James Ivory’s 1993 drama adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s book The Remains of The Day is an iconic period piece starring Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins in the lead roles, with Christopher Reeve, Lena Headey, and Hugh Grant in supporting roles.
The movie managed to earn multiple nominations for the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards but didn’t manage to win any, losing that year to Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List.
Today, instead of focusing on its legacy and the impeccable acting of lead and supporting cast, we’re going to take a look at the English countryside estates employed by James Ivory to bring this masterpiece to life.
The Remains of The Day Filming Locations
Several English country estates were used as filming locations. This was made possible in part by Ismail Merchant, who was able to persuade people to let the production use houses that aren’t usually open to the public. Most of these places were founded by the production designer, Luciana Arrighi.
Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park was used for the outside of the house and the driveway. Located in South Gloucestershire, the estate was built upon an ancient deer park. It features an orangery stable, and it was set up back in the 17th century for William Blathwayt.
Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle served as the stunning backdrop for the aqua-turquoise staircase scenes in the staircase, hall, music room, and bedroom. The castle is located in Axminster, Devon, and has been the seat of the Courtenay family since the 14th century.
This castle is rated as a Grade I building in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. It is located on a marsh on the west bank of the River Exe. Its name comes from the Dutch word Polder and means “village of the reclaimed marshlands.”
Aside from being the filming location for major scenes in this movie, Powderham Castle has been used by BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend for performing artists like Nick Jonas, Iggy Azalea, Coldplay, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Corsham Court
The library and dining room at Corsham Court, in Chippenham, Wiltshire, it is a beautiful estate that’s known for hosting a fine art collection and is currently the home of Baron Methuen. Corsham is a royal manor that dates back to the days of Saxon kings. It went through several ownerships, including Catherine of Aragon and Katherine Parr, who were two of Henry VIII’s wives.
Badminton House
Badminton House encompasses the servants’ quarters, a magnificent conservatory, and an elegant entrance hall. Located in Gloucestershire, England, it has been the house of the Dukes of Beaufort since the 17th century. The popular sport owes its name to this house. It served as the Queen’s residence for HRH Mary during World War II.
Movies like The Remains of the Day, 28 Days Later, and Pearl Harbor were shot in this lavish location. If you have deep enough pockets, you can book Badminton House for a wedding or a party.
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Weston-super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare, which stood in for Clevedon, was also used to film scenes. It is a seaside town in Somerset. Should you ever visit it, make sure to visit its museums, like the Weston Museum, which hosts permanent and rotating collections of archeology, art, and social history.
Furthermore, this town also has a Helicopter Museum with a permanent exhibit of over 80 helicopters, the largest helicopter museum in the world, so if you’re an aviation fan, don’t miss out on the fun there.
Other Locations
In the quaint village of Limpley Stoke, nestled amidst lovely, quiet foresty surroundings, lies the renowned establishment known as the Hop Pole. It is here that Mr. Stevens finds respite, seeking solace in the rhythmic hum of lively conversations and the comforting aroma of ale.
Just a short distance away, in the idyllic hamlet of Norton St. Philip, the charming George Inn stands as the meeting place for Miss Kenton and Mr. Benn. Within its cozy confines, memories are made, and their paths intertwine, creating a story that unfolds amidst the warm ambiance of this charming countryside locale.
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