Sense and Sensibility is the latest in a string of gorgeous Jane Austen adaptations, each of which is dreamier than the next. The Georgia Oakley-directed film follows the Dashwoods, who are forced out of their ancestral home and have to relocate to a sleepy seaside cottage—where they navigate first loves and plenty of misunderstandings. And while there’s no doubt that Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are the central characters, the breathtaking English countryside gets plenty of screen time and there’s a 0/10 chance that you’ll leave the theater not wanting to make a trip.
On that note, here’s where Sense and Sensibility was filmed (happy news: plenty of these spots are open to visitors). Scenes from the Dashwoods’ impressive family home were filmed at Kingston Russell House, which is nestled in the bucolic Dorset landscape. While its a private home (so, sadly, no visitors), the film also used Parnham Park for exterior scenes—including the lake where Elinor and Edward skip rocks (and fall for each other) below some lovely stone steps.
Not only can you visit Parnham Park and its “139 acres of parkland, grassland, magical woodland and gardens,” you can even stay there! The small stone cottage that the Dashwoods move into after being kicked out of their home is known as the Ditsworthy Warren House, and is located in Devon. While the house itself isn’t open for tours, it’s within Dartmoor National Park, which means you can go on a lovely walk and stumble upon it!
This is the stately home of Mrs. Jennings & Co (where the Dashwoods spend a lot of their time socializing, and where Marianne first meets Colonel Brandon). These scenes were filmed in Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire, which is open to visitors and has been used in many film and television productions before—including Shakespeare in Love, My Lady Jane, The Crown, Wolf Hall, and Jane Eyre.
Scenes of the Dashwoods enjoying the seaside (and the moment Marianne hurts her ankle!) were filmed at Mothecombe Beach on the South Devon coast, which is open to the public. The beach is managed by the Flete Estate, which posted a bunch of BTS pics of the movie’s production: The lively scene—where Marianne and Willoughby have wild chemistry and dance up a storm in front of the whole town—was filmed at Penshurst Place, a 14th-century manor in Kent. It’s also been used in productions like Wolf Hall, The Hollow Crown, and even The Princess Bride.
The interiors were filmed at a Georgian townhouse called Rainham Hall, which is a National Trust property. Meaning yes, you can visit! This extremely over-the-top London society ball is the backdrop for Marianne finding out Willoughby is engaged.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
