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It has been suggested as “the most polarizing movie of the year”, sparking lively debates among viewers before they even leave the theater. However, there is one aspect of Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn that we can all unanimously admire (excluding Rosamund Pike, of course): Saltburn itself.
The fictional Catton family estate is based on the real-life Drayton House in Northamptonshire, owned by the Stopford Sackville family since the 1770s. This Grade-I listed property boasts 127 rooms.
This is just one of many grand houses that have recently captured the hearts of film and TV viewers. In order to take advantage of this fascination, VisitBritain and the British Film Commission (BFC) have partnered up.
Next year, there will be a campaign called “Starring Great Britain” that aims to showcase noteworthy British filming locations. These include the Lyme Regis seafront in Dorset, which will be featured in the upcoming film “Wonka”, and the Birmingham setting for “Peaky Blinders”.
Drayton had not previously been captured on film, which Fennell believed was crucial. According to him, it was necessary to use something that had not been utilized before and had not even been photographed, let alone recorded on film. The goal was to accurately convey the authenticity of the location.
Fennell and production designer Suzie Davies discovered that they were able to convince the owners to allow filming at the location and even gained permission to rearrange and redecorate the rooms as they saw fit. For example, the breakfast room was transformed into a TV room with Davies making changes such as removing the carpet, adding silk panels, and painting the room.
Cinematographer Linus Sandgren frames the house’s baroque facade to breathtaking effect, and set designer Charlotte Dirickx played a key role in the property’s transformation. The bath in that scene? Custom-made.
Unfortunately, Drayton is not accessible to the general public, which may disappoint VisitBritain and fans of its main attraction, Jacob Elordi. However, private tours and events can be scheduled by request for those interested in recreating Oliver’s birthday celebration.
In this article, we examine 10 prominent figures from stately homes and determine if they are considered welcoming.
Hatfield House (The Favourite)
There are plenty of wonderful moments and set-pieces in Yorgos Lanthimos’s award-scooping The Favourite (2018), the dark comedy set in the early 18th century which revolves around Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) and her court. There’s the duck-racing; the 17 pet rabbits; the library sex. But perhaps one of the most memorable scenes is that of the Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail (Emma Stone) shooting outdoors, a garden scene that allows another key protagonist to shine: Hatfield House.
In 1611, the first Earl of Salisbury constructed a Grade I-listed house on the location of a former royal palace, which was once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I. The house has remained in the Salisbury family to this day. The room used as Queen Anne’s bedroom in the movie is actually the King James drawing room, with most of the furniture removed. The dance scene takes place in the stunning Marble Hall, with its black-and-white checkered floor and beautiful oak paneling.
Hatfield is not afraid of being in front of the camera, as evidenced by their roles in Orlando (1992), Shakespeare in Love (1998), and Paddington (2014).
Can I visit?
Currently, it is not possible as the establishment is closed for the season, except for a unique Christmas dining event. However, once the house and gardens are open again in the summer, you will be able to visit.
Ettington Park (The Haunting)
Here we have some fierce competition between stately home locations thanks to a 1999 remake of the original. The exterior shots of Hill House in the 1963 version – the 13th greatest horror film of all time, according to us – were filmed here, just outside Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire. The mansion was remodelled in the mid-19th century in the splendid neo-gothic style (by a pupil of Pugin no less). The core of the house is centuries older, however.
In 1999, Catherine Zeta-Jones experienced paranormal activity at Harlaxton House in Lincolnshire, as well as on studio sets in Los Angeles. It should be noted that the manor, which combines elements of Jacobethan and Elizabethan styles, was originally constructed by a man named Gregory Gregory in 1830.
Can I visit?
You have the opportunity to not only visit Ettington Park, but also to stay there (if you’re brave enough, as it is believed to be haunted). The historic house has been transformed into a luxurious four-star hotel. Appointments can also be made for visits. Additionally, Harlaxton is a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and open days.
Stokesay Court (Atonement)
Keira Knightley, wearing a green dress, was the star of the most memorable scene in Atonement (2007) which took place in a library. Director Joe Wright also impressed viewers with a five-minute tracking shot on the beach of Dunkirk (specifically Redcar).
Stokesay Court, located in Shropshire, is home to a library that was originally discovered by Wright in a Country Life magazine. Constructed by architect Thomas Harris in 1889 for the Allcroft family, the house served as a place of recovery for soldiers during the first world war. In the latter half of the 20th century, Stokesay suffered neglect due to its secluded and unconventional residents. However, in 1994, all of its belongings were sold at auction by Sothebys and the house underwent major renovations.
