Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated film, Saltburn, has captivated audiences with its intriguing storyline and stunning visuals, all set against the backdrop of a grand country estate. The question on everyone’s mind after watching the trailer or the movie itself is: where was Saltburn filmed? The answer lies in the heart of Northamptonshire, at the magnificent Drayton House, with some scenes also filmed in the historic city of Oxford.
Drayton House: The Star Location of Saltburn
Saltburn filming location Drayton House exterior
Drayton House, a Grade I listed country house in Northamptonshire, serves as the primary filming location for Saltburn. Director Emerald Fennell deliberately chose a location that felt fresh and unseen, wanting to avoid estates that had become overly familiar through appearances in period dramas like Bridgerton or Jane Austen adaptations. Drayton House offered that unique, untouched quality. According to Vanity Fair, this marks the first time Drayton House has ever been used as a filming location, and it may very well be the last, as it remains a private family residence.
The decision to film almost entirely at Drayton House was crucial to Fennell’s vision for Saltburn. She aimed to immerse the cast and crew in the environment, fostering a sense of collective experience and even “losing their mind together,” as she described to Vanity Fair. This immersive approach meant that every scene set within the Saltburn estate was authentically shot at Drayton House, allowing the grandeur and atmosphere of the location to deeply influence the film’s narrative and performances.
Saltburn movie scene inside Drayton House
Fennell emphasized the importance of the cast feeling at ease within the opulent setting of Drayton House. Despite the estate’s breathtaking staircases, expansive bedrooms, and impressive library, she wanted the actors to truly inhabit the space. This comfort and familiarity translates onto the screen, making the performances feel more natural and the setting more believable as their world within the film. The authenticity of filming on location at Drayton House is palpable, contributing significantly to the film’s immersive quality.
Saltburn film still showcasing Drayton House grounds
Oxford: Additional Filming Location
While Drayton House is the undisputed star of Saltburn in terms of locations, some additional scenes were also filmed in Oxford. As the film revolves around university life, it’s natural that Oxford, with its prestigious university and iconic architecture, would feature in the movie. These Oxford locations provide context for the characters’ lives outside the Saltburn estate, particularly Oliver’s university environment before he is invited to Saltburn.
Visiting Saltburn’s Drayton House: Is It Possible?
For fans eager to experience the real Saltburn location, the unfortunately answer is no, not without explicit permission. Drayton House is not open to the public. In fact, the film production contract specifically included clauses to protect the privacy of the property owners. Therefore, while you can admire Drayton House from afar and appreciate its cinematic beauty in Saltburn, visiting the estate is not an option for the general public, ensuring its continued privacy and exclusivity.
Watch Saltburn
Saltburn premiered at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 4th, 2023, and was released in cinemas on November 17th, 2023. To fully appreciate the stunning visuals and captivating atmosphere of Saltburn, experiencing it on the big screen is highly recommended. Check your local cinema listings for showtimes and immerse yourself in the world brought to life at Drayton House and Oxford.
