Exploring Jane Austen’s World: Visiting the Grand Houses from Film Adaptations
In 2025, we commemorate 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. Although she left us far too soon at the age of 41, her legacy shines brightly. Today, Jane Austen is cherished globally as one of history’s most beloved authors. Her timeless novels continue to enchant readers, thanks to their presence in school curriculums around the world and the delightful film adaptations that bring her stories to life for new generations.
Jane Austen Filming Locations
In this post we explore some of the grand houses used in recent adaptations, along with interesting facts about both the real houses and their fictional counterparts. We’ve also added in some important locations to visit from Jane Austen’s real life.
1. Chatsworth House (Pride and Prejudice, 2005)
- Role: Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s estate
- Location: Derbyshire
Real House Facts: Chatsworth House is a stately home in the Derbyshire Dales, home to the Duke of Devonshire and his ancestors since 1549. It boasts an impressive art collection, beautiful gardens, and a rich history
Fictional House Facts: Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s grand estate in “Pride and Prejudice,” symbolizes his wealth and status. Elizabeth Bennet’s visit to Pemberley marks a turning point in her perception of Darcy.
2. Lyme Park (Pride and Prejudice, 1995)
- Role: Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s estate
- Location: Cheshire
Real House Facts: Lyme Park is a large estate managed by the National Trust, featuring a mansion house, formal gardens, and a deer park. It is the largest house in Cheshire and a Grade I listed building
Fictional House Facts: Pemberley in the 1995 adaptation is known for the iconic scene where Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) emerges from the lake, a moment that has become legendary in Austen adaptations.
3. Belton House (Pride and Prejudice, 1995)
- Role: Rosings Park, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s residence
- Location: Lincolnshire
Real House Facts: Belton House is a 17th-century mansion known for its Restoration style architecture and beautiful formal gardens. It has been a popular visitor attraction since being donated to the National Trust in 1984
Fictional House Facts: Rosings Park, the grand estate of the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, reflects her wealth and imposing personality. It serves as a contrast to the more modest homes of other characters.
4. Burghley House (Pride and Prejudice, 2005)
- Role: Rosings Park, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s residence
- Location: Lincolnshire
Real House Facts: Burghley House is a grand Elizabethan mansion built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. It is renowned for its impressive architecture and extensive art collection
Fictional House Facts: Rosings Park in the 2005 adaptation is depicted as an opulent and intimidating residence, befitting Lady Catherine’s rather haughty status and influence.
5. Wilton House (Sense and Sensibility, 1995)
- Role: Various interiors for Norland Park and Allenham
- Location: Wiltshire
Real House Facts: Wilton House, designed in part by Inigo Jones, features stunning state rooms and extensive gardens. It has been the seat of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years
Fictional House Facts: Norland Park, the Dashwood family’s home, and Allenham, the estate of the charming but deceitful Willoughby, are both depicted using the elegant interiors of Wilton House.
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Go to the shop6. Stourhead (Pride and Prejudice, 2005)
- Role: The Temple of Apollo, where Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Lizzie takes place
- Location: Wiltshire
Real Facts: Stourhead is famous for its 2,650-acre estate and gardens, which include classical temples, a Palladian bridge, and a picturesque lake. It is managed by the National Trust
Fictional Facts: The Temple of Apollo at Stourhead provides a dramatic backdrop for Mr. Darcy’s first, ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, highlighting the tension and emotion of the scene.
7. Montacute House (Emma, 1996)
- Role: Donwell Abbey, Mr. Knightley’s estate
- Location: Somerset
Real House Facts: Montacute House is a late Elizabethan mansion known for its impressive architecture and the longest Long Gallery in England. It is maintained by the National Trust
Fictional House Facts: Donwell Abbey, the home of the kind and noble Mr. Knightley, the house is meant to reflect his character’s refinement and stability.
8. Haddon Hall (Pride and Prejudice, 2005)
- Role: The Inn at Lambton
- Location: Derbyshire
Real House Facts: Haddon Hall is a medieval manor house with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It is known for its well-preserved architecture and beautiful gardens
Fictional House Facts: In the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Haddon Hall’s Banqueting Hall was used as the interior of the fictional Inn at Lambton. Specifically, the hall served as the dining room of the inn, a scene where various characters are gathered. Additionally, the hall’s interior was also used for Elizabeth Bennet’s bedroom.
9. Ham House (Sense and Sensibility, 2008)
- Role: Cleveland House
- Location: Surrey
Real House Facts: Ham House is a 17th-century mansion known for its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. It has a rich history and is managed by the National Trust
Fictional House Facts: Cleveland House, the home of the Palmers in “Sense and Sensibility,” is depicted using the grand and historically significant Ham House, reflecting the wealth and status of its inhabitants.
10. Kirby Hall (Mansfield Park, 1999)
- Role: Mansfield Park
- Location: Northamptonshire
Real House Facts: Kirby Hall, a grand estate in Corby served as the primary location for Mansfield Park. Kirby Hall is an Elizabethan mansion known for its impressive architecture and historical significance
Fictional House Facts: Mansfied Park is the imposing home of Sir Thomas Bertram. The house is a place of refuge and growth for the protagonist, Fanny Price, who moves there from her impoverished home.
11. Lismore Castle (Northanger Abbey, 2007)
- Role: Northanger Abbey
- Location: County Waterford, Ireland
Real House Facts: Lismore Castle is a historic castle with stunning gardens and a rich history dating back to the medieval period.
Fictional House Facts: Northanger Abbey is the mysterious home of the Tilney family. It is depicted as an ancient and mysterious estate, evoking a sense of Gothic romance and intrigue. The house is large and imposing, with dark, winding corridors, grand rooms, and hidden chambers.
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Go to the shopSignificant Historical Locations Related to Jane Austen’s Life
12. Steventon, Hampshire
- Significance: Birthplace of Jane Austen
- Facts: Jane Austen was born in Steventon Rectory on December 16, 1775. Her father was the rector of the local church, St Nicholas Church, where Jane attended services. Although the rectory was demolished in the 1820s, a plaque marks the site.
13. Bath, Somerset
- Significance: Residence and inspiration for novels
- Facts: Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806. Bath features prominently in “Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion.” The Jane Austen Centre offers an immersive experience, and the annual Jane Austen Festival includes a costume ball.
14. Chawton, Hampshire
- Significance: Jane Austen’s home and writing place
- Facts: Jane Austen lived in Chawton from 1809 until her death in 1817. Here, she wrote, revised and completed her most famous novels. Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton is open to the public and showcases her personal effects. It’s a must visit location for any Jane Austen superfan.
15. Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire
- Significance: Jane Austen’s final resting place
- Facts: Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral. The cathedral is a place of great historical significance and offers tours that include Austen’s grave.
These locations provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Jane Austen, experiencing the grandeur of the settings depicted in her novels and the places that influenced her life and work. Whether you’re a fan of her books or the film adaptations, visiting these houses and historical sites will deepen your appreciation for Austen’s timeless stories and the legacy she left behind.
