For countless viewers, the festive season is incomplete without a viewing of the beloved Christmas rom-com, The Holiday. The 2006 Nancy Meyers film, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, not only weaves a tale of transatlantic romance but also paints an irresistibly cosy picture of the English countryside, sparking a yearning for its quaint villages and snowy landscapes.
Surrey's Picture-Perfect Villages: The Heart of the Film
While the story hops from sunny California to rural England, the film's most iconic and charming scenes are firmly rooted in the county of Surrey. The movie showcases a postcard-perfect version of England that has captivated audiences for nearly two decades.
Although Iris's enchanting Rosehill Cottage is not a real home—its interiors were constructed on soundstages at Sony Pictures Studios—its design was directly inspired by a genuine property. The filmmakers used Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary as their blueprint, a traditional honey-stone bolthole complete with a chimney and wooden gate. This real cottage was even listed on Airbnb in December 2022, allowing superfans a chance to experience a replica stay.
Godalming and Shere: Quintessential English Charm
Upon arriving in England, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) is seen shopping for essentials in a red Mini Cooper in the market town of Godalming. This slice of Surrey, located roughly 30 miles southwest of central London, provides the backdrop for her early attempts to navigate rural life.
However, it is the village of Shere that truly embodies the film's chocolate-box aesthetic. This quintessential English village features in numerous landscape shots. Amanda runs across a footbridge over the Tillingbourne Stream, and it's at Shere's historic pub, The White Horse, where she shares a drink with Graham (Jude Law). Dating back to 1425 and rumoured to have been a smugglers' haunt, this Grade II-listed pub remains open, offering traditional fare by a roaring fire.
Wonersh and the Cotswolds: Grand Settings
The exterior of Graham's festive family home was filmed at the Mill House in Wonersh. This civil parish within the Surrey Hills National Landscape is renowned as one of Britain's wealthiest postcodes. For their memorable lunch date, Amanda and Graham venture to the luxury Cornwell Manor near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. This private 2,000-acre estate, while not open to the public, serves as an exclusive wedding venue.
From Surrey to California: The Holiday's Other Homes
The film's contrast is provided by its glamorous Californian locations. The exterior of Amanda's sprawling Tuscan-style mansion was filmed at 1883 Orlando Road in San Marino. Built in 1928 by architect Wallace Neff, this seven-bedroom property boasts an estimated value of $11 million. Meanwhile, screenwriter Arthur Abbott's old Hollywood home is located at 163 Rockingham Avenue in Brentwood, a mansion formerly owned by comedian Phyllis Diller.
If a trip to Surrey isn't on the cards this Christmas, you can still enjoy the magic of the film from your sofa. The Holiday is available to stream on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video in the UK, and can also be rented from Sky Store and Apple TV. Whether you're planning a festive pilgrimage or a cosy night in, the enduring appeal of these locations continues to define a classic Christmas escape.
