By Lauren Paxman
Last updated at 1:10 PM on 12th January 2012
Hit TV series Downton Abbey has influenced fashion on the high street and changed our perceptions of how many advert breaks are acceptable... But now the show is now being credited with something even more unexpected: pushing up house prices.
Julian Fellowes' show, which is filmed at Highclere Castle in Berkshire, has apparently sparked a surge in interest in historic houses - and a steep price rise for any being sold.
One mansion in South Wales built more than 500 years ago has gone on the market at nearly double the price it fetched two years ago.
A fine investment: Plas Cilybebyl was bought for £1.4m two years ago, it is now on the market for £2.7
The grand Plas Cilybebyll near Swansea is a country home harking back to the Downton Abbey days of master and servant.
Now the home, that was once the opulent seat of the gentry, has gone on the market for £2.7m.
That’s a hefty mark-up on a property - set in two acres of gardens and boasting an indoor pool, a jacuzzi and tennis courts - which only two years ago was sold for £1.4m.
A local estate agent said: 'A programme as popular as Downton Abbey is bound to have an effect on the interest in these sort of properties.
Heavenly hose: The mansion, near Swanea, has its own walled garden
Pool party: The manor has many mod cons including this pool and jacuzzi, it is presently used for events
'Even at the higher end of the market, trends and fashion count.'
Plas Cilybebyll is owned by properly company Amazing Retreats who rent the nine-bed mansion out for special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries.
But the company say extensive renovation work justifies nearly doubling the price.
Marketing manager Brooke White said: 'It is a very special properly. We would rent it for a weekend and have a butler, maid and staff in there.'
Sparking a trend: Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle in Berkshire
Conservationist Michael Tree added: 'It’s been sumptuously renovated and appears to be in immaculate condition.
'It’s somewhat typical of the country houses that used to be found throughout the country - many of which now are derelict and even more have been demolished.'
Highclere too was falling into disrepair before Downton's production company came along.
It has now been turned into one of the most instantly-recognisable stately homes in the UK
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/property/article-2085686/The-Downton-effect-Hit-TV-pushes-prices-stately-homes.html#ixzz1jFv9hAyO
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