10 Must-Watch Country House Dramas

Description: A classic horror film where a group of people investigate a reputedly haunted mansion. The house itself becomes a character, with its eerie atmosphere and psychological torment.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Wise, who later directed "The Sound of Music." The mansion used in the film, Ettington Park, is now a hotel.

Description: Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel, set in the opulent world of 1870s New York, with scenes in country estates. The houses reflect the rigid social structures and the hidden passions of the characters.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The interiors were meticulously recreated to reflect the Gilded Age.

Description: This film delves into the life of a dedicated butler in a grand English country house, exploring themes of duty, love, and the passage of time. The house itself becomes a silent witness to the personal sacrifices made by its inhabitants.

Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The stately home used for filming, Dyrham Park, is a National Trust property in England.

Description: A magical tale of a young girl discovering a hidden garden in her uncle's vast estate. The house and garden are central to the themes of healing, growth, and the power of nature.

Fact: The film was shot at Allerton Castle in North Yorkshire, England. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction.

Description: In this eerie tale, a woman and her children live in a secluded country mansion, where strange occurrences lead to the discovery of a chilling truth. The house's isolation amplifies the suspense and the supernatural elements.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, but the setting is meant to be the Channel Islands. It was a box office success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

Description: A story of a Jewish woman posing as a Christian governess in a Scottish country house, exploring themes of identity, love, and cultural clash. The house setting provides a backdrop for personal transformation.

Fact: Minnie Driver, who plays the lead, also co-wrote the screenplay. The film was shot in various locations in Scotland.

Description: Set in the 1930s, this film offers a satirical look at the British class system through the lens of a weekend shooting party at a grand country estate. The house is a microcosm of society, revealing the intricate relationships between the upstairs and downstairs.

Fact: The film boasts an ensemble cast including Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, and Michael Gambon. It was inspired by the real-life murder case of William Desmond Taylor.

Description: A story of love, guilt, and the consequences of a lie, set against the backdrop of a grand English estate. The house plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama, representing innocence lost and the weight of regret.

Fact: The film features a famous five-minute continuous shot of the Dunkirk evacuation. The house used for the Tallis family home is actually the home of the Duke of Bedford.

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel, where the new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by the memory of her predecessor in a grand English estate. The house, Manderley, is as much a character as the people within it.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Manderley was inspired by Menabilly, a real estate in Cornwall.

Description: This adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel follows a socialite navigating the treacherous waters of New York's high society, with scenes set in lavish country estates. The houses symbolize the opulence and the suffocating social expectations of the time.

Fact: Gillian Anderson, known for "The X-Files," gives a critically acclaimed performance as Lily Bart. The film was shot in various locations in England to replicate the Gilded Age New York.