Chatsworth House

Behind the scenes at the stately home belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, following preparations for this year's Christmas festivities, planning for which begins at the height of summer. After months with no paying visitors due to Covid-19, the budget has had to be drastically cut, but the staff delve into the storerooms to recycle decorations from years past. Plans are also underway to make an ambitious light trail through the gardens.

In the first edition, the Covid-19 pandemic breaks out just as the house is about to be opened to the public for the year, sending staff racing to make the house safe for visitors in time.

As Chatsworth navigates the lockdown, the estate community rallies, adapts and shows their support for the NHS. And as summer approaches, the team get ready to safely reopen for visitors.

A dry spring leaves the house facing a water shortage in high summer, but head gardener Steve sets to work on a Victorian irrigation system to recharge lakes and fountains.

Episode 4

The Duke and Duchess review a newly restored guide to the house written by a past duke, and consider writing their own version to leave to future generations of the family.