Cosying up in front of popular Christmas movies is always a favourite for the festive season. While there’s a selection of top contenders for the number one Christmas movie, one film that always pops up in most people’s top 10 lists is The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Kate Winslet.
While Cameron Diaz’s home in the movie is in sunny Los Angeles, the other half is on location in the UK. Kate Winslet’s Iris’ home (where Cameron Diaz goes to stay) is set in a beautiful village in the Surrey Hills with a quintessentially British cottage as the focal point of the escape. The inspiration behind the film has often appeared in local news.
But if you’re wondering where the cottage from The Holiday is actually located, it might surprise you that the lovely Rosehill Cottage doesn’t actually exist in real life! Shocked? So were we. However, don’t worry – there are still ways to recreate the festive magic from the film, such as visiting Surrey or renting a similar cottage.
Read on to discover where you can enjoy exposed beams, beautiful brick interiors, and even cottages complete with your very own hot tub.
Holmbury St Mary: the inspiration for Rosehill Cottage from The Holiday
While it may come as a slight disappointment, Rosehill Cottage, which actually featured in the film, is a set created in a field in Shere, Surrey. This spot is a small village in the Guildford district, close to the towns of Dorking and Guildford.
Much like the film, this area has charming buildings and pubs alongside a 12th-century church. It’s a favourite for filmmakers, and you may have spotted its scenery and backdrops in films such as The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones and, of course, The Holiday.
However, while the holiday cottage in the film doesn’t exist, it was inspired by a home that does. That cottage was Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary. Looking at this charming period property, you see all the resemblances to its quaint English features, as evident in its picture-perfect influence. From antique features and classic brickwork to a cosy open fire and a stunning dining area, we’re sure you can channel your inner Jude Law in no time.
The intricate detail that went into recreating the image of Honeysuckle Cottage was extraordinary. Even down to its surroundings, the 20ft bare tree outside the cottage was added to create a wintery look.
Can you visit the spot where The Holiday was filmed?
The most pressing question on everyone’s mind is – can you visit the location where The Holiday was filmed? In short, no. The exact location of the set is in a private field, where the holiday cottage was purpose-built for the movie. So, besides catching a glimpse from a nearby road, you cannot get close to it. However, as the set was dismantled after filming, there isn’t much to see anyway.
But the good news is that the cottage that inspired the set, Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary can be viewed and is occasionally available to rent on Airbnb.
All that said, the area The Holiday was set in is a beautiful location to visit. Other Surrey towns and villages also have charming holiday cottages to rent, making it perfect for a ‘The Holiday’ stay of your own…
Your own charming break in Surrey
Despite being close to the capital, you’ll be amazed just how serene Surrey is compared to the hustle and bustle of London – which is just a short drive away.
This region is full of natural beauty, and surprisingly woodland makes up a third of the county’s landscapes. A stay near the Surrey Hills invites you to explore this 163-square-mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with top spots such as Frensham Ponds, Reigate Hill and Newlands Corner, providing a range of walks in nature.
As well as a beautiful array of properties to check out during your holiday, you can also villages with historic features, plus enjoy world-renowned restaurants and bars nearby.
But it’s not just breathtaking scenery you can enjoy in Surrey. You also have attractions and heritage sites on your doorstep. If you’re looking for some hair-raising fun, Thorpe Park is the place to go. It’s one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, with the country’s fastest roller coaster, Stealth, a must-ride.
To experience the region’s historic charm, head to Hampton Court Palace. This is on the outskirts of the county and takes you back to Tudor Times, where you’ll see Henry VIII’s great hall alongside spectacular landscaped gardens.
Find the perfect place for your next getaway in Surrey
Although Rosehill Cottage isn’t available (sorry!), taking inspiration from ‘The Holiday’ cottage couldn’t be easier at one of kate & tom’s beautiful selection of homes. From country manors with wooden beams and landscaped gardens to an LA-inspired home with a swimming pool, gym and hot tub, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Crown Manor
While not exactly a quaint little cottage with a cosy open fire, Crown Manor in Reigate is the perfect place to treat your family or a group of friends. It’s a gated home in Reigate that accommodates up to 30 people, offering a fun-filled stay. With a huge space for everyone to enjoy, there’s also plenty of entertainment available within your living quarters. Enjoy a spot of golf, snooker, table tennis and a wide range of activities.
Discover your surroundings in the rolling Surrey Hills by taking a walk in a national park. Or, if you want to go for a mooch around town, there’s plenty to do and see – why not stop at a cosy café for a coffee before heading back to your holiday home?
When the day is over, come home to Crown Manor and enjoy the stunning dining area. If you don’t want to cook, why not hire a private chef to do the catering? You can live the movie-star life for real.
Woodland House
Although Woodland House in Surrey might not be in the Hollywood Hills, it sure gives Hollywood status. Only 60 minutes from London, Woodland House is nestled in nature and features a whole host of amenities to make you feel like an A-lister.
Whether you’re renting the holiday home for a big birthday or just want to treat your family, Woodland House sleeps up to 16 people, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. You can even bring your four-legged friend if you request in advance – remember Kate Winslet’s furry chum in the movie?
When the weather’s nice, take a dip in the outdoor pool. It’s cornered off by wonderful woodland, so you have complete privacy. If the kids have come along for a jaunt, take up table tennis or play some lawn games in the rolling land of the garden. Sounds idyllic, right? But that’s not all. You can also venture out to see the glades and heath of Crooksbury Hill.
California Dreamin’
You heard that right. You could get closer to Hollywood than you thought with this LA-style villa. Sleeping between 12-14 people, California Dreamin‘ offers all the glamour of the silver screen with a heated swimming pool and a hot tub for relaxation. You can also get your fitness fix at the gym.
Ideal for soaking up the Cally-inspired rays in the summer, this hot holiday home is an interior lover’s dream. It’s spacious, open and filled with plenty of light – perfect for selfies with your best friend or large family photos. Some might say the house has been spectacularly picked up and dropped into a dreamy 14 acres of English countryside.
Once you’ve finished enjoying the parks, forests and beautiful Surrey Hills, you can sit back and enjoy some al fresco dining on the terrace. We’re sure this will take your mind off Rosehill Cottage, for now at least.
Aurora House
Bring 14 of your favourite people to Aurora House in Surrey. This quintessentially English home features a swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym and three separate terraces you can relax on. If that isn’t enough, film buffs can enjoy their favourite movie (maybe The Holiday) in the well-equipped cinema room. While it may seem that you don’t need to leave the house, Aurora House’s location in the heart of the Surrey Hills makes it worth exploring your surroundings.
Once the day is done head up to the roof terrace to enjoy a glass of vino al fresco while taking in the sites of this beautiful home.
Create your own holiday memories with kate & tom’s
If you’ve been inspired by ‘The Holiday’ and want to try and replicate the cottage, Surrey is the perfect place to book for your next getaway. This destination is ideal in all seasons, with summer offering numerous fun attractions and outdoor activities. At the same time, winter holidays provide cosy Christmas cottages set amidst a beautiful, frost-covered landscape to admire beside a roaring log fire.
At kate & tom’s, we have a wide selection of holiday cottages in Surrey with luxury extras and plenty of space for the entire family. So, if this tops your holiday wishlist, check out the collection to book your next stay.
