This week on The Seven Ages of Britain, David Dimbleby visited the stunning Nostell Priory, which is situated near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Full to the brim with beautiful paintings and frescos along with numerous pieces of furniture, many of which were made by Thomas Chippendale, the star of the residence, in our opinion, is the dolls’ house.

The 1:12th scale house was designed for Susannah Lady Winn, the wife of Sir Rowland, 4th Baronet, in the 1730’s whilst her husband was busy building the present house, Nostell Priory. However, this dolls’ house was not made for children. It was built for Lady Winn to display the grandeur of her house, together with her wealth and status. It also presents an amazing picture of early 18th Century life.

As in the real house the grandest rooms, including the best bedroom, dressing room, and drawing room are on the first floor; the Hall, kitchen and everyday parlour are on the ground floor; and ordinary family bedrooms, including the nursery, are at the top of the house. The contents of the house are perfect miniature versions of their life size counterparts, with many pieces of furniture said to have been built by Chippendale himself.

If you fancy taking a step back in time and seeing the house for yourself, it can be found in the South Passage at Nostell Priory.

Miniatures really can turn up in the most unusual places.

At last night’s Oscars celebrations, British acting talent Carey Mulligan looked stunning in a bejewelled black strapless Prada gown – but wait.  They aren’t jewels!  If you take a closer look, you will see they are miniature scissors, spoons and forks.

In our opinion it was definitely the best dress of the night!

“Where can I buy a traditional-style dolls’ house for my daughters?  It would be great to get one we can gradually add to over time if that’s possible?”

That is a fantastic question Rose, from Leicestershire, and Period Living has the answer – The Dolls House Emporium.  With a beautiful range of houses in every style, and from every historical period, you’re sure to find a house that suits you and your family – and with a house like the gorgeous Victorian-styled Mimosa Cottage, your daughters will be able to decorate it, add to it, and change it for many years to come.  We hope that helps Rose!

Be quick as the March Hare to catch these offers!

• 2009 was a bumper year for the Creative Competition so we are expecting very big things from you all in this year’s “small building”.
• Save  up to 45% on dolls’ houses
• Enjoy up to 69% off selected furniture and accessories
• FREE postage and packaging on all orders over £35.
• Indulge a little more to receive the next part of your patisserie collection.

Tomorrow morning from 10am for approximately 2 hours, the website will be closed for maintenance. We are moving the hosting of the website to a new server. What this means is that the website should work slightly quicker for you all and it will allow the web team to make some needed upgrades and improvements on the cogs and levers that allow the website to work. We also hope that it will allow them to add more sparkle and functionality in the future.

Whilst the website is down, why not join us on facebook, twitter and even on our very own forum to talk about this great hobby!

You can still order your favourite bits and pieces, just give us a call;

From within the UK call 080 00 11 44 11

From overseas call +44 1332 912989