why not hire Cogges for your perfect period film location?
Why not hire Cogges for your perfect period film location? Cogges is a popular backdrop for TV and the big screen, with shows from Countryfile to ITV period dramas Downton Abbey, Arthur & George and blockbuster, Colette. We’re a unique location in being very easily accessible, but a well preserved heritage site. Cogges is a short 30 minute drive from Oxford, or 90 minutes from London, nestled in the heart of West Oxfordshire.
We are open to enquiries about filming, and can run specialist tours of the house linked to Downton Abbey for anyone interested.
To discuss your requirements contact ops@cogges.org.uk.
Cogges was turned into Yew Tree Farm for Downton Abbey. Filmed in the manor house kitchen and grounds, Yew Tree Farm is home to the Drewe family in series 4 & 5 where Lady Edith’s child is brought up, and later home to Mr Mason in series 6. Dame Maggie Smith and characters Tom Branson, Lady Edith and Lady Mary featured in episodes.
Watch a time lapse film of the production crew transforming the kitchen at Cogges into the set for 'Yew Tree Farm' Downton Abbey filming in 2014. If you’d like to visit the filming locations, they are conveniently very close together and can all be seen in under an hour plus time for tea or coffee. There is a film in the manor house which charts the transformation of Cogges into Downton Abbey’s Yew Tree Farm, with interviews by the series Producer and Location Manager. You can also view a collection of stills and behind the scenes photos from the show as well as some interesting Downton memorabilia, including Marigold’s birth certificate!
Cogges Manor Farm features as the childhood home of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette in the film Colette, released in 2019 and starring Keira Knightley and Dominic West. Preparations to transform Cogges into a Burgundy farmhouse took a week of intensive painting and set design by the art department and several van loads of French antiques were required for the sumptuous set dressing. Filming took place in May and November 2017 with the old kitchen, dining room, parlour, bedroom and grounds all used. The woodwork in the kitchen matches the colour used during the filming.
Arthur & George is based on the book by Julian Barnes about the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes and features Martin Clunes, Art Malik and Charles Edwards which was first screened in March 2015. Cogges was the filming location for the series, set in 1903, with the Manor House seeing the majority of filming, but our stunning walled garden also made an appearance.
This is a wonderful respite to enjoy the filming location for many films. The working farm showcases how film makers have used the space to create many levels of dialogue. Bring the kids if all ages to enjoy the animals meandering and help them make their own cookies/ biscuits - Paul M, Florida USA via Tripadvisor
