Who’s excited about a new season of The Gentlemen on Netflix then? Where old money clashes with drug-smuggling gangsters, Guy Ritchie’s new TV series is an instant classic. After Eddie inherits the title of Duke of Halstead, following the death of his father, he discovers a weed empire run on his new 15,000-acre estate.
Some of you might even recognise Halstead Manor. It’s the very real Badminton House in South Gloucestershire, owned and occupied by the Duke of Beaufort (a big reason why it was picked was for its ‘lived-in’ feel). And yes, if you were wondering it did give its name to the racket sport… It’s not where it was invested though, just popularised.
The Grade I listed building has been in the family since the 17th century and sits on (an even more astonishing number than the fictional Halstead Manor claims to have) 52,000 acres of land. Most beautiful of all its features are the immaculate gardens – designed by Russell Page and François Goffinet. It’s also home to the world-famous Horse Trials but is more infamously associated with Beaufort Hunt.
The fact that it’s still lived in, filming for The Gentlemen didn’t completely take over the country house. Instead, it was largely used for the exterior scenes, with a few scenes in the grand hallway and on the stairs. It’s not its first dance with Hollywood either – used as a location for such films as The Remains of the Day, 28 Days Later and Pearl Harbor. It’s also popular with Vogue, Monique Lhuillier and Emilia Wickstead for photoshoots.
Can I visit Badminton Estate?
Now, you can’t just pull up in your car and expect to walk around. Thankfully, Badminton Estate often hosts regular events that allow access to grounds – from cooking clubs to woodland tours. But, the best time to visit is on one of its garden open days, which are full of beautiful flowers, and not weed. Three times a year in April, June and September, Badminton Estate opens its beautiful private gardens.
From the formal beds on the east side of the house, designed by Russell Page, to the South Garden with its water squares, hedges, beds and borders. Colourful displays of tulips and roses mixed in with herbaceous perennials and geraniums put a range of flowers on display. Your next opportunity is on September 8, with tickets costing £10.
To learn more about visiting Badminton Estate head here.