A six-bedroom country house in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, has arrive onto the market for £2.25 million, drawing comparisons to the settings of Emerald Fennell’s recently released adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. The property, named Thornworthy House, boasts 4.42 acres of land, a separate cottage, a pond, and sweeping views of the moorland, mirroring the dramatic landscapes central to both the novel and Fennell’s film.
The estate’s imposing grey granite façade gives way to interiors that blend period features with modern updates. Original details, such as open fireplaces and generous proportions, are paired with contemporary design choices, creating a rustic yet refined atmosphere. Knight Frank, the estate agent handling the sale, highlights the contrasting colour palette as a key element, echoing the “brooding tension” of Fennell’s cinematic interpretation of the classic novel.
The film, which premiered earlier this month, has sparked considerable debate, with critics divided over Fennell’s liberties with the source material. Reviews have noted the director’s focus on the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw, played by Margot Robbie, and Heathcliff, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, and her decision to condense the narrative, omitting the second half of Brontë’s novel. Fennell herself has described her adaptation as an “emotional response” to the book, aiming to recreate the visceral feeling she experienced upon first reading it at age 14, as reported by the BBC.
Inside Thornworthy House, the colour scheme is designed to evoke a similar mood. Dusty pink bedrooms with whitewashed beams offer a softer counterpoint to darker, more intensely coloured reception rooms, creating spaces suited for both relaxation and contemplation. The kitchen, described by Marc Proctor, South West regional partner for Knight Frank, as a “particular highlight,” features a blend of rustic timber and polished elegance, with marble countertops and a white AGA alongside a substantial dark wood island.
Beyond the main residence, a separate cottage provides guest accommodation, and a private tennis court and expansive gardens offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, it is the property’s location and views that truly set it apart. “Owners enjoy far-reaching views with direct access to Dartmoor, creating an unrivalled sense of space and connection to the countryside,” Proctor stated. The estate’s setting invites speculation about encountering a figure reminiscent of Heathcliff amidst the moorland landