The popular TV show Rivals is back, drawing attention to its picturesque setting in the Cotswolds, particularly featuring The Priory, a stunning manor. The series, available on Disney Plus, showcases the beautiful countryside backdrop and luxurious homes set in the fictional county of Rutshire.
The Priory, known as Chavenage House in real life, is the residence of Declan O’Hara on the show, a well-known Irish TV presenter and journalist. The house, an Elizabethan Grade I listed building built in 1576 by Edward Stephens, has undergone various extensions over the centuries while maintaining its original style and materials.
Chavenage House has been a popular filming location for several film and TV productions, attracting famous celebrities like Eddie Redmayne, Jamie Dornan, and Aidan Turner. It has appeared in various shows, including Poldark, Lark Rise to Candleford, The House of Eliott, Casualty, and Dracula.
Apart from filming, Chavenage House is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore this historic location by making reservations in advance, as it is a privately owned property. The tour costs £12 for adults in groups of 21 or more and £6 for children. Individual tours start at £250 if group tours are unavailable.
Visitors have praised the manor’s rich history and personal touch during tours. The Lowsley-Williams family, who have owned the house since 1891, personally conduct tours, sharing intimate stories and details about the estate. Reviews on TripAdvisor highlight the unique experience of visiting a place with ties to famous TV shows like Poldark.
For more information and tour reservations, visit chavenage.com.