Remaking the Space: the Plan and the Route in Country-House Guidebooks from 1770 to 1815

Country-house tourism in England saw a surge between 1770 and 1815, with estates like Blenheim Palace becoming both historical sites and tourist attractions. This study reveals how guidebooks emerged as a means to formalize public access, reshaping the presentation of these properties. Initially, housekeepers guided visitors, but as popularity grew, owners published guidebooks to control narratives, highlight key features, and inform tourists about interiors and contents. The research examines methodologies behind this re-presentation, showing how country houses were metaphorically 'remade' to function as both residences and tourist destinations—a practice still observable today.

Anderson, J. (2011). Remaking the Space: the Plan and the Route in Country-House Guidebooks from 1770 to 1815. Architectural History, 54, 195–212. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0066622x00004044