Downton Shabby audiobook

Charming, funny at times, and definitely read like a TV script. But why, Hopwood, why would you leave LA for rainy England? And why put so much effort into a seemingly insurmountable project? I have to admire Hopwood’s determination!

This was such a fun read! I loved the title's play on "Downton Abbey," as well as the author's sense of humor throughout the book. He keeps the reader engaged, makes the topic (whether history, obscure battles, or home renos) accessible and understandable, and makes me want to learn more--about him and about the estate!I've traveled throughout Great Britain over the years, and so enjoyed conjuring up mental images of the location and cast of characters. The read was particularly relevant as I'm in the market to buy my first house; not that I'm able to procure a castle, lol, but it was sure fun to think about as I read!I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hopwood DePree's new book, Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle, caught my eye. Having lived in an older (150 years) home for many years, I was drawn to DePree's book about his restoration - which is a little older at 600 years!How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall. I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit! DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged.

This was a very interesting book! DePree has a great way of writing that just pulls you in to his story. The story of him renovating the castle is more than just the story of the renovation. It also involves a fish out of water story, a story about finding a new passion, and a story about changing directions in midlife. I highly recommend this story that really invites you to follow your passions and go for your dreams!

A nice easy read about an American who discovers his ancestors once owned a castle In Great Britain. So he finds it and decides he is going to rebuild it! Quite the project! He meets the real people of Downton Abbey and others in the historical society and with the help and encouragement of the locals he learns how to and what a project he has taken on. You can follow him on YouTube and other social media sites. An encouraging true tale and you will end up cheering him on and maybe even contributing to the Hopwell English Estate.

Hopwood DePree accidentally discovers the ancestral "castle" his grandfather used to tell him about actually exists in northern England, and since he and his family were making a trip to France, he decided they should hop across the Channel to check it out. Hopwood Hall, as it is known, has been around for centuries, but the last members of the Hopwood family moved out in the early 1920s. The hall was used for uniform manufacturing during WWII and later by monks, but had been empty since the 1990s and the target for thieves and vandals, which had left the hall in a bad state of disrepair that was getting worse with every rainstorm. Hopwood becomes enthralled by the history of the hall and of the town council's attempts to keep it from crumbling into rubble. He makes the tough decision to leave his life as a Hollywood producer behind and help spearhead a concerted effort to save Hopwood Hall.This book is a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed Hopwood's journey both to save the hall and to find more meaning and purpose in his life. The village is full of interesting people who help or hinder Hopwood's efforts. Learning about the history of the hall itself and what it takes to save and restore such a grand structure was fascinating...plus, what a catchy title! I hope to make it over the pond someday to see Hopwood Hall in person.

A lighthearted story of a Hollywood guy coming to the realization that his life is a bit too shallow -- and through a fluke of history, winds up falling in love with all thing English. Don't expect too much of this one and you'll be pleased.

I'm always on the lookout for a different kind of memoir, and this definitely hit the spot! Hopwood, despite having had a career in Hollywood, is down-to-earth, humorous and self-deprecating. Often, he comes across as a country bumpkin from across the pond, like "The Beverly Hillbillies". So, no wonder the English often make fun of him. Yet, he eventually found acceptance and a heart-warming community. I see his home restoration adventure is on social media, so I will start following him. I hope there will be a Book II in this series, as Hopwood says himself, the restoration will be a VERY LONG process. As a person who is interested in genealogy myself (for both my and my husband's families), I was disappointed that there wasn't any family tree included. Exactly which of Hopwood DuPree's ancestor(s) left Hopwood Hall and when? Where in America did the ancestor end up and how did it come about that a Hopwood founded Hopwood, Pennsylvania? In that case, Lady Susan Hopwood, and the Hopwood family who eventually left the Hall after the death of their sons in WWI, are not actually DePree's ancestors, but his distant cousins. How did Geoff, Bev and the council verify that Hopwood DePree was the real deal? As having been born in a tropical country colonized by Spain in the 16th-17th centuries, I have heard of rumors of a Spanish ancestor. So if I show up in Miraflores, Spain (near Malaga) and see an old castle or manor house, can I claim to have a right to it because of my family name? (Not that I would be interested in doing my own castle DIY, especially after reading Hopwood's book!)