a long while.
Interesting with a side of annoying
mandyprasatik10 September 2020
This was an incredible series. I loved seeing all of the great estates, the owners, how they ran their estates and managed to acquire income to keep the houses running BUT if I have to see one more touchy-feeling, space invading, and cheesy scene by Julie Montagu I'm going to cringe my head off. Ugh. Aside from her cons, she has a very family friendly aura about her but gosh... she can be so cringeworthy.
Interesting estates-Poor hostess
sylveste-3808727 June 2020
This woman is ANNOYING. She focuses more on herself and her new title than the real history behind the estates and people she reviews. A similar program has been done on PBS that was much better. I think she is what the Brits might call a "poser". The concept is great but she is distracting and frankly comes across as none too bright.
Aristocracy does not equal knowledge or intellect
cruzarts-7394622 June 2020
Julie Montagu's primary qualification for hosting this show is MARRIAGE. After watching a few episodes of her being amazed by what she is shown, it becomes clear this could as easily have been a show about her looking at cooking or fashion or travel. If she knows anything, it's a well kept secret.
It's a shame that people with actual insight and knowledge are relegated to being her guides. As for talent as a television presenter, I'm not engaged. Her vocal delivery and personal anecdotes buffeting.
Montagu is in the frame so constantly, this program is obviously more about "An American Aristocrat" than it is about "Great Estates."
It's a shame that people with actual insight and knowledge are relegated to being her guides. As for talent as a television presenter, I'm not engaged. Her vocal delivery and personal anecdotes buffeting.
Montagu is in the frame so constantly, this program is obviously more about "An American Aristocrat" than it is about "Great Estates."
Great show, poor host
elCapitaness3 August 2020
This had the potential to be a wonderful series that delves into the rich history of Britain's most magnificent old houses, for that is what the title suggests. Unfortunately, the hostess ruins the viewing experience completely. The show is basically a reality show of a boorish, name-dropping, social-climbing, none-too-clever American woman gallivanting across the British countryside.
She keeps interrupting the interviewees and often appears to talk and act before thinking; some things are just not considered polite to say or do. Both nuance and social graces are completely lost on her.
She also cannot stop centering herself, her title and her own house every two minutes when conversing with others.
This show has immense potential but it needs a host who understands that it isn't about them, he/she is but the vessel through which the story is told.
disgusting
snature11 April 2021
Oh boy, she should have had guidance
rhopkins-7958710 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Annoying and cringeworthy is spot on. Her hysterically laughing reaction when told of some "mad" ancester who would knock out the maids' teeth if he thought they were too attractive was creepy and shrill.
If you want a huge dose of how repellent the English system is, just give any one of these episodes a ten minute watch.
Why this woman would have undertaken this project without getting professional advice on how to, well, do everything involved in creating these episodes might be an indication of just how impressed she is with herself. Her voice, choice of words, dress, facial expressions is like nails on chalkboard, and she hasn't a clue. So bad I only want to say mean things, but like the fascination with a car wreck, I couldn't stop watching. I will stop writing though, because the silly thing will never live this down, either here in the states of amongst her "peers", the insufferable Brit aristocracy.
If you want a huge dose of how repellent the English system is, just give any one of these episodes a ten minute watch.
Why this woman would have undertaken this project without getting professional advice on how to, well, do everything involved in creating these episodes might be an indication of just how impressed she is with herself. Her voice, choice of words, dress, facial expressions is like nails on chalkboard, and she hasn't a clue. So bad I only want to say mean things, but like the fascination with a car wreck, I couldn't stop watching. I will stop writing though, because the silly thing will never live this down, either here in the states of amongst her "peers", the insufferable Brit aristocracy.
It was an 8 until the host hosted blood sports
thejdrage19 September 2022
This was a really fun program until the host wound up at her estate and the first event she showed that was unique was how they have pheasants they treat well so they'll stay on the estate ........ only so they can be shot by Americans who pay to come and "shoot" fish in a barrel.
I'm sorry. I quit watching at that point. Next she'll have a fricking fox hunt.
Too bad. She is funny and quick. And was a great guest at all the other castles (which technically aren't castles, but palaces). The homes were beautiful and had great stories attached to them. The people who linved in them were very open - and proud of them.
Am sorry it ended on such a sour note ...............
I'm sorry. I quit watching at that point. Next she'll have a fricking fox hunt.
Too bad. She is funny and quick. And was a great guest at all the other castles (which technically aren't castles, but palaces). The homes were beautiful and had great stories attached to them. The people who linved in them were very open - and proud of them.
Am sorry it ended on such a sour note ...............
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
