Julie Montagu is an American-born entrepreneur, wellness expert, television personality, and author who has carved out a unique place in British high society. As of February 2025, she holds the prestigious title of Countess of Sandwich following her father-in-law’s passing. She’s best known for her appearances on Ladies of London, her thriving YouTube channel “American Countess,” and her bestselling wellness books. Beyond the glamour, Julie’s built a career spanning yoga instruction, nutritional counselling, historic estate management, and digital media production.
Biography
Born Julie Jean Fisher on February 17, 1972, in Sugar Grove, Illinois, Julie grew up in rural America as one of five children. Her father, Thomas Lee Fisher, raised her alongside four siblings in the Midwest, far removed from the aristocratic world she’d eventually join. After studying Computer Science at Indiana University, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority, Julie made a bold move to London to pursue opportunities in the burgeoning tech industry.
She initially worked for an internet company before transitioning to a digital agency, immersing herself in London’s fast-paced professional scene. It was at this digital agency in 2003 that fate intervened. Julie met Luke Montagu, though she didn’t initially realise who he was. Three months into dating, during a romantic getaway to the Isle of Wight, she noticed his credit cards read “Viscount Hinchingbrooke.” Confused, she asked him about it, only to discover she’d been dating British nobility all along. Luke had kept his aristocratic background under wraps, wanting to be loved for himself rather than his title.
The couple married on June 11, 2004, at the stunning Mapperton House in Dorset. By saying “I do,” Julie became Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, though she’d spend the next 21 years in this role before her recent elevation. At 5’7″ (approximately 1.7m) and weighing around 58kg, Julie has maintained an active lifestyle centred on yoga and wellness, which would become central to her career pivot.
Career
When Julie’s husband Luke faced a severe health crisis caused by prescription medication withdrawal in the late 2000s, Julie stepped up to support the family financially. She began teaching yoga in church halls, gradually building a reputation as a skilled instructor and wellness advocate.
This challenging period prompted her to become a wellness entrepreneur. Julie launched her blog, “Flexi Foodie,” which evolved into a platform at juliemontagu.com, where she shares healthy lifestyle tips, yoga practices, and nutritional advice. Her approachable philosophy earned her a devoted following, leading to impressive publishing success.
She’s authored four internationally bestselling books. Her titles include “Superfoods: The Flexible Approach to Eating More Superfoods” (2015), “Superfoods Superfast: 100 Energizing Recipes to Make in 20 Minutes or Less” (2016), “Eat Real Food: Simple Rules for Health, Happiness and Unstoppable Energy,” and “Recharge: A Year of Self-Care to Focus on You” (2018).
Television became another avenue for Julie’s career. She appeared on Bravo’s hit reality series Ladies of London, which ran for three seasons from June 2014 through February 2017. Starting as a “Friend” in Season 1, she became a full-time cast member for Seasons 2 and 3. However, Julie’s been honest about the experience, admitting it “was not fun to do” and that she had to go along with storylines or risk getting fired. She reportedly celebrated when the show was cancelled, though it provided crucial financial stability and helped the couple invest further in Mapperton Estate as a wedding venue.
Following Ladies of London, Julie hosted “An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates” on the Smithsonian Channel, which premiered in May 2020. Though a second season was commissioned, it was later cancelled due to network leadership changes.
Her YouTube channel has become perhaps her most successful venture. Originally launched as “American Viscountess,” it was rebranded to “American Countess” following her title change in February 2025. The channel now boasts approximately 250,000 subscribers and features beautifully produced tours of British country houses and historical estates. Currently in Season 4, it’s made through Living History Films Ltd, which she co-founded with Luke, in partnership with Little Dot Studios. She’s also launched a companion podcast, “Secrets of Britain’s Historic Houses,” available on major platforms.
Julie’s commitment to education led her to pursue a Master’s of Arts in Country House Studies at the University of Buckingham, which she completed with distinction. She now leads the Alberta Research Project, which studies Alberta Sturges Montagu, the 9th Countess of Sandwich, and won the 2024 ARA Volunteering Award.
She served as BBC on-site commentator for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding. She provided extensive analysis during the Queen’s funeral in September 2022 and King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023.
Personal Life
Both challenges and triumphs have marked Julie’s personal life. She was previously married and had two children before meeting Luke, though her first husband’s identity remains private. Her four children include Emma Fisher (born around 1999, now approximately 26) and Jack Fisher (born around 2001, now about 24) from her first marriage. With Luke, she has William James Hayman Montagu (born November 2, 2004, age 20), who’s now styled Viscount Hinchingbrooke as heir apparent, and Nestor John Sturges Montagu (born October 17, 2006, age 19), styled The Honourable.
Together, Julie and Luke manage Mapperton House, a Grade I-listed Jacobean manor near Beaminster in Dorset. Voted “The Nation’s Finest Manor House” by Country Life in 2006 and winner of Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2020, the estate spans approximately 2,000 acres. It includes 20 residential properties, five farms, 300 acres of woodland, and 15 acres of award-winning Italianate gardens.
The estate operates as a thriving wedding venue, offering packages ranging from £9,950 to £15,450, including the converted 17th-century Coach House, which seats 120 guests. The estate also serves as a film location, having hosted productions including Netflix’s “Rebecca” (2021), “Far from the Madding Crowd” (2015), and “Emma” (1996).
They’ve launched Mapperton Wildlands, an ambitious rewilding project aiming to restore 1,000 acres of nature. Initiatives include introducing White Park cattle, Exmoor ponies, and even licensed Eurasian beavers nicknamed “Woody and Twiggy,” though the beavers escaped during January 2024 storms.
Net Worth
Julie Montagu’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her diverse income streams include television appearances, YouTube monetisation from her 250,000+ subscriber channel, book royalties from four bestsellers, speaking engagements, and brand partnerships with companies like California Walnuts and Liz Earle.
The Mapperton Estate itself generates income through multiple channels, including wedding venue operations, tourism (hosting approximately 15,000 visitors annually), film location fees, and glamping accommodation.
Her active Patreon community and online courses through The Flexi Foodie Academy provide additional revenue streams.
