If you plan to watch (or re-watch) Holidays right now, you are certainly not alone. The 2000s romantic comedy is a Christmas classic – defined by its contrasting locations – Hollywood and Shere – the latter being an English country village where Kate Winslet resides at Rosehill Cottage. However, in reality, the attractive stone building is not entirely as it seems.
The original Rosehill Cottage is named Chalet Honeysuckle – and is set in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey – the south east county which serves as the film’s backdrop. You might be surprised to learn, however, that neither Kate Winslet nor Cameron Diaz have ever set foot on the property.
Instead, film researchers scouted the cottage before “recreating it brick for brick” at a London studio, where filming took place. Therefore, despite being among Surrey’s most recognizable properties, Rosehill Cottage does not exist as we know it.
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In real life, Honeysuckle Cottage is owned by Jon Bromley and his wife, Cressida, who would have been unaware of its significance until they noticed strangers taking pictures outside. Their house is identical to the one seen in the film – from the wooden door and the picket fence to the front yard garden.
Honeysuckle Cottage is now available on Airbnb (opens in a new tab)and although it is booked for this Christmas (sorry) you can still enjoy it in 2023. There are currently dates available for January and February so there is a chance that you will see snow from the window of the chalet – although that cannot be promised.
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In the film, Rosehill Cottage is owned by Kate Winslet’s character, Iris, who arranges a house swap with Los Angeles-based Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz. Amanda therefore falls in love with the character of Jude Law while sailing in the English countryside.
Some of the film’s most memorable scenes take place inside the property, so fans will be happy to know that Honeysuckle Cottage has similarities. cottage decorating ideas. The house retains many original features including wooden beams, a cantou fireplace and a wood burning stove which complement the warm textiles and classic colors of the living space.
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From the living room and the kitchen, the house has two double bedrooms and a small single bedroom.
There is also a bathroom and shower and a laundry room. Beyond the quintessential brick walls, you can enjoy lush lawns and views of the Surrey hills that surround the property.
(Image credit: Airbnb)
On the DVD commentary for The Holiday, production designer Jon Hutman explained that he was looking for the “cutest, smallest, most English cottage we could find” when he came across Honeysuckle Cottage. And we inevitably seek reservations as soon as possible.
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