Bid for the ‘Downton Abbey’ lifestyle

Carson the butler's lip would surely quiver at news that Christie's is holding an online-only charity auction entitled "Heroes at Highclere: Experience the real Downton Abbey". The auction features experiences that, says Christie's, "offer a taste of life at the real Downton Abbey" and include an overnight stay at Highclere Castle for a party of three couples, who can reside in Lady Sybil's, Lady Edith's and Lady Cora's quarters, including cocktails and dinner (starting bid £10,000). A lesson in how to set the table, plus "eight Highclere gold-embossed plates and eight placemats" to take home, has a starting bid of £2,000.

Bidding ends on August 14th and proceeds go to British Armed Forces charities which support veterans and victims of war, including The Royal British Legion, Oxfam and Combat Stress. To bid, see christies.com/heroesathighclere