Vanbrugh's approach at Castle Howard included the drastic measure of dismantling local villages and relocating their inhabitants if they failed to meet aesthetic standards. This practice involved not only the removal of homes but also a church and a historic castle, which highlighted the extreme lengths taken to achieve a picturesque environment for the elite. Over time, this trend spread across the country, as wealthy individuals began flattening villages to enhance the views from their grand residences.

This destruction of local communities served as a precursor to the construction of opulent homes, indicating a troubling notion where the privileged believed they needed to upend ordinary lives in their pursuit of beauty and status. The practice reflects an era where the needs and lives of the less fortunate were sacrificed for the grandeur and satisfaction of the wealthy, showcasing a stark disparity in lifestyle and values.