Downton Shabby
One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle
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Narrated by:
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Graham Halstead
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By:
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Hopwood DePree
About this listen
HGTV meets Downton Abbey! A ready-for-TV story—with charm and humor in abundance—about a Los Angeles producer who moves to England to save his ancestral castle from ruin.
Hollywood producer Hopwood DePree had been told as a boy that an ancestor—who he was named for—had left his family’s English castle in the 1700s to come to America. One night after some wine and a visit to Ancestry.com, Hopwood discovered a photograph of a magnificent English estate with a familiar name: Hopwood Hall, a 60-room, 600-year-old grand manor on 5,000 acres. And with that, Hopwood DePree’s life took an almost fairytale turn.
Hopwood Hall, in northwest England, was indeed his family’s ancestral home. It had been occupied continuously by the Hopwood family for five centuries until the last remaining male heirs were killed in World War I. Since then, the Hall had fallen gradually into disrepair and was close to collapse. When Hopwood visited, he discovered trees growing in the chimneys, holes in the roof, and water sluicing down walls. It would take many millions to save the Hall—millions that Hopwood certainly didn’t have—but despite the fact that he lived in Los Angeles and had no construction skills, Hopwood DePree came to a conclusion: He would save Hopwood Hall.
Downton Shabby—the name Hopwood coined for the glorious ruin—traces Hopwood DePree’s adventures as he gives up his life in Hollywood and moves permanently to England to save Hopwood Hall from ruin. But the task is far too big for one person, of course. Hopwood discovers that the Hall comes with an unforgettable cast of new neighbors he can call on for help—from the electrician whose mum had fond memories of working at the Hall to gruff caretaker Bob, and the local aristocrats who (sort of) come to accept Hopwood as one of their own. Together, as they navigate the trials and triumphs of trying to save an actual castle, Hopwood finds himself ever further from the security of his old life, but comes to realize that, actually, he’s never been closer to home.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2022 Hopwood DePree (P)2022 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
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This is your life Penny Nichols...Penny Nichols is a historical researcher working on a big-budget film in the south of France when she gets an urgent call. Her Aunt Penelope has just died, and Penny's presence is required in London for the reading of the will. With only a slim recollection of her eccentric aunt, Penny is astonished to learn that not only is she the bona fide heiress - but she's also been invited to put her research skills to work.
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Delightful Story with Excellent Narratation
- By AnJoMom16 on 01-13-15
By: CA Belmond
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The Lost Girls of Ireland
- Starlight Cottages, Book 1
- By: Susanne O'Leary
- Narrated by: Jennifer Fitzgerald
- Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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A heart-warming story about family secrets and one woman’s escape to dreamy Sandy Cove on the stunning west coast of Ireland. The picturesque beach of Wild Rose Bay is the last place Lydia Butler thought she’d be. But having just lost everything, the run-down cottage she inherited from her Great Aunt Nellie is the only place she can take her daughter, Sunny. Hidden away in a tiny Irish village, she can protect Sunny from the gossip in Dublin, and the real reason they have nowhere else to live....
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Great Read
- By Mary k.campbell on 12-02-22
By: Susanne O'Leary
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Mistletoe Murder
- A Lucy Stone Mystery, Book 1
- By: Leslie Meier
- Narrated by: Karen White
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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As if baking holiday cookies, knitting a sweater for her husband, and making her daughter’s angel costume for the church pageant weren’t enough things for Lucy Stone’s busy Christmas schedule, she’s also working nights at the famous mail-order company Country Cousins. But when she discovers Sam Miller, its very wealthy founder, dead in his car from an apparent suicide, the sleuth in her knows something just doesn’t smell right.
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5 stars
- By Beatrice on 12-21-20
By: Leslie Meier
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The Merlot Murders
- A Wine Country Mystery
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: P. J. Davis-Oran
- Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Lucie Montgomery's semi-estranged brother, Eli, calls her in France to tell her that their father, Leland, has been killed in a hunting accident on the family's 500-acre Virginia vineyard. But the vineyard is now shabby and run-down and her siblings want to sell it. Then Lucie's godfather tells her Leland's death was no accident. With her greedy brother, hell-raising sister, and a seemingly cut-rate vintner hired by Leland just before he died, all the suspects are disturbingly close to home.
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Wine & history w/ your mystery!
