Castle Howard, the grand ancestral home immortalized by the classic 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited, has recently unveiled a remarkable restoration project. After decades of wear and damage, including a devastating fire during World War II, the 300-year-old estate is undergoing careful and thoughtful refurbishment. We take an exclusive look inside the ongoing revival of this architectural masterpiece, guided by the interior designer tasked with bringing the house’s historic rooms back to life with sensitivity and style.
A gothic vision reborn
Castle Howard’s dramatic silhouette against a winter’s night might evoke scenes from classic Gothic novels. For the first time in centuries, the house lay empty during a harsh Covid-19 winter, its familiar bustle replaced by ghostly silence and dust-covered furniture. Remy Renzullo, the charismatic interior designer entrusted with the restoration, recalls arriving to find a ‘sleeping beauty’ cut off from the world by snow and silence.
Completed in 1811, Castle Howard is a blend of baroque and Palladian architecture and the embodiment of Brideshead, the fictional home of the Flyte family in the iconic TV series. Its role in popular culture extends beyond Brideshead Revisited, with appearances in Bridgerton, Death Comes to Pemberley, and Victoria. Renzullo, who divides his time between New York, England, and Italy, feels the weight of responsibility in working on a place that has captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
A project of patience and legacy
Unlike a typical renovation, Castle Howard’s refurbishment is a slow, deliberate process. With around 145 rooms in the estate, Renzullo and the Howard family prioritize a careful approach over rushed decisions. “We are taking the time to find out what feels right, what works in the space,” Renzullo explains. For him, the project is not just about aesthetics but about creating a legacy that respects centuries of history and architectural innovation.
The work honors the castle’s rich heritage, including the famous Great Hall designed by John Vanbrugh, with its dome, gilding, and frescoes. Collaboration is key: Renzullo works closely with Nicholas and Victoria Howard, the current owners and eighth-generation custodians of the house. Their shared passion for the arts and history ensures that each restoration choice reflects both respect for the past and the needs of modern living.
Restoration born from tragedy
The restoration began in earnest due to a tragic fire in 1940, which devastated parts of the castle when it was used as a girls’ school during World War II. Brave students saved priceless artworks and antiques by rushing them to safety, but the damage lingered for decades. The Howards’ mission to fully restore the estate led to a focus on the Tapestry Room, the last major visitor space still scarred by the fire.
Restoring this room gave a sense of completion and sparked further work, including a rehang of paintings in the Long Gallery. The family’s philosophy is clear: no rush, no shortcuts. This has allowed the refurbishment to respect the house’s grandeur while adapting for contemporary use, blending historic preservation with modern functionality.
Bringing history to life with detail
The restoration extends beyond grand spaces to the intimate corners of Castle Howard, including private living areas still occupied by the Howards. Here, Renzullo carefully balances opulence with practicality. In the Gold Library, a large TV discreetly framed within the fireplace reminds visitors that this is a home, not a museum.
Much of the work involves restoring original pieces rather than replacing them. A late Victorian sofa, for example, was painstakingly repaired over six months, preserving its delicate damask fabric and allowing it to complement the room’s gilded accents. This commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship underpins the entire project.
Light, legacy, and the north yorkshire landscape
A vital part of the design process is Renzullo’s deep understanding of light — how it shifts throughout the day and across seasons in the Yorkshire countryside. This sensitivity guides decisions from paint colours to furniture placement, ensuring each room shines at every hour. The unique quality of the local light inspires a humility in Renzullo’s approach; this is not a space for imposing his own style but for letting the history and architecture speak.
His daily routine includes a sunrise walk to the Temple of the Four Winds, a Palladian folly overlooking the parkland. This ritual grounds him and connects him to the centuries-old landscape that surrounds Castle Howard. Renzullo’s greatest compliment is when visitors enter a room he has restored without realizing his hand was there—like a ghost, present but invisible.
Castle Howard’s restoration is a testament to the enduring power of heritage, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. From its dramatic baroque exteriors to the intricately restored interiors, this grand estate is not just preserved but revitalized for future generations. Under Remy Renzullo’s careful stewardship, Castle Howard continues to enchant visitors and remain a living symbol of British history and culture, blending the romance of the past with the realities of modern life.
