A huge architectural gingerbread model of Castle Howard is set to take pride of place at our festive celebrations this year, when London-based architectural foodsmiths, Bompas & Parr, recreate Vanbrugh’s original design from gingerbread and icing.

When complete, the enormous confection will depict not only the house, complete with dome and south parterre but also by many of the architectural features found across the estate, including the Temple of the Four Winds, Mausoleum and the 7th Earl’s monument. The windows of the house will be illuminated, and miniature trees will descend from a miniature reservoir to create a perfect winter scene.

Bompas & Parr has a global reputation for creating spectacular confections, from a jelly version of the London skyline to a gingerbread version of London’s lost architecture, which featured in the Christmas window of Selfridges in London. This model of Castle Howard will perhaps be the most detailed and most elaborate house that they have constructed, and we’re delighted that visitors are going to be able to enjoy this amazing creation as part of our Christmas programme,” comments the Hon Nicholas Howard, who commissioned the design.

The model will take approximately two weeks to bake, with elements constructed at Bompas & Parr’s headquarters, before it is transported the 200 miles up to Castle Howard, where the final piece will be assembled, with members of the public invited to come and see the edible artwork from Saturday 19 November until Friday 23 December.