- By Cracker1951 on 03-27-08
By: Ellen Crosby
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Death at the Chateau Bremont
- Verlaque and Bonnet Provençal Mystery Series, Book 1
- By: M.L. Longworth
- Narrated by: Christa Lewis
- Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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When local nobleman Étienne de Bremont falls to his death from the family château, it sets the historic town of Aix-en-Provence abuzz with rumors. The once-idyllic town suddenly seems filled with people who could have benefited from Bremont's death - including his playboy brother, François, who's heavily in debt and mixed up with some unsavory characters. But just as the list of suspects is being narrowed down, another death occurs. And this time, there can be no doubt - it's murder.
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Narrator is awful
- By F. Miller on 05-06-23
By: M.L. Longworth
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Secrets of the Lost Summer
- By: Carla Neggers
- Narrated by: Susan Boyce
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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Neggers ( The Whisper) spins a tale of stolen jewels, long-lost love, and other secrets in this engaging contemporary romance. Olivia Frost has returned to Knights Bridge, Mass., to turn a historic home into a getaway destination. A neighboring house is in disarray, so Olivia writes to the owner, Dylan McCaffrey, asking him to clean it up. Dylan has no idea his late father left him the property until he gets Olivia’s note. Curious, he travels to Knights Bridge, where he and Olivia hit it off....
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Feminist Grade:A
- By Liana on 01-21-19
By: Carla Neggers
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The Time Collector
- By: Gwendolyn Womack
- Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo, Will Damron
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Roan West was born with an extraordinary gift: he can relive memories across centuries and glean history first-hand. A highly skilled psychometrist, Roan is able to perceive the past of any object he touches. He has spent his life as a voyeur, using his talents to find and sell valuable antiques, but his quiet life in New Orleans is about to change. Stuart, a fellow pyschometrist and Roan's close friend, has just unearthed several "ooparts": out-of-place artifacts that challenge recorded history....
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Wish I had known this was a “romance” story
- By Paisley on 04-26-20
By: Gwendolyn Womack
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Hello from the Gillespies
- By: Monica McInerney
- Narrated by: Ulli Birvé
- Length: 16 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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For the past 33 years, Angela Gillespie has sent to friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled ‘Hello from the Gillespies’. It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself - she tells the truth....
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Engaging
- By mgn on 08-18-15
By: Monica McInerney
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Manhattans and Murder
- The Murder, She Wrote Mysteries, Book 2
- By: Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain
- Narrated by: Beth Porter
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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Promoting her latest books brings best-selling mystery writer Jessica Fletcher to New York for Christmas. Her schedule includes book signings, chat-show appearances, department store shopping...and murder. But it all begins with a sidewalk Santa staring at Jessica with fear and recognition.
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A release of an older Donald Bain book in the series, thank goodness
- By Dorise on 02-01-19
By: Jessica Fletcher, and others
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Home Sweet Anywhere
- How We Sold Our House, Created a New Life, and Saw the World
- By: Lynne Martin
- Narrated by: Lynne Martin
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Reunited in love after 35 years and suffering from a serious case of pre-retirement wanderlust, Lynne and Tim Martin made a life-altering decision: They sold their house and possessions and hit the road to live internationally full-time. Now tethered to nothing but their suitcases, each other, and their next exotic location, they've never looked back. From sky-high pyramids in Mexico to monkeys in Marrakech, this delightful, inspiring memoir is a romantic tale of derring-do for grown-ups and a road map for anyone who dreams of turning the idea of life abroad into a reality.
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She makes it sound SO unappealing!
- By Barbara on 05-18-14
By: Lynne Martin
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Midnight in Siberia
- A Train Journey into the Heart of Russia
- By: David Greene
- Narrated by: David Greene
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Through the stories of fellow travelers, Greene explores the challenges and opportunities facing the new Russia: a nation that boasts open elections and newfound prosperity yet still continues to endure oppression, corruption, and stark inequality. Set against the wintery landscape of Siberia, Greene’s lively travel narrative offers a glimpse into the soul of 20th century Russia: how its people remember their history and look forward to the future.
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Long String of NPR Short Reports
- By Sara on 04-13-15
By: David Greene
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Aunt Dimity's Death
- By: Nancy Atherton
- Narrated by: Teri Clark Linden
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Down-on-her-luck Lori learns she's about to inherit a sizable estate - if she can discover the secret hidden in a treasure trove of letters in Dimity's English country cottage. What begins as a fairy tale becomes a mystery - and a ghost story - in an improbably cozy setting, as Aunt Dimity's indominable spirit leads Lori on an otherworldly quest to discover how, in this life, true love can conquer all.
