Exploring the Filming Locations of ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’
The elegant extension of Downton Abbey from the small to big screen continues – though this second cinematic excursion comes with a cunning twist. After 2019’s film adaptation enlarged the scale of the TV drama with a royal visit to Downton, its sequel takes the Crawley family on a rather modern adventure and to pastures new.
Setting the Scene
Set in 1928, just a few months after the end of the first film, A New Era presents the Crawleys with two unexpected opportunities. The first is the offer to rent Downton Abbey as the location for a Hollywood film – which brings us the gifts of guest stars Dominic West and Laura Haddock as movie stars and Hugh Dancy as their troubled director.
Unexpected Inheritance
The second opportunity is the Dowager Countess’s surprise inheritance of a villa in France, formerly home to the mysterious Marquis de Montmirail. The combination of these events sees the Crawleys taking a trip en masse to the Riviera, encountering the Marquis’ widow as portrayed by French superstar Nathalie Baye, and experiencing a new way of life. Consequently, they are shown in an entirely new light across spectacular locations.
The Iconic Highclere Castle
Of course, we’re first reunited with the Crawley family in Downton Abbey‘s home for its 2010-15 run, Highclere Castle in Hampshire. Originally listed in the Domesday Book, this pre-medieval structure was remodelled in Bath stone and Jacobethan style in the 1840s by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament. It is home to a rich collection of Egyptian artifacts inherited from the 5th Earl, who sponsored Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Eager viewers will recognize the intimately familiar library, the Dining Room featuring Van Dyck’s famous painting of Charles I, and the impressive gothic Saloon.
New Locations in England
A New Era takes us to another English country house for the wedding of Tom Branson (Allen Leech) and Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton). This takes place at Belchamp Hall in Essex, a Queen Anne-period building that is now a wedding venue with accommodations, but has screen pedigree as the residence of Lady Jane Felsham in 80s comedy-drama Lovejoy.
Discovering the French Villa
The major new location is the villa in France, played by La Rocabella in Le Pradet. The producer emphasized that this is the first time the family travels beyond their own shores. The villa is located on the coast near Toulon, chosen for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and arrangements conducive for outdoor dinner settings.
High-Class Adventure Awaits
La Rocabella, built at the end of the 19th century and designed by Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling, offers the perfect backdrop for a high-class 1920s adventure. Its neoclassical purity and serene position along the sea enhance the film’s glamorous atmosphere.
The Evolution of English Aristocracy
In this continuation of the Downton Abbey saga, we see a new side of the English aristocracy as they adapt to the era’s evolving travel norms. The locations play a vital role in shaping the narrative, offering a refreshing change from the familiar settings of the past.
Where the Journey Began
Released in 2019, the first film was a nostalgic return to beloved locations. The cast included familiar faces, and together they traversed some of England’s stateliest homes and its rolling hills.
Filming Beyond Highclere Castle
As well as Highclere Castle, Bampton, an Oxfordshire hamlet, stood in for the village of Downton. Key locations included the former Grammar School, the Post Office, and St Mary’s Church. Nearby villages also contributed to the rich tapestry of settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ not only showcases the grandeur of English aristocracy but also expands the horizons of the Crawley family as they embark on a European journey. This film promises to captivate audiences, reaffirming its status within the beloved series.
