The Woman in Black: step inside the famous horror film house
Tour one of the silver screen's spookiest homes
Cotterstock Hall, the setting for supernatural horror film The Woman in Black starring Daniel Radcliffe, is on the market for £900,000 ($1.1m). The impressive estate was built in the 17th century and over the years, it's been linked to ghostly apparitions and aristocracy alike. With hallways roamed by many a famous name, we retrace their steps and take a tour of one of the silver screen's spookiest settings...
Palatial property
Nestled in more than four acres of land, the Grade I-listed hall isn't quite so scary in real life. The grand exterior has limestone walls, stone mullioned windows and a traditional Collyweston stone-slated roof. The subject of a sensitive restoration project, many of the home's original features remain, dating back to when the property was built between 1656-1658.
From heritage home to Hollywood
In fact, the exterior of the home was so pristine that when filming began for The Woman in Black, the crew had to add extra ivy and faux cobwebs to transform the hall into a horror set. The cast, including Daniel Radcliffe who plays Arthur Kipps in the movie, were there for three days in total.
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Making an entrance
Known as Eel Marsh House in the film, the estate is portrayed as a dark and sinister setting, home to hostile supernatural forces. However, walking through the arched front door – which has the coat of arm of previous owner Viscount Melville engraved above it – the home tells rather a different story.
A regal residence
Spread over three floors, the interior is bursting with antique furniture and opulent architecture. Originally built and designed by John Norton, who was a small landowner and parliamentarian during the Republic/Commonwealth years following the English Civil War, the hallway offers a grand entrance, with red velvet curtains, a grandfather clock and a picturesque window seat – a far cry from the dingy decaying mansion we see on the big screen.
Snap up a piece of history
The Northamptonshire estate was selected as the filming location for The Woman in Black back in 2012 following a nationwide search. In contrast with the film, the formal drawing room is decorated with light Regency-style furnishings and features intricate detailing with wooden floors, a stone fireplace and chandelier.
Light and bright living spaces
The home's six reception rooms are awash with light, neutral colour schemes, including the morning room with its mint walls and floral drapes. An antique desk, complete with a telescope, makes a particularly attractive focal point. If you want to get your hands on some of the estate's heritage furnishings, they're going under the hammer at auction on the 27th June with Cheffins.
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Fit for a banquet
In 1843, Jane, Dowager Countess of Westmorland bought the estate, leaving it to her younger son who made some alterations including the addition of a staircase block, however, it has remained relatively unchanged since. The spacious formal dining room still features a huge carved fireplace and a banquet-style table, framed by a lavish chandelier.
An elegant reading spot
A staple for any stately home, the regal library showcases the estate's historic residents with a small portrait gallery. One regular visitor who must have frequented this room is the poet and playwright John Dryden, who came to Cotterstock Hall to stay with his relatives in the 18th century.
Striking original features
One of the hall's original features, a carved wooden staircase leads upstairs to the home's seven bedrooms. With a stairwell lined in old tapestries, paintings and antique ornaments, it's a grand sight – though we're not too sure how we'd feel about those creaking floorboards in the night...
A boudoir fit for royalty
The bedrooms are no less grand than the reception rooms downstairs. The spacious master suite is awash with period luxury, featuring an ensuite bathroom and traditional wood-panelled walls. Dark antique furniture sits alongside rich red furnishings and large windows that draw in swathes of light.
Slumber in style
In the mid-19th century, the estate transferred to Henry Dundas, third Viscount Melville, who was Governor of Edinburgh Castle and Commander-in-Chief of the Scottish branch of the British Army. Befitting of their eminent owner, the other six bedrooms are just as stately as the master, with four-poster beds, floral drapes and plush furnishings. Just imagine the regal guests who've slumbered here over the years!
No shortage of space
One thing's for sure, Cotterstock Hall isn't lacking in floor space, with the property set over a sizeable 8,000 square feet. The hallway upstairs features scenic views out towards the local market town of Oundle and offers the perfect reading nook with its plush chairs.
Poet's retreat
Located on the third floor is the south-west attic, where poet John Dryden resided on his visits. The charming space went on to become his permanent living quarters, with Dryden spending the last two years of his life at Cotterstock Hall. Featuring 17th-century wood panelling on the walls and light streaming through the period windows, it's no wonder the writer enjoyed penning verses here.
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Lush grounds
Outside, the property is spread over a sizeable four acres of land, with rolling lawns as far as the eye can see. The main building has stone steps leading down to the manicured gardens and hedges, while a small pond hides within the verdant grounds.
Added extras
If all this wasn't enough, Cotterstock Hall also has a quaint four-bedroom cottage within the estate, so there's plenty of room for guests. Alternatively, you could rent out the characterful home for an extra stream of income. It can be included in the deal with a separate negotiation, but failing this, it will be put on the market and sold separately.
An extensive estate
The vast property also comes with a range of outbuildings, including this handy garden store. Not so scary after all is it? If you fancy snapping up this handsome heritage hall, it's currently on the market for the bargain price of £900,000 ($1.1m) – ghosts not included.
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