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When considering the logistics of the next production, a feature not to be overlooked is the ‘Shoot and Stay’ option. Although not every location offers this service, the ones that do often are booked again and again for the range of benefits they give production crews of all sizes. From Cornwall to Suffolk, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite Shoot and Stay properties to illustrate why this option can be both incredibly practical and profoundly inspiring.
It’s true that shoot days are often busy and full to the brim with bustling activity, and sometimes pockets of magic can be overlooked in the hubbub. When staying at a location, it allows for that little extra time to really take in every detail, perhaps catching a lovely glimpse of golden light in the early evening or noticing a moody corner that would work for a morning shot.
The immersive Drift End is a rural farmhouse surrounded by woodlands, and its multitude of textures and charming nooks mean there’s plenty to take in. With two outbuildings and plenty of grounds to explore, lingering at this location can be a true gift, helping crews to create a cohesive set of gorgeous imagery all in one space.
Multiple day shoots can be daunting to organise from a logistics point of view, particularly if locations are far away. Although quite the journey is required to get to Trenoweth House, this Cornish former Vicarage is brilliantly set up for overnight stays, with 3 beautiful cottages on site to keep everyone more than comfortable. This means the crew can settle in for the long haul, making the most of shooting time and spending less time packing and unpacking.
Trenoweth House also has so much to offer, from its grand entrance hall to its six bedrooms. With so many areas to shoot, it makes sense to stay and get the most out of the space. This can also be the case for productions with set build elements, where it might be more sensible to stay and utilise the set for multiple days of shooting.
Creativity always flows best when the team is on the same wavelength, and a shoot can be an enjoyable experience as well as a productive one. For crews that get along well, staying in one location can keep the buzz going, helping everyone stay connected and further bond in moments of downtime as well as when on the go.
Botley House is one of our most popular shoot and stay locations, always booked up with teams staying. The property is brilliantly set up to accommodate this, with all the credit due to the owner who has thought of everything. In the summer, crews also have the offer to use the swimming pool, a joyous reward after a long day’s shooting!
The British weather is notoriously changeable and hard to predict, surprising us with heavy rain clouds when sunshine was originally on the cards. This can be a constant problem to be solved on shoot days, particularly when shooting out of season which is so often the case. With a shoot and stay comes a little more flexibility, with the opportunity to work with the weather as and when it changes, bringing outdoor shots forward a day if the sun unexpectedly appears, for example.
Set in 3.5 acres of grounds, Hampshire House is a Victorian coach house and stables that has been transformed into a family home. Its dramatic walled garden is complete with a glossy blue swimming pool, a backdrop that certainly needs a drop of sunshine to work. This property also has its own self catering cottage on site for crews to use, making it another location that’s well set up for visitors.
Whether trying to catch that perfect twilight shot or just keeping a crew relaxed, choosing a shoot and stay can be a great way to make the most of production time. If it isn’t the right option however, our properties can still be booked for multiple days and our team is always happy to offer in-depth knowledge about the locations on our roster.
For a full list of properties that can be booked, take a look at our List of Shoot and Stay options or search the Find a Location page with your requirements.
Looking for more location inspiration? Try reading about our Top 5 Locations of 2024.
Perhaps somewhere different might be more suited to your next shoot. Check out our post on Why to Choose a Studio Space to see another type of location.
Read about The Rise of the Country Location to find out why these gorgeous remote properties are doing so well in recent years.