It’s likely that you recall Cecilia, played by Knightley, taking a refreshing dip in the stunning lily-covered lake in the gardens. And who can forget the fountain scene, rivaling La Dolce Vita in its splendor?
Can I visit?
Absolutely! There will be a celebration in the latter part of December, followed by the reopening of the house for guided tours starting in April of the following year. The tours are frequently led by the current owner and showcase items from the movie.
Wrotham Park (Gosford Park)
Can you believe Gosford Park was actually filmed at Wrotham Park? This was the location chosen by director Robert Altman and frequent country house filmmaker Julian Fellowes for their acclaimed black comedy-mystery. The exterior and ground floor scenes were shot at Wrotham, while the upstairs of Syon House was used for a special scene with Ryan Philippe and Kristin Scott Thomas. Some additional filming also took place at Hall Barn in Buckinghamshire and Shepperton Studios.
Wrotham (pronounced roo-tem) Park in Hertfordshire is in the neo-Palladian style. Designed in 1754 for the Byng family (who still own it), with its 2,500 acres and 18 bedrooms, it is one of the largest privately owned homes inside the M25 (and is where Ashley Cole and then-wife Cheryl had their marriage blessed).
Regrettably, Admiral John Byng was unable to fully enjoy his newly acquired home as he was put to death for his mistakes during the Seven Years War, an event that was humorously depicted by Voltaire in his work Candide. On the other hand, Syon House is a magnificent neoclassical mansion listed as a Grade-I historic building and currently owned by the Duke of Northumberland, known as Ralph Percy.
Can I visit?
It is both possible and impossible. Wrotham is not accessible to the general public, but it can be reserved for special occasions such as weddings, parties, and corporate events – unless you face execution beforehand. Syon House, which will be reopening in March 2024, is open for visits and offers discounted rates for residents of the area, with free admission for children under 16. Hall Barn is not open for visitation at all.
Kenwood House (Notting Hill)
It’s time to delve into the meta! While the movie Notting Hill is predominantly set in…well, Notting Hill, the filming location for Julia Roberts’ character, a movie star, is actually Hampstead Heath. When Grant’s character arrives on set, he’s actually on the grounds of Kenwood House, situated within the Heath – a lush and vast green area in north London.
Next time you enjoy a pint, please raise a glass in honor of Edward Cecil Guinness, the wealthy businessman who rescued Kenwood from potential development in 1925. He also restored the house to its original splendor and generously donated an impressive art collection, known as the Iveagh bequest, to the estate and the country. Visitors have the opportunity to view masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Turner, Gainsborough, and Vermeer.
The majority of the house itself was designed in 1764 by the Scottish artist Robert Adam in his signature neoclassical style. In particular, the library, with its ornate pink and blue ceiling featuring paintings by Antonio Zucchi, has to be one of the most beautiful in the UK.
Can I visit?
As someone who used to reside just a short 10-minute stroll from here, I can confidently confirm that it is possible. Kenwood still houses its impressive works of art, and the lovely library was renovated ten years ago. In addition, there is a secondhand bookstore, a cafe, and numerous activities for children. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing.
Chatsworth House, featured in the novel “Pride and Prejudice,” cannot be reworded.
Chatsworth is a well-known and beloved historic estate in Derbyshire. It has been featured in numerous productions, including the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and the iconic 1995 television series (although the lake scene was filmed at Lyme Park in Cheshire).
Chatsworth House, the residence of the Devonshire family, consists of 300 rooms and was constructed over a period of 21 years starting in the late 18th century. It replaced a previous house built by Bess of Hardwick and her husband William Cavendish. The final touches were added a century later. The interior design features a significant eastern influence, including hand-painted Chinese wallpapers.
One of the most remarkable areas is the dining room, featuring rich crimson walls. Chatsworth has been acclaimed as the best country house in Britain. Queen Victoria was also a beloved visitor, frequently staying at the house.
Can I visit?
Yes, you are able to do so. You can visit at least 30 rooms, as the house is still the residence of the Devonshire family. However, you can also admire the painted hall and sculpted gallery, or explore the 105-acre gardens by pre-booking tickets here.
Melton Constable Hall (The Go-Between)
The Go-Between (1971) is a wonderful film adaptation of LP Hartley’s novel. Directed by Joseph Losey and written by Harold Pinter, it stars Julie Christie and shares similarities with Saltburn: the story follows Colston, a young boy who spends his summer (and birthday) with his affluent schoolmate.
