Netherfield Park

Netherfield Park (AKA Basildon Park)

In the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, the house of Mr Bingley, Netherfield Park, is 'played by' the wonderful house Basildon Park. I have a particular regard for this place, for a reason which i will reveal later in this post.
The outside, the staircase and the majority of the 1st floor are used in the film.  Here are a few reminders of scenes that take place at Netherfield...

The 'accomplished woman scene'

"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women, I now wonder at your knowing any."

"Are you so severe on your own sex?"

"I never saw such a woman. Surely she would be a fearsome thing to behold."

The Bennets come to visit...

"A Mrs Bennet, a Miss Bennet, a Miss Bennet and a Miss Bennet"
"Are we to be invaded by every Bennet in the country?"

(Ok, I just love this scene, and it does take place outside Netherfield!)

The Netherfield Ball

"Did I just agree to dance with Mr. Darcy?"

"I dare say you will find him to be very amiable."

"That would be most inconvenient since I have sworn to loathe him for all eternity." 

Arrival at Netherfield

"When you met us, we'd just had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance."

"Mr Wickham's blessed with such happy manners, he's sure of making friends. Whether he's capable of retaining them is less so."

"He's been so unfortunate as to lose your friendship. And I daresay that's an irreversible event?"

"It is. Why do you ask such a question?"

"To make out your character, Mr Darcy."

"And what have you discovered?"

"Very little. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."

"I hope to afford you more clarity in the future."

Leaving Netherfield

Right, now to my 'particular' reason for my attachment to Netherfield in this version. I live in England, and more importantly, I live roughly 20 minutes away from Netherfield! (well, Basildon Park really ;) )

It is a National Trust property so it is open to the public and my family and I go there often! The grouds are gorgeous and I love to stroll around the house, seeing all the beautiful rooms. Unfortunatley, I never run into Darcy, or Bingley, or his sisters (but the sisters I don't mind!)

There was an exibition there after the film was made which contained lots of behind the scenes information as well as the sets used and costumes - Darcy's coat was there! *sigh* Unfortunatley, I was only 9 in 2005 and therefore was not very interested in it... which is a real shame!

Costumes worn in the film and displayed afterwards. There was also Darcy's coat (worn in the scene above (*sigh*) ) but I couldn't find a photo of that!

Another photo I found of an example of what they displayed after the shooting of the film - a footman from Netherfield's coat and a chair used in the dining room








I recently visited Basildon and took some photos for one of my amazing friends! So, here they are... :)

Me at Netherfield Park (/Basildon Park!)

(Oh yeah - this is me, you can now put a name to a face :) )

This was my 'Jane Austenesque' photo ;) taken on the balcony, seen in the earlier image of the Bennet family

Photo blooper, if you will ;)

Balcony from further away :)

This is my version of the shot of the front of Netherfield that they do in the film :)

 Such a beautiful looking house...

Yes - that is me ;)

I hope I haven't made you too jealous ;) (that wasn't the aim of this post!)

Your affectionate friend,