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Welcome to
Whitson Court
TV, Film & Location
Set within the Monmouthshire countryside, Whitson Court is a Grade II* listed Georgian house with a story to tell. Once the site of a celebrated zoo, today it has been exquisitely restored into an elegant Georgian family home — available as a film and television location and for weddings and special celebrations.
Seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a collection of elegant reception spaces combine to create a house of both scale and intimacy. From its private cinema and cocktail bar to gardens roamed by peacocks and donkeys, Whitson Court marries Georgian grandeur with playful, contemporary charm. Located just 30 minutes from Cardiff and Bristol, it offers the rare combination of seclusion and accessibility.
Key Features
Grade II* Listed Georgian Home
7 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms
Private Cinema
Games Room
Cocktail Bar
Hot Tub & Landscaped Gardens
Outdoor Dining for 100 guests
Resident Peacocks & Donkeys
Featured in BBC’s The Guest (2025)
About Whitson Court
Whitson Court stands within 18 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds in the Monmouthshire countryside.
Originally part of a 1,000-acre estate, its footprint has changed over the centuries, but the heart of the estate — its striking Georgian house and historic gardens — remains intact.
Built in 1791 for William Phillips, the design is traditionally attributed to Anthony Keck, the architect also associated with the creation of Highgrove, now His Majesty The King’s country residence. Later alterations are believed to have involved John Nash — one of Britain’s most celebrated architects — who went on to remodel Buckingham Palace. This illustrious architectural heritage places Whitson Court among the most distinguished houses in South Wales.
Over more than two centuries, the estate has played many roles: a private residence, a convent and Christian college, and — in its most colourful chapter — the Whitson Zoo during the 1960s and ’70s, when bears and exotic birds roamed its grounds.
During the Second World War, the house sheltered Jewish refugees and employed German prisoners of war in its gardens. More recently, following careful restoration under Cadw, Whitson Court has returned to its former elegance — enriched by its past, yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern gatherings.
In 2025, Whitson Court was chosen as the principal filming location for the BBC’s The Guest, reaffirming its place not only as a house of history, but as a setting with enduring cultural appeal.
Weddings & Events
Coming in 2026.
Available exclusively during the spring and summer months, Whitson Court’s 18 acres of landscaped gardens and sweeping lawns provide a spectacular stage for weddings and private celebrations.
Champagne receptions can unfold on the terrace, while long tables set beneath the trees invite leisurely dining as the sun sets over the Monmouthshire countryside. Expansive lawns lend themselves to outdoor ceremonies and elegant marquees, with the Georgian façade of the house offering a timeless backdrop for photographs.
Every season brings its own atmosphere: blossom-filled spring days and golden summer evenings create a natural sense of romance. Whitson Court’s resident peacocks and donkeys add a whimsical charm that makes every celebration unique.
Film & TV
Its Grade II* Georgian architecture, striking interiors, and expansive grounds make Whitson Court a distinctive backdrop for the screen.
Chosen as the principal property in the BBC’s The Guest (2025), it has already proved itself a natural fit for television. With excellent access from Cardiff, Bristol and London, as well as ample space for crews and equipment, Whitson Court is an inspired choice for film and television productions seeking a location of substance and style.
