So, you’re obsessed with new Disney Plus series Rivals, right? The mega-mansions, the manicured gardens, the sheer Englishness of it all. You’re not alone. But let’s be honest, we’re all secretly wondering: is Rutshire real? Could I pack my bags, book a flight, and swan into a world of lords, ladies, and scandalous affairs?
Sadly, no. Rutshire is a figment of Jilly Cooper’s brilliant imagination. It’s the fictional heart of her Rutshire Chronicles, a place where the champagne flows freely and the gossip is even more intoxicating. But don’t despair! The Rivals production team, clearly as smitten with Rutshire as we are, found real-world locations that perfectly capture its essence.
Think Cotswolds charm meets stately home grandeur. They transformed the picturesque towns of Gloucestershire and Somerset into Cooper’s playground, with Chavenage House in Tetbury serving as the anchor. This Elizabethan manor, already a veteran of period dramas like Poldark, became Declan O’Hara’s opulent residence.
And thanks to the house’s owner, other hidden gems in the area were unearthed, lending their beauty to the show. Tetbury itself got a makeover, masquerading as the fictional Cotchester, complete with retro 80s storefronts and vintage cars. How’s that for attention to detail?
But the location scouting didn’t stop there. Wilton House in Salisbury, a familiar face from The Crown and Bridgerton, added its aristocratic flair. The historic town of Corsham in Wiltshire, with its winding streets and period architecture, provided yet another layer of authenticity. Even a Tudor-style pub in Wraxall, Somerset, got in on the action. And for the climactic television awards scene, the production moved to Bristol, utilizing the city’s streets and the Bottle Yard Studios.
So, while you can’t visit Rutshire, you can visit the real-life locations that brought it to life. Grab your Jilly Cooper novel, and create your own Rutshire adventure. Just don’t expect to run into any dashing lords or scheming socialites. Unless, of course, you get really lucky.