The Other Bennet Sister on BBC One: Filming locations include stunning historic house posing as Longbourn
Longbourn, the Bennet family home, was recreated in a stunning historic building in the UK
The Other Bennet Sister, like the novel Pride and Prejudice it’s derived from, begins at the family home of Longbourn – but what filming location did cast and crew use to recreate the historic house?
Iconic settings from the classic novel include the Meryton Assembly Ball and the Netherfield Ball, “where fortunes and futures are decided under glittering chandeliers”.
The famous novel, published in 1813, inspired Janice Hadlow’s 2020 book The Other Bennet Sister. A reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, it is told through the lens of often overlooked, studious sister Mary Bennet. It follows her journey from insecurity to self-acceptance, independence, and finding love.
While the book was set in Regency-era England, cast and crew of The Other Bennet Sister used a filming location outside of England. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is The Other Bennet Sister set?
Like Pride and Prejudice, The Other Bennet Sister is set in rural Regency-era England. Most of the events occur primarily in Hertfordshire, where the Bennet family lives at their family home Longbourn. It’s a fictional estate near the town of Meryton in Hertfordshire.
Bingley’s rented home Netherfield Park was located near Longbourn, while the famous Mr Darcy lived in Pemberley in Derbyshire.
Lady Catherine’s home Rosings Park was in Kent, while Meryton was a small village near Longbourn where the military was stationed.
Of course, fans of Jane Austen’s novels will know that the writer lived almost entirely in Hampshire. Her books were usually set in the rural southern half of England, particularly in counties she knew well. These included Hampshire, Derbyshire, Kent, and Somerset.
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Where was The Other Bennet Sister actually filmed?
BBC One period drama The Other Bennet Sister was actually filmed in and around Wales, specifically in the Vale of Glamorgan and Powys where the fancy Bennet house can be located – more on that below. Cast and crew also filmed some scenes in nearby city Bristol, much like ITV thriller Gone.
Production company Bad Wolf and Creative Wales finalised a deal in 2024, promising to make at least four projects in Wales by March 2027. The fourth series of drama Industry (also made by Bad Wolf Studios), was filmed in Wales in 2025. Upcoming drama The Rapture will also be filmed there.
Talking about working in Wales, Bridgend-born actress Ruth Jones told us: “I love coming back to Wales. I recognise so many crew members I’ve worked with before. It makes me proud that we’re creating a production like this here. Locations like St Fagans Folk Museum are places I’ve known since childhood.”
The Other Bennet Sister filming locations: What house did they use for Longbourn?
To create the grand Bennet family home Longbourn, cast and crew of The Other Bennet Sister filmed at Penpont House in Brecon, Powys.
Fans will know that the Bennet story begins at Longbourn, the Bennet family home, where Mr and Mrs Bennet preside over a lively household of five unmarried daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.
While Longbourne is supposed to be in Hertfordshire, a house in Wales was used instead. Penpont House is a historic family-run 17th-century estate and Grade I listed manor house. It is set on the banks of the River Usk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Surrounded by nature, there’s a 17th Century Courtyard Wing, sweeping lawns, wild meadows, and even a maze. There are also Grade II listed Stables, and walled gardens, Unsurprisingly, the location can be hired for weddings, yoga retreats, concerts, camping, and other gatherings.
Penpont has belonged to the same family since 1665. The exact location is Powys, Mid Wales, LD3 8EU.
Key filming locations used in The Other Bennet Sister include Bristol and Wales
- Dyffryn House and Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan was used for Meryton Town Hall and various scenes. It’s a National Trust Edwardian garden in restoration.
- St Fagans Folk Museum and Castle. The castle is a Grade 1 listed building and one of the finest Elizabethan manor houses in Wales.
- The production base for interior and studio shots were filmed at Wolf Studios in Cardiff. They offer the most stage space and the biggest, tallest stages in Wales.
- Orchard Street in Bristol was used for the Regency London scenes, representing London’s Cheapside. The buildings are Grade II listed Georgian townhouses, characterised by their pastel exteriors, terraces and sash windows. The location is popular for filming historical scenes set in the 18th or 19th centuries.
- Berkeley Square in the Clifton area of Bristol was used for some outdoor scenes. It is a Georgian-style square laid out around 1790 by architects Thomas and William Paty. Many of the historic buildings in the square are now owned and used by the University of Bristol.
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