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The Palaces and Country Estates of Bridgerton

VIVANT team • May 20, 2024
A group of people are standing in front of a large brick building.

Dearest gentle reader, the highly anticipated return of Bridgerton is finally here! As 82 million viewers worldwide can attest, the greatest gift of Christmas 2020 was Netflix's costume drama set in Regency London, brimming with pomp, romance, and scandalous storylines. Based on Julia Quinn’s beloved historical romance series, the show follows the Bridgerton family and the decadent lives of high-society London in the 1800s. The new 2024 season promises to delve into the (as yet) unrequited romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.

It’s been two years since the last Bridgerton installment. Still, fans had plenty to keep them excited with the release of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" – a delightful spin-off focusing on the beloved, gossip-loving Queen Charlotte, which landed on Netflix last May. The third season of Bridgerton is highly anticipated and split into two parts, with four episodes available today (16 May 2024) and the remaining four dropping on 13 June.

Under the masterful direction of TV superstar Shonda Rhimes, of Grey’s Anatomy fame, the show once again focuses on the ton’s wallflower, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), exploring their will-they-won’t-they romance that has been subtly brewing over the past two seasons. Fans will be thrilled to see many familiar faces return, including Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton. We’ll also see the newly married lovebirds Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), whose tumultuous courtship delighted viewers and ended season two on a high note.

But it’s not just the tantalizing storylines that have captivated millions. The show’s exquisite period costumes, clever contemporary string quartet soundtrack, and lavish ballrooms and stately homes have us all dreaming of a more glamorous life. Much of the filming for both Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte took place in various stunning locations in London and beyond, creating the perfect backdrops for the Regency era.


SQUERRYES COURT, KENT


A group of people are standing in front of a large brick building.

This 17th-century manor house in Westerham experienced quite the awakening in August 2022 when the Bridgerton production team arrived and made it their home for two weeks. Cloaked in secrecy, the Warde family's residence at the heart of the Squerryes Estate was chosen as a filming location for season three of the Netflix hit series. The manor's charming gardens served as the picturesque setting for a grand garden party, which you can catch in the opening episode of season three.

Blenheim Palace

An aerial view of a large castle at sunset.

Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, is not only a key location for the spin-off "Queen Charlotte" but also features prominently in the third season of Bridgerton. This luscious estate provides the perfect backdrop for a hot air balloon event attended by the ton in one episode. Additionally, Blenheim Palace stands in for Buckingham Palace, adding a touch of regal splendor to the series.

Belton House

A large stone building with a clock tower on top of it

The filming of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" brought the crew to the magnificent Belton House, a 17th-century stately home now owned by the National Trust. This historic venue provides a stunning backdrop to the young queen’s life as she settles into the UK. Belton House is no stranger to the spotlight, having previously appeared in the BBC’s "Pride and Prejudice" and the 2006 adaptation of "Jane Eyre."

DORNEY COURT, WINDSOR


A large brick house with a gravel driveway leading to it.

While Bridgerton portrays Dorney Court as a modest overnight stop on the way to Clyvedon Castle, we can hardly think of a more enchanting place for newlyweds to spend their first night together. This Grade I-listed early Tudor mansion in Windsor, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, has a rich history of noble ownership, including Sir William Garrard, Lord Mayor of London. Today, it is a sought-after wedding and filming location, having featured in productions like Bohemian Rhapsody, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Midsomer Murders, and of course, Bridgerton. Just 30 miles from London, Dorney Court is also open to visitors, making it the perfect destination for a spring day trip.

A book titled fifth ave 200 years of stories and legends

FIFTH AVENUE: 200 YEARS OF STORIES AND LEGNEDS

February 18, 2025
Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.
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Natalie Wood

By Colleen Richmond • February 17, 2025
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Rada, a chic new restaurant in Myers Park, introduces Charlotte to an elevated dining experience with tapas, biodynamic wines, and shareable plates. Helmed by Chef Callan Buckles, formerly of acclaimed NYC spots like Claud, Momofuku, and The Four Horsemen, the menu is a bold fusion of global influences. Owner Eloy Roy envisioned this contemporary American eatery in the former Little Spoon space, creating a cozy yet upscale 50-seat spot with mint green walls and a minimalist aesthet-ic. From a $3 Gilda skewer to a $110 sirloin, Rada’s offerings reflect Buckles’ culinary pedigree and adventurous flair. With dishes like eggplant escabeche and seabass paired with txakolina wine, Rada aims to carve out a niche in Charlotte’s emerging shared-plates scene.Rada blends fine dining with approachability, focusing on flavors that challenge Charlotte’s palate while embracing its neighborhood vibe. Highlights include crispy roast chicken with vegetable farcis and Asian-inspired touches like fish sauce and shio koji. The bar program is equally compelling, featuring a gin martini made with anchovy oil and Basque pepper brine. Roy believes Rada will resonate deeply with diners, offering something fresh yet familiar. This new spot, opened on Selwyn Avenue, invites locals to indulge in innovative cuisine and discover what they’ve been craving all along.
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