Countess of Carnarvon shares a glimpse at Downton Abbey's Highclere Castle in its festive splendour - with 25-foot Christmas tree 'higher than Windsor Castle's famous fir'
- Lady Fiona Carnarvon has shared a glimpse at the spectacular Christmas decorations at Highclere Castle - the film set for hit Downton Abbey
- The 8th Countess of Carnarvon has racked up 270,000 followers on Instagram as she shares her life in the castle with regular updates
- Extravagant decorations include two herds of wicker raindeer, a staircase garland, a grand 25-foot Christmas trees and a real life Santa
Lady Fiona Carnarvon has shared a glimpse at the spectacular Christmas decorations at Highclere Castle in Hampshire - the film set for hit Downton Abbey.
The 8th Countess of Carnarvon has racked up 270,000 followers on Instagram as she shares her life in the castle with regular updates.
And this month Downton fans were offered a special treat, as she shared the extravagant decorations being put up on the estate - including two herds of wicker raindeer, a staircase garland, a grand 25-foot Christmas tree and a real life Santa.

Spectacular Christmas decorations at Highclere Castle: Lady Fiona revealed she believed her Christmas tree was even taller than Windsor Castle's famous 20-foot tree

One room boasts a festive carpet, roaring fireplace and even a Santa for an extra festive feel
Appearing on This Morning yesterday, Lady Fiona revealed she believed her Christmas tree was even taller than Windsor Castle's famous 20-foot tree.
The impressive fir can be seen standing in the castle's spectactular hallway, decked with white snowflakes, baubles and bow decorations.
Meanwhile the Countess revealed that there is even a special team member assigned to the decorations, particularly the bows.
Sharing a picture of the imposing starcase covered in decorated pine, she wrote: 'The staircase is at the heart of the Castle so Sally, the chief Christmas Elf, has dressed it in beautiful frosty garlands. I'm sure you'll agree she has done a wonderful job.'

Sharing a picture of the imposing starcase covered in decorated pine, she wrote: 'The staircase is at the heart of the Castle so Sally, the chief Christmas Elf, has dressed it in beautiful frosty garlands. I'm sure you'll agree she has done a wonderful job.'

The grounds of the estate boast two herds of wicker reindeer, admired by the Count and Countess' surprised Labradors
While every room boasts various sized trees, wreaths, garlands and lights, even the outside of the Castle isn't forgotten.
The grounds of the estate boast two herds of wicker reindeer, admired by the Count and Countess' surprised Labradors.
And even the entrance to the Castle is lit up with a whole procession of trees at night, with Lady Fiona sharing a video of the 'post-cocktail' hour view from outside.
Highclere does Christmas so spectacularly that all the estate’s decorations are kept, colour-coded, in specially converted outhouses. One barn contains the estate’s two herds of wicker reindeer.
There is even a Chief Elf, aka Sally, a member of the housekeeping team who’s responsible for the bows and ribbons.
The Castle is even open to the public who can buy tickets to Christmas dinners hosted by the Count and Countess, and guests are even able to stay on the grounds.
Meanwhile inside the family, every second year the Carnarvon clan hosts Christmas in the castle, with guests moving in for the duration. Lady C has six sisters, and copious nieces and nephews.

Highclere does Christmas so spectacularly that all the estate’s decorations are kept, colour-coded, in specially converted outhouses. One barn contains the estate’s two herds of wicker reindeer - seen outside

There is even a Chief Elf, aka Sally, a member of the housekeeping team who’s responsible for the bows and ribbon - seen in the drawing room

The magnificent 25-foot Christmas tree in the hallway is pictured above
She is also fond of inviting friends who ‘have had a tough year’. The dining table at Highclere can seat 30-ish and since there are ‘around 61’ bedrooms, space is not an issue.
These festivities were detailed in last year’s sumptuous Christmas At Highclere book, however COVID has since affected festivities.
In the first lockdown Highclere – like every stately home around the country – was closed. In the summer things reopened, but with restrictions meaning that visitor numbers were halved.
Former accountant Fiona is the second wife to the Earl of Carnarvon, and met her 'Geordie' in 1996 ,two years after his first marriage broke down. The couple have a 20-year-old son Edward together.
Prior to this the Countess revealed how she was thrilled to have been the filming location for hit Downtown Abbey.
The current Lord and Lady Carnarvon reside full time at the stunning Highclere Castle where the six series of the hit ITV show Downton Abbey were filmed.
Although some scenes are filmed in studios and at different locations, the cast and crew spend much of their time at Highclere - which is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnavaron, whose family have lived there since 1679.

And even the entrance to the Castle is lit up with a whole procession of trees at night, with Lady Fiona sharing a video of the 'post-cocktail' hour view from outside.

Appearing on This Morning yesterday, Lady Fiona revealed she believed her Christmas tree was even taller than Windsor Castle's famous 20-foot tree.
The Countess of Carnarvon has welcomed the decision to film the sequel at Highclere, explaining that even though it provides her with plenty of extra work, the hustle and bustle bring the castle 'alive'.
She told The Daily Mail that when filming was taking place — from February to June for each of the six series of Downton and an additional one-off two months for the film — she was flat out.
Constantly in the wings, showing crew how to move furniture — 'you take a girl in your arms and a chair by its bottom' — and reminding people to wipe their feet and respect the carpets.
Yet, despite all the palaver, Lady Carnarvon is thrilled. 'We all got very used to each other. We had a good routine. It was like a new term at school — "here they come!"
'After all, a house like this is used to being busy, to being full of life. 'It comes alive with people and without them things go wrong.'