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The Versatility of a Country House Location

Suzi Davis Saturday 23rd January 2021

No one can deny the beauty of our stunning British countryside. Rolling hills, beguiling forests and expanses of fields and farmland captivate and enchant. Nestled within the landscape, you will find a glorious array of properties, perfect for country house shoots. From historic manor houses to modern timber houses. From quintessential farmhouses to coastal retreats. There is so much on offer.

Whilst London properties attract clients with their proximity to the creative capital, country house locations offer something a little different. They can provide space and versatility, privacy and seclusion. As a result, country house shoot locations have plenty to entice shoot crews.

Space

Country houses more often than not have generously sized interiors and well-proportioned rooms. Space has and always will be in demand amongst photographers, but 2020 saw the demand increase. With the need to socially distance, spacious properties provide more ways to ensure adherence to COVID guidelines.

Versatility

Country houses often add a little extra something. An unexpected or unique feature, for example, provide something worth travelling for. This could be a pool, manicured gardens or unusual outbuilding. All things that are harder to find in suburban and city locations. In addition, a number of country houses have a  choice of shoot spots within one location. External space and outbuildings can mean several set-ups can be achieved in one day without the need to travel.

Parking

Easy parking is a real asset to a country house location because it allows crews and transport teams to deliver and unload products and kit with ease. It also avoids the constant need to look out for wardens and the hassle of needing to continually move vehicles.

Privacy and Seclusion

Being nestled in the countryside means being away from prying eyes and inquisitive neighbours. As a result, the changes to the industry throughout 2020 gave rise to an increased need for seclusion. Social distancing is much easier without passers-by and neighbours to contend with.

Our Country House Choices

At Light Locations, we have a beautiful collection of Country House shoot locations in a variety of locations including the Home Counties, East Anglia, Wales and Somerset. With each providing its own unique offering of space, versatility, privacy and seclusion it’s too hard to choose favourites. Instead, we’ve picked out five locations that have shown enduring popularity with a number of our clients.

Cotswold Barn

Positioned in the wonderful Wiltshire countryside, Cotswold Barn is an incredible converted barn. The setting is stunning, with manicured gardens, outside pool and beautiful patio areas set against beautiful stone backdrops. Many clients adore and utilise the outside space for exterior furniture shoots.

The house itself is equally as appealing. Large rooms, parquet flooring and a simple and effective utility room all provide welcome variety. Being away from London and with ample space to follow COVID guidelines, Cotswold Barn was very popular as the industry awoke from lockdown 1.

Colefax and Fowler, Loaf, Cox & Cox, OKA and The White Company are all clients that regularly use this striking country house.

St Francis House

Located in the Cambridgeshire countryside, this former monastery has been converted into an exquisite home. A wonderful and large living and dining space provide a wealth of options for shoot crews. In addition, a beautiful parquet floor heightens the appeal, making this room particularly popular. A large hallway, feature staircase and handsome stone bathroom add further versatility with plenty of room for photographers to pull-back. The external space at St Francis, with lovely lawned garden and wooded areas, is another welcome feature as shoot crews increasingly require social distancing space.

Neptune, Country Homes & Interiors, and Living Etc are just a few clients who have put the charms of this monastic gem to good use.

Church Road

In the beautiful village of Little Marlow in Buckinghamshire, lies this stylish vicarage. Incredibly popular since it joined Light Locations in February 2020, Church Road established itself as a star player when the industry crept out from lockdown 1. For instance, clients welcomed the space it provides that allows for COVID guidelines to be followed.

The interior of this elegant home is incredible, and something rarely found in city properties. The sweeping staircase and unique kitchen are notable and crowd-pleasing features. The added bonus of a separate Coach House in the grounds provides additional options for shoot crews, with a variety of set-ups achievable in one location.

Next, Sweetpea and Willow, Little Greene, Garden Trading and Bloom & Wild are a selection of wonderful brands that have used this stunning property.

Forest House

Situated amongst the trees in the sprawling Ashdown Forest, you will find a striking wood-clad home. Simple, yet incredibly stylish, Forest House offers privacy and chic versatility. The glorious external setting of black timber against the lush green of a British forest entices shoot crews year after year.

Gallery Direct, Dunelm, Woolovers, Matalan and Blendworth Interiors are just a few brands drawn to this house and its enchanting forest location.

Brook Lodge

An acre of Hampshire countryside is home to the charming Brook Lodge. Rustic living is a theme throughout this country house, with bare plaster walls and stripped floorboards that clients adore. These feature heavily in both the living room and kitchen areas. As a result, these are popular areas of the house, with many clients setting up product shoots in both rooms.

Hobbycraft, Nordic House and The Mail on Sunday YOU magazine are a selection of brands who take advantage of Brook Lodge’s desirability.

For more inspiring locations beyond city walls, browse our full range of Country Houses

Suzi Davis

Suzi Davis

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