Boughton House
Kettering · NN14
Amenities
Summary
A Grade I listed French-style oque house near Kettering in Northamptonshire, seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch, used as a filming location for Les Misérables (2012) and Napoleon (2023, directed by Ridley Scott).
About this location
Boughton House stands near the village of Weekley, three miles north of Kettering in Northamptonshire. The house was built in a series of additions from the 1680s onwards for Ralph Montagu, 1st Duke of Montagu, who had served as English ambassador to France and sought to create a house in the French oque manner. The result — a long north range modelled on Versailles, with dormers, pavilion ends, and a courtyard arrangement — has led to the house being nicknamed “the English Versailles”, though the south side of the building presents a more conventional Jacobean facade from the earlier house on the site. The house contains substantial collections of paintings, furniture, and tapestries assembled by the 1st Duke and his descendants.
Boughton has been the seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch since the 1st Duke’s daughter married the 2nd Duke of Buccleuch, and the house holds significant collections from both families. The estate also preserves an 18th-century formal garden which has been partially restored in recent decades. The house hosts the Greenbelt Festival annually in its .
The house’s film record reflects the scale and architectural character of its north facade. Les Misérables (2012, director Tom Hooper, starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe) filmed at Boughton, using the oque range for exterior scenes. Napoleon (2023, director Ridley Scott, starring Joaquin Phoenix) used the house as a filming location, taking advantage of its French architectural character for scenes depicting early 19th-century French aristocratic settings.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- Kettering has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
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On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Boughton House?
- Yes — filming on or around Boughton House typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Boughton House?
- On-site parking is available at Boughton House. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Boughton House?
- Boughton House sits in the £££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Boughton House?
- Boughton House can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Boughton House before?
- Boughton House appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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