ONE of the most famous stately homes in the country has some new heirs - twins Octavia and Merlin.
Castle Howard, near Malton, North Yorkshire, won worldwide fame as the setting for TV's classic version of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.
On Monday, the second wife of the Hon Simon Howard gave birth to the twins, four weeks ahead of schedule.
Despite the babies' early arrival, they and their mother Rebecca are healthy and well.
Richard Kemp, of the Castle Howard Estate, said Mr Howard was over the moon. "He is walking around with a huge smile on his face - he's really happy," he said.
Mr Howard's assistant, Sarah Buckroyd, said: "Octavia came in at 5lb 1oz and Merlin at 4lb 10oz, so they are a healthy weight," she said.
"Mrs Howard went into labour on Sunday evening and they were born yesterday."
Mr Howard married Marks and Spencer heiress Rebecca Sieff at Castle Howard last year. "Everyone at the estate is beaming - it's great news," said Mrs Buckroyd
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