Monday, May 14, 2012

Treasure Houses of Britian DVD Review



I have always dreamed of visiting Britain. I'd love to see the castles and even the beautiful homes of the noble families. These houses are true treasures that have been passed down from generation to generation, some for literally hundreds of years. It will be many years before  my kids are grown and I'm able to visit these regal homes. But for now, I cam enjoy guided tours of some of the most magnificent homes in Britain, right from the comfort of my own living room sofa. Treasure Houses of Britain is a DVD that will give you the insider view of five of Britain's most beautiful homes. Here are the details about the series, direct from Acorn Media.

Exploring the rich history of England’s great country homes, Treasure Houses of Britain debuts on DVD from Athena on May 15, 2012. Accompanied by their owners, distinguished journalist Selina Scott (BBC, ITV, CBS, NBC) explores the properties, learning their history and examining the architectural wonders, paintings, furniture, tapestries, and sculptures accumulated over the centuries. Broadcast on DirecTV and public television in 2011, the program features intimate tours of Burghley House, Chatsworth, Blenheim Palace, Holkham Hall, and Boughton House, providing snapshots of the tastes and sensibilities of bygone eras and part of the fabric of the nation’s history. Treasure Houses of Britain includes a 22-min. behind-the-scenes featurette, “How We Did It,” a 12-page viewer’s guide with articles on the Grand Tour, the English aristocracy and the fate of country homes, the National Trust, and more (DVD 2-Vol. Boxed Set, $49.99, www.AthenaLearning.com).

Join Selina Scott as she discovers the astonishing affluence and fascinating stories behind these cherished properties and works of art accumulated over the centuries, such as a pietra dura gifted to an English nobleman by the powerful Medici family and the wealth of “England’s Versailles.” Each of these magnificent houses tells the story of the influential families who lived there, from the Earls of Leicester to Winston Churchill’s ancestors. Explore the parlors, suites, and grounds of homes that are more than simply architectural masterpieces.

Selina Scott has been a respected broadcast journalist in the U.K. for over 30 years. A trailblazing female news presenter, she has hosted television programs at the BBC, ITV, CBS, and NBC and today advocates for causes such as countryside preservation.

·         Burghley House - Considered England’s greatest Elizabethan house, Burghley in Lincolnshire was begun in the 1500s by the queen’s Lord High Treasurer.
·         Chatsworth - The illustrious Cavendish family has been at Chatsworth since the mid-16th century.
·         Blenheim Palace - A Baroque masterpiece in England, it was created by an act of Parliament—the gift of a grateful nation to the Duke of Marlborough. It’s also the birthplace Sir Winston Churchill.
·         Holkham Hall – Determined to build a Palladian mansion in north Norfolk, Thomas Coke created Holkham after taking a six-year grand tour of Europe in 1712.
·         Boughton House – Called the English Versailles, every door leads into yet another room full of treasures, many of them paintings, furniture, porcelain, and textiles Montagu brought back from France.

BONUS FEATURES: “How We Did It,” a behind-the-scenes featurette (22 min.); 12-page viewer’s guide with articles on the Grand Tour, the English aristocracy and the fate of country homes, the National Trust and more; behind the architectural styles; and discussion questions and the queen’s royal residences at athenalearning.com


If you want to get the advantage of a full box set that will leave you on the breathless with the architectural wonder, than this is the box set for you. You can order Treasure Houses of Britain for only $49.99 at Acorn Media.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

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