EVER wondered what life is like as a modern-day aristocrat?

Residents can now discover for themselves thanks to an initiative from a manor house near Beaminster.

Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke are drawing back the curtain on their lives at Mapperton House.

The Viscount and Viscountess, otherwise known as Luke and Julie Montagu, will be welcoming virtual visitors into their home with the launch of Mapperton Live.

Mapperton Live is an online membership service filmed and streamed from the medieval manor house, which will launch today (Thursday).

Whilst the aristocrat lifestyle may seem like a glamorous and luxurious one, the reality can be quite different with leaking roofs, decaying tapestries and 'eye-watering' repair bills.

Julie Montagu said: "We’re incredibly lucky to live in such beautiful and historic surroundings. However, it’s definitely not Bridgerton. These days we all need to roll up our sleeves, whether fixing pipes, mowing the lawn or scrubbing the lavatories.

"But many of the projects are also great fun, such as my yoga retreats and latest efforts to produce apple juice."

Julie Montagu is no stranger to the camera as presenter of the Smithsonian Channel’s An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates - which aired two episodes featuring Mapperton House in November.

Luke Montagu's background in film and education has also helped, he founded the Met Film School, now the largest in the UK.

He said: "Mapperton House has always welcomed visitors. but for the past year our doors have been shut. So last summer we began offering virtual online tours, and discovered a new global audience.

"Thanks to a grant from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund we have been able to invest in proper production equipment, a new internet connection and even a studio.

"Places like Mapperton always need to find new ways to generate income, and this project will help support the endless repairs and maintenance."

Members of Mapperton Live can watch weekly episodes covering restoration projects, behind-the-scenes tours, family history and archives, along with wildlife safaris led by Nestor, the Montagu's 14 year-old son. Mr Montagu's parents, the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, will host tours of the house, the church and the gardens.

Members can join from $5 (just over £3.50) per month. To sign up, or for more information, visit mappertonlive.com

Mapperton Gardens are currently open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 5pm. The Coach House Café is set to reopen for outdoor service from 12 April.