The beloved 2006 Christmas film The Holiday is cherished for its heartwarming story, endearing characters, and, most notably, the picturesque English countryside cottage, Rosehill Cottage. However, Jude Law, one of the film’s stars, recently shattered fans’ dreams by revealing a startling truth about the iconic cottage in an interview on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.
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Is Rosehill Cottage Real?
During the interview, Law shared that Rosehill Cottage, where Cameron Diaz’s character Amanda Woods stays during her home exchange with Kate Winslet’s Iris, doesn’t actually exist. According to Law, the director Nancy Meyers couldn’t find the perfect “chocolate box” cottage in Surrey. Instead, Meyers rented a field, sketched her vision, and had a crew build the idyllic set from scratch.
This revelation left the hosts, Zoe Ball and Kerry Godliman, visibly shocked, exclaiming, “We can’t bear it!” and “Please stop!” as Law shared more behind-the-scenes details.
What Was Filmed in the UK, and What Wasn’t?
The magic of Hollywood didn’t stop at the cottage’s exterior. Law explained that while the exterior shots were filmed in a constructed set in Surrey during winter, all interior scenes were shot months later in Los Angeles. This blending of locations added to the illusion of the cozy, snow-covered home nestled in the English countryside.
Fan Reactions: A Shattered Christmas Fantasy
Fans of The Holiday were quick to express their disappointment on social media. Many were heartbroken to learn that the iconic cottage wasn’t real, with one user declaring, “And that’s how Jude Law stole Christmas.” Others refused to accept the truth, with one fan commenting, “Sorry Jude, this will always be real to me.”
Some even joked about the revelation, calling it “blasphemy” and accusing Law of being a “spoiler.” Despite the backlash, many fans still hold onto their love for the film and the magical world it portrays.
Did Any Real-Life Cottage Inspire Rosehill?
While Rosehill Cottage itself was a fabrication, it’s believed to have been inspired by actual homes in the Surrey area. A property called Honeysuckle Cottage, which bears some resemblance, was listed for sale in 2018 for $821,000 and has previously been available as a vacation rental. However, fans hoping for an Airbnb stay at the real Rosehill Cottage will have to settle for the inspiration rather than the on-screen version.
Why Did Nancy Meyers Choose to Build the Cottage?
Nancy Meyers is known for her meticulous attention to detail in creating iconic sets, such as the homes in Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Complicated. For The Holiday, Meyers envisioned a perfect, storybook cottage that couldn’t be found in real life, prompting her to create her own. In the DVD commentary, Meyers revealed that the set, built in a field, even attracted tourists during filming. Unfortunately, it was dismantled after production wrapped.
What’s Next for The Holiday Fans?
Despite the revelation, The Holiday remains a Christmas classic, with fans continuing to watch it annually. Jude Law’s admission has sparked renewed interest in the film, and many are revisiting it to spot the differences between the real and fabricated elements.
As for the cast, they’ve all moved on to various projects. Law continues to act in both films and theater, while Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black remain prominent figures in Hollywood.
