A book at last! And Alberta's forgotten friend

Filming in the Borders, gardening dreams, and a glimpse into Alberta’s letters from 1901.

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Dear wonderful readers,

It’s been a couple weeks of castles, compost, and creative milestones…the sort of whirlwind that reminds me why I adore this work so much. Between filming, writing, gardening, and a few truly exciting book developments, there’s a lot to share!

In this newsletter, I’ll discuss:
• Filming with the Duke at Drumlanrig Castle
• Progress on the Mapperton Illustrated Book
• Gardening through the seasons (and going “no dig”)
• A special limited edition for Patrons
• Archival discoveries: Alberta, Helena Zimmerman, and a transatlantic friendship

Let’s get into it!

Filming in the Scottish Borders

Last week we travelled north by train to Drumlanrig Castle, in the breathtaking hills of Dumfriesshire. It’s home to the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. The family and team could not have been more generous, and we spent three unforgettable days filming across their magnificent estate.

We were welcomed into the castle itself (and even stayed there for three nights!), exploring its sweeping staircases, rooftop views, and extraordinary collections. We filmed with both the Duke and his son, the Earl of Dalkeith (as well as their wonderful dog, who was just as much a part of the production!).

The team at Drumlanrig made us feel instantly at home. Special thanks go to Betty Cook, who cooked the most delicious meals for us all.

Patrons, you’ll find two special behind-the-scenes videos from this trip coming for you on Patreon SOON!

Watch on Patreon → Click here

Mapperton Illustrated: the book in progress

The Mapperton Illustrated Book is officially nearing completion! I recently had one of my final photo shoots with Malcolm and Jessica, and we caught that perfect moment of late autumn, when the light over the valley turns gold.

Today I’m in London for a meeting with my publisher, Frances Lincoln - part of the Quarto group, to go over the design stages. I can hardly contain my excitement as =his project has been a true labour of love, and we’re preparing something very special for our most loyal supporters.

In addition to the usual run, there will be a limited edition, available first to our Mapperton Live! and American Countess Patrons, and then to my newsletter readers and YouTube subscribers -but once it sells out…. It will be a collectible piece — a keepsake that celebrates the beauty, history, and daily life at Mapperton.

Stay tuned… more details coming soon!

Gardening through the seasons

My gardening course (Gardening Through the Seasons with Sissinghurst Head Gardener Troy Scott Smith) has been one of the most rewarding experiences of the year. I’ve already learned so much about propagation and planning for long-term garden health.

At Mapperton, the kitchen garden is bursting into life. We’re building new compost bins and moving toward a no-dig approach, which is both sustainable and enriching for the soil. Alongside the vegetables, I’m also planting cutting flowers. The goal is to have the garden supply the Mapperton Coach House Café with fresh seasonal produce and flowers throughout the year.

Meanwhile, I’ve just pulled all the lavender from the orangery leading down to the Fountain Court! It’s time for a little breathing space there. I haven’t yet decided what will replace it…perhaps something bold, perhaps something delicate. For now, I’m letting the garden rest and speak.

From Yale to the Gilded Heiresses

Another thrilling piece of news: I’ve been invited to submit a book proposal to Yale University Press about Alberta, our original American Countess. The meeting was so inspiring. They’re keen on the project, though of course nothing is certain yet. Still, it’s a wonderful step forward for Alberta’s story and all the archival work we’ve been doing. (As ever, huge thank you to the members of the Alberta Research Project!)

For those following along on The Gilded Heiresses Substack, you’ll soon see new transcriptions and research notes, including letters that show Alberta’s deep friendships across Europe.

One of my recent favourites is a letter she wrote in 1901 from Tanderagee Castle in Ireland to her dear friend Sara Bull. In it, she writes about visiting her “sweet friend Helena Manchester” - none other than Helena Zimmerman, an American heiress , - who would later marry the Duke of Manchester and become Duchess. Alberta describes her with warmth and admiration, proud to see another American woman “living up to requirements which are the result of years of training.”

It’s a glimpse into that rare sisterhood among the Gilded Age heiresses: women bound by circumstance but full of intelligence, spirit, and resilience.

You can read the full transcription soon on The Gilded Heiresses.

Looking ahead

This week I’m heading back down to Mapperton to begin filming a new royal documentary about the abdication of Edward VIII. I can’t share too much yet, but it’s one of the most fascinating royal stories of the 20th century.

As always, I’m so grateful for your ongoing support. Whether you’re watching on YouTube, reading along here, or part of our wonderful community on Patreon.

If you haven’t yet joined as a Patron, this is the perfect time: you’ll get early access to the Mapperton Illustrated Book, behind-the-scenes videos, and an exclusive window into everything we’re building for 2025 and 2026.

Join us on Patreon → Click Here

Thank you, as ever, for helping us preserve Britain’s living history — one story, one garden, and one glorious house at a time.

With love and gratitude,
Julie