During the 18th century, Melton Constable Hall in Norfolk was renovated in the style of Christopher Wren. It was chosen as the setting for the fictional Brandham estate. The house was empty during filming and the crew had to do some touch-ups, such as painting and lawn maintenance, to make it look lived-in.
In 2017, the property was sold for a discounted price of £1.25m due to its deteriorated state. The buyer, Roger Gawn, made headlines in the Daily Mail for causing controversy by removing trees from the property’s grounds.
The BBC created a television adaptation of The Go-Between in 2015, which was filmed at the Elizabethan Englefield House in Berkshire.
Can I visit?
I’m sorry, but this is Gawn’s personal residence. Englefield House is also not accessible to the public, except for expensive rentals, but its gardens are available for public viewing every Monday.
Castle Howard (Brideshead Revisited)
I should refer to it as Brideshead Re-revisited, since Castle Howard was used as the setting for both the 1981 television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s renowned novel (which inspired Saltburn) and the 2008 movie adaptation featuring Emma Thompson, Ben Whishaw, and Matthew Goode.
Castle Howard is a magnificent example of a baroque residence that was ordered by the third Earl of Carlisle. Its most remarkable features include its immense symmetrical wings and a grand central dome. Building work was initiated in 1701 by the earl’s associate and fellow member of the Kit-Kat Club, John Vanbrugh (who was also responsible for the design of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire). The last addition to the house was the long gallery in 1811, which was praised by Chips Channon for its resemblance to the Vatican.
The gardens, along with Sebastian and Charles’s carefree enjoyment of them, are well-known. However, some have not been pleased with the decision to use Castle Howard as a substitute for Brideshead (which was originally believed to be based on Madresfield Court in Worcestershire). Christopher Hitchens criticized it for being overly grandiose.
Can I visit?
Since 1952, thanks to the Howards, dogs have been allowed in the grounds but not in the house. Don’t forget to bring your debit card as this is a cashless establishment.
Knebworth House (Batman)
If you have heard of Knebworth, it may be because the 250-acre property in Hertfordshire is home to the Knebworth festival, an annual outdoor music event that started in 1974. This festival has showcased huge performances by well-known artists such as The Rolling Stones, Queen, and Elton John.
The residence, featured as Wayne Manor in Tim Burton’s 1989 film Batman, is a grand example of Tudor gothic architecture. It boasts elaborate turrets, gargoyles, and domes. (The indoor shots, such as the game room and study, were filmed at Hatfield House.)
Like other grand residences on this roster, Knebworth was originally a different dwelling, specifically a red-brick manor that was purchased by the Lytton family in 1490. Its significant renovation into a gothic revival design took place in the 1840s.
One of its most notable possessors was the writer and dramatist Edward Bulwer-Lytton, known for penning the phrases “it was a dark and stormy night” and “the pen is mightier than the sword”. The present caretaker, screenwriter Henry Lytton-Cobbold (author of a book titled Great Great Great and self-proclaimed as “probably TMI”), is an active blogger and figure on X, who invites film and television crews.
Aside from Bruce Wayne, he has welcomed the producers of St Trinian’s 2 (2009, which he may regret, to be fair); Samantha Morton (in Jane Eyre, 1997); and even the girl group Little Mix.
Can I visit?
During the off-season, there will be various Christmas events taking place. The house, gardens, and Dinosaur Trail will officially reopen in March 2024.
Stoke Park (Bridget Jones’s Diary)
This is the second entry on our list that is associated with Hugh Grant. However, Grant is often seen as the epitome of a British gentleman. Stoke Park is where Bridget and Daniel go for their “full-blown mini-break holiday weekend” (a sure sign of true love, according to Bridget). The lake at Stoke Park is also where the famous limerick-on-a-rowing-boat scene takes place.
The Domesday Book documents the original estate, but in 1788, architect James Wyatt created the current mansion with a grand dome for politician and writer John Penn. In 1908, it was transformed into one of the earliest country clubs in the country. Now, it serves as a high-end hotel and its 13 tennis courts are home to the prestigious Boodles Tennis Challenge, with past players including Novak Djokovic.
Stoke Park has not only been a location for Bridget’s romantic getaway, but it has also appeared in the films Goldfinger (1964) and Layer Cake (2004).
Can I visit?
Looking to recreate the mini vacation? You’re in luck. Stoke Park is a functioning hotel, just like in the movie. Along with its tennis courts, it also has a 27-hole golf course for those seeking some physical activity. And for those who prefer to relax, it has been hailed as one of the top spas in the country.
Source: theguardian.com
