James spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about the “fantastic” properties he had the opportunity to explore and cook in as part of his new series.
He explained: “I think it’s kind of only when you go, almost when you’ve got full access, and go behind the scenes you really appreciate some of these properties.
“There are obviously the ones that are open to the public, by National Heritage, all around the UK.
“That’s great, but when I was in Northern Ireland, it was almost a mind-blowing experience to get to go into people’s homes and see how lords and ladies live in these gorgeous, massive houses.”