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great book, lousy reader
- By Bill on 04-27-13
By: Nancy Atherton
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Coming Home
- Chesapeake Diaries Series #1
- By: Mariah Stewart
- Narrated by: Xe Sands
- Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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In the wake of his wife's murder, agent Grady Shields turned his back on the FBI - and everything else-to retreat into the vast solitude of Montana, grieve for his lost love, and forget the world. But after years in seclusion, his sister's wedding draws him to St. Dennis, a peaceful town on the Chesapeake Bay. Though he swears he isn't interested in finding love again, Grady can't ignore the mutual sparks that fly when he meets Vanessa Keaton.
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Graet New Series from Audible
- By casey on 08-25-12
By: Mariah Stewart
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Lilian Jackson Braun 2-in-1 Edition, Volume 3
- The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal and The Cat Who Moved a Mountain
- By: Lilian Jackson Braun
- Narrated by: Theodore Bikel
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Abridged
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Phoenix Books brings together two of Braun's best mysteries in the series, featuring: The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal: When the director of the Pickax Theatre Club's Shakespeare production is found dead in Qwilleran's apple orchard, Qwilleran and his Siamese sleuths must discover which player staged the murder. The Cat Who Moved a Mountain: On vacation in the Big Potato Mountains, Qwilleran stumbles into a mystery involving the murder of J. J. Hawkinfield, the developer who was pushed off a mountain years before after announcing his plans to develop the region.
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Not the full books
- By Lisa Cissna on 07-15-20
What listeners say about Downton Shabby
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Penelope
- 06-15-22
Penelope
I enjoyed listening to this book about Hipwood Hall. I recommend this book to anybody that loves history.
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- ABC&Coffee
- 05-22-23
An Unexpected Delight!
I loved Hopwood’s unexpected British journey through history and into a new life via an old, but beloved, building! Hearing about all the challenges he faces and the new friends he makes is mesmerizing. Now I am hoping for a sequel, or maybe even my own castle to fix up!
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- Derek
- 06-07-22
Amazing book!
It makes me want to check my family history! So exciting to think of what your ancestors were like… this book follows the exploits of Hopwood, who discovers his funny name connects him to a mansion in England. “Hopwood Hall” however is in disrepair and it is up to Hopwood to save it!
It made me laugh, it made me cry!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Kendra M.
- 06-12-22
Whimsical Entertaining and Inspiring
I cannot recommend this book enough. What a clever, magical and truly inspiring read. I’ve already sent it to many friends and family and am planning my trek across the pond to relive this book in person.
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- Debra S.
- 07-07-22
Off to England
First time reviewing a book.. Loved the story, loved the narration can't wait for a follow up I'm hooked.
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- DDP
- 06-03-22
Extremely engaging!
Loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I highly recommend. Hopwood's story is humorous and moving.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Callie
- 06-27-22
A light-hearted fun read.
This story takes you on such an interesting journey of Hopwood not only finding a new life project, but also discovering parts of himself. I like the way he talks about how his attitudes about life change as he becomes immersed in his new life in England. It is impressive that he cares so much for him family--that was admirable!
The narration is excellent also.
If you want an uplifting story this is a great choice.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Sara Wilkinson-Lamb
- 06-17-22
A magical journey through time!
Absolutely loved this tale of struggle and growth to save a grand ancestral home! Fabulous!
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- Arthur Kaestli
- 06-06-22
Amazing story!
Super entertaining listen, incredible story!
The fact that the story is real makes it even better.
A must read!
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- Kym
- 06-06-22
Finding purpose, and a future, in the past
This is a wonderfully entertaining memoir about an American actor and producer who voluntarily gives up his career and home in sunny Hollywood to move to rainy northern England to direct a madcap effort to preserve his family's ramshackle ancestral home. The country manor, parts of which are 600 years old, is maybe a decade from being too far gone to preserve. In fact, some of the locals already refer to it as a "pile." The guy's visa application is nearly denied by English officials question why anyone in his right mind would desire take this on. But on every page the reader discovers -- along with author Hopwood DePree himself -- why directing this monumental restoration effort could become his life's work. There's honest soul searching. There's delight of discovering the fabric one is cut from, There are funny clashes between two cultures which share a language. There's a curmudgeonly caretaker, a cranky neighbor, and an environmentally conscious ghost that roams the hall. This story of a madcap midlife crisis will introduce you to the nuts and bolts of wholesale historic preservation attempts. The tale is charming.
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1 person found this helpful