You’re already drinking Highclere Castle Gin -- why not do it at Highclere Castle?
The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, the actual inhabitants of the castle that serves as the setting for “Downton Abbey,” have listed their palatial home on Airbnb -- seriously. For just $159 a night, you’ll live like royalty in the U.K., but it is only for one night.
Of course, the castle isn’t accepting bookings willy-nilly like your average Airbnb host. Rather, vacationers can hop onto the homeshare site on Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. BST to request the stay on Nov. 26, but only two guests will actually have the opportunity to sleep on royal linens and dine in a luxury banquet hall.
And that’s not all. According to the listing, each guest will have a personal butler, enjoy exclusive cocktails in the 17th-century castle’s Saloon and even dine with the Earl and Countess. Coffee will be served in the library before guests retire for the night to an opulent bedroom with envy-inducing views of the grounds. The next morning, breakfast will be served before an exclusive tour, and the Carnarvons will provide a gift! (I’ll bet it’s gin. Just a hunch.)
“Highclere Castle has been in the Carnarvon family since 1679, but it has recently become one of the most famous houses in the world thanks to it being the home of ‘Downton Abbey,’” the lady of the house wrote on the listing. “I am passionate about the stories and heritage of Highclere Castle and I am delighted to be able to share it with others who have a love of the building and its history.”
Fancy a nightcap with the Countess? Now’s your chance! You have until Oct. 1 to make sure your Airbnb reviews are in tip-top shape -- godspeed.