Nancy Meyers’ holiday classic, “The Holiday,” is more than just a romantic comedy; it serves as an escape into a world of picturesque landscapes and enchanting relationships. Released in 2006, the film tells the story of two women, Iris (played by Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who swap homes across the globe to heal from heartbreak. What starts as a spontaneous holiday venture evolves into a tale of love and rejuvenation in both the English countryside and sunny California.
In a 2020 interview with Vulture, Diaz reflected on the film’s aspirational nature, noting the extravagant lifestyle portrayed in the film, which leads viewers to dream of such adventures themselves. “It’s set in the real world, but it’s like, ‘Who’s getting on first class, and flying, and taking this cute little cottage in the middle of England?’” she explained.
Filming for “The Holiday” began in early 2006 in Los Angeles and concluded the following June, with about a month dedicated to capturing the charm of the English settings. The locations are not just part of the fantasy; they are meticulously chosen, from quaint villages to the warm streets of California.
Iris lives in a fictional cottage known as Rosehill, which was constructed in Shere, Surrey, inspired by Honeysuckle Cottage from a nearby village. Jude Law, who portrays Graham, Amanda’s love interest, revealed on BBC Radio 2 that director Meyers was a perfectionist who created her ideal cottage after searching but not finding the right one. “She just hired a field and drew it and had someone build it,” he recounted.
The construction of the cottage took mere weeks, as detailed by location manager Benjamin Greenacre in a 2017 video. He described how the structure quickly transformed from a field into a quaint home, complete with landscaping that made it look historically embedded in the area.
The charming pub where Amanda and Graham share flirtatious moments, The White Horse pub in Shere, offers a genuine slice of English life, capturing the essence of their growing romance. The nearby village of Godalming serves as another backdrop, with key shopping scenes featuring Amanda’s character.
Much of the quaint village life is showcased in Surrey, though scenic glimpses of the Cotswolds are present as well, particularly at the striking Cornwell Manor, where Amanda and Graham enjoy a lunch date. While the manor is privately owned and not open for public visits, it’s a stunning representation of English countryside elegance available for special events.
In California, Amanda’s luxurious mansion was designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff. This Los Angeles estate, built in 1928, boasts seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, located along Orlando Road in San Marino. Additional filming locations in California include Arthur’s home in Brentwood and the airport scenes shot at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The interiors of the homes were filmed on sound stages, with actor Jude Law humorously noting that the winter scenes shot in the U.K. were later matched with interiors filmed in Los Angeles months apart.
“The Holiday” continues to resonate with viewers, combining heartfelt themes with stunning backdrops that evoke dreams of romance and adventure. Whether it’s the allure of the English countryside or the warmth of Southern California, Meyers’ film remains a beloved escape for many during the festive season and beyond.