NFORMATION

Castle Howard is near York.

Christmas at Castle Howard runs until December 23.

Call (01653) 648333 or visit castlehoward.co.uk

THEY know how to decorate a Christmas tree at Castle Howard.

Wandering around the historic Yorkshire property's sumptuous rooms, each dressed with gorgeous festive arrangements, I began to get 'tree envy'.

My Christmas tree decorations, packed in a box under the stairs, seemed shabby compared to the thousands of baubles and stunning garlands, candles and wreaths, not to mention trees of various shapes and sizes, adorning the Howard family home.

The 'Christmas at Castle Howard' season is a delightful way to get into the festive spirit. The 18th century house glistens with colourful glass baubles in rooms lit by candle and firelight.

The Great Hall, rising 70 feet to the dome giving Castle Howard its distinctive silhouette, is utterly beautiful, with ornate columns, carvings and painted frescos. And it looked even more splendid with a huge Christmas tree taking pride of place, reaching almost to the balcony where a choir were singing carols.

The striking blend of traditional and innovative decorations included gorgeous, classically trimmed fir trees with Victorian fairies perched on top, and wintry, leafless trees sprayed bronze, silver and white, their branches covered in themed glass baubles.

Christmas trees were everywhere, and garlands snaked their way up staircases, through bedrooms and along the 160ft Long Gallery, where a stunning 'frosty' wreath hung from the ceiling. Lady Georgiana Howard's bedroom was particularly pretty, with a cream and gold-themed tree shimmering beside the bed, against walls adorned with 19th century family portraits. Further along, in the crimson dining-room, the table was beautifully laid for Christmas dinner, with red and gold wreaths and crackers, and a holly garland filled the marble mantlepiece, with an inviting fire flickering in the hearth.

The chapel, part of the mid-18th century west wing, was refurbished in the 1870s in a pre-Raphaelite style. Featuring beautiful William Morris designs, its seasonal centrepiece is a candle-lit Nativity scene.

For younger visitors a festive trail offers the chance to spot mischievous mice scampering about the house, hiding in shadows among the baubles and lights.

Castle Howard is, of course, famous as the house in the acclaimed 1981 TV adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel Brideshead Revisited, and the 2008 big screen re-make. Images from both productions are on display, and there's more about the house in an exhibition on the 1940 fire which destroyed nearly 20 rooms. Starting as a chimney fire, the blaze swept through the building and sent the dome crashing into the Great Hall. It was another two decades before restoration work began.

The original building work started in 1699 and took more than 100 years to complete. The flamboyant baroque design was by architect and dramatist John Vanbrugh, who also designed Blenheim Palace.

Castle Howard is surrounded by 1,000 acres of parkland in the Howardian Hills, a tapestry of woods, valleys and rolling pastures which take on a shimmering beauty in winter months. Twinkling Christmas trees line the drive and there are woodland and lakeside walks

After a mince pie in the coffee shop we enjoyed a walk around the Walled Garden, laid out in the early 18th century. The rose garden dedicated to the memory of Lady Cecilia Howard is lovely, containing romantic Italianate trellises and 2,000 rose of various types.

We ended with a wander around the Stable Courtyard and its festive market. Purchasing a couple of glittering baubles, I looked forward to creating my own corner of Castle Howard this Christmas.