For an entire generation of millennials with a somewhat crass sense of humor, seeing a new Guy Ritchie production hitting our screens is reason for celebration.
If you too list among your favorite movies modern classics like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Rocknrolla, Revolver, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. or the Robert Downey Jr-led Sherlock Holmes, you’ll know that there’s a certain appeal to Guy Ritchie’s storytelling that captivates audiences with its blend of sharp wit, gritty narratives, and an unapologetic dive into the underbelly of British society.
His latest venture, the Netlix-made series, The Gentlemen, promises to deliver all this in spades with a twist that has fans of the director’s work buzzing with anticipation.
Especially as it builds on the popular storyline of Ritchie’s eponymous 2019 movie which starred Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, and Jeremy Strong.
Launched on March 7, 2024, the series — which only spans eight riveting episodes so far — plunges viewers into a world where aristocracy meets the underworld in a narrative so compelling it’s like a car chase through the British countryside: exhilarating, unpredictable, and absolutely irresistible.
The narrative follows Eddie Horniman, portrayed by Theo James, as he navigates this dangerous terrain, striving to uphold his family’s legacy while entangled in a web of criminality that’s as enticing as it is perilous.
And almost like a treat for us, luxury home aficionados, at the heart of this enthralling saga stands Halstead Manor, a sprawling country estate that’s part of an inheritance that comes with more than its fair share of baggage — including a cannabis empire and a beacon for Britain’s most notorious criminals.
So naturally, we had to track it down.
Halstead Manor stands at the center of Guy Ritchie’s story
Said to be a 16,000-acre country estate owned by Eddie’s family for over 700 years, Halstead Manor stands at the core of Ritchie’s new series.
“The manor itself sets the tone of The Gentlemen,” says Matthew Read, executive producer and writer for the series. “It really is another character in the show. It also connects to the history of aristocracy and to one of the show’s key themes of class.”
While Halstead Manor might be the figment of Ritchie’s vibrant imagination, the grandeur and mystique of the estate are brought to life by several of Britain’s most iconic country houses, each contributing its unique character to the fictional estate’s on-screen portrayal.
The real stars behind the fictional façade
Badminton House
This Grade I listed building in Gloucestershire was the primary filming location for Halstead Manor’s exterior and interior shots.
With its history stretching back to the 17th century, Badminton House is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, embodying the aristocratic grandeur that stands at the core of the series’ narrative.
The estate, sprawling across 52,000 acres, has seen its fair share of history, from royal guests to its unintended contribution to the world of sports. Its architectural majesty and the stories embedded in its walls provide the perfect canvas for the unfolding drama of The Gentlemen.
Tracing its history all the way back to Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester, the Badminton House has later became known for hosting the annual Badminton Horse Trials — a yearly a five-day event that’s part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing — which have been held here since 1949.
“Badminton felt immediately right for Halstead,” says Iggy Ellis, supervising location manager for the series, “because it’s a proper, lived in, home, rather than a National Trust museum.”
“So inside there’d be some walking sticks by the door or a few shotgun rounds from where they’d been out shooting. There were cracks and tired bits as you’d get in every family home. But there was also oil painting and history and majesty. It felt perfect for our story.”
”But, then, I can’t really think of a single location from Badminton to a seedy car park somewhere in London that wasn’t spot on for the shoot. And I’m proud of the fact we didn’t compromise on any of the locations.”
See also: Solving the case of 221B Baker Street, the ‘real’ home of Sherlock Holmes
And there were quite a few locations used in the making of the show.
The Badminton House which played the part of Duke of Halstead’s country estate, was just one of some 80 locations that formed the background for The Gentlemen.
But film sets were among them too, with the Alperton Studios in London being used to film some of the interior shots.
Loseley Park
Serving as the setting for certain interior scenes and the enchanting Halstead woods, lake, and Geoff’s cottage, Loseley Park adds a layer of authenticity and charm with its Tudor architecture and compelling history.
Built in the 16th century, Loseley Park is renowned for its magnificent Great Hall and the serene beauty of its gardens, designed by Gertrude Jekyll.
Loseley Park has also been serving as a popular filming location for over half a century. Some of the most notable productions filmed here include Midsomer Murders (1997 TV series), Agatha Christie’s Marple: Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (2008) Sense and Sensibility (2008 miniseries), Emma (2009 miniseries) and The Special Relationship (2010).
In 2016, the house was featured in the Netflix series The Crown, while films like The Favourite 2018) and Rebecca (2020) were both partly shot here.
The estate’s rich past and its role in British cinema only enhance the narrative depth of Halstead Manor, offering a glimpse into the opulence and heritage that define the British upper crust.
Stoke Court
Completing the trifecta is Stoke Court, whose interiors serve as the backdrop for the manor’s study, boot room, drawing room, and orangery.
This estate further enriches the setting with its unique architectural elements and historical significance, providing a tangible connection to the series’ exploration of class, power, and the legacy of aristocracy in Britain.
How about the house’s architect, William Kent?
In the first episode, Stanley Johnston A.K.A Uncle Stan (played by Giancarlo Esposito) tells Eddie that the house owes its design to a famous British architect, and we’re here to give you a little background on that.
He describes Halstead Manor as “a paragon of an example of the architectural philosophy of William Kent, who was a jack of all trades.” This reference not only adds a layer of historical intrigue but also pays homage to one of Britain’s most influential architects and designers, William Kent (1685–1748).
Kent was a figure of immense creativity and versatility in the 18th century, whose work spanned architecture, garden design, and interior decoration, firmly establishing him as a pioneer of the Palladian architecture movement in England.
His contributions left a big mark on the British architectural landscape, shaping the aesthetic preferences of the aristocracy and beyond.
Kent’s designs were characterized by their bold proportions, classical references, and the seamless integration of architecture with landscape and interior design, creating harmonious, holistic environments that were as functional as they were beautiful — all things Eddie acknowledges in his talk with Uncle Stan.
Notably, Kent’s work includes iconic projects such as the remodeling of Houghton Hall, the creation of the landscape garden at Stowe, and the interior designs of Holkham Hall.
His approach was innovative for its time, merging the ornate baroque style with the more restrained Palladianism, thereby crafting spaces that were both grandiose and elegantly balanced.
While Uncle Stan’s remarks attribute the architectural marvel of Halstead Manor to William Kent, it’s crucial to delineate the boundaries between the series’ fiction and historical reality.
None of the real-life estates — Badminton House, Loseley Park, nor Stoke Court — that stand in for Halstead Manor on The Gentlemen were actually designed by William Kent. These estates each have their unique architectural histories and styles, shaped by various influences over the centuries.
Badminton House, for instance, boasts a blend of styles influenced by the tastes and visions of its owners throughout history, from the early modern period to the Palladian additions of the 18th century. Loseley Park is a testament to Tudor craftsmanship and aesthetic, while Stoke Court showcases its own architectural idiosyncrasies and charm.
Nonetheless, the lauded architect’s mention adds a note of credibility — and just gives us one more reason to love the newly appointed Duke of Halstead’s already impressive country estate.
More stories
Hampsie, Lady Phoebe’s country house in ‘You’ & where to find it in real life
All the ‘Bridgerton’ houses and where to find them in real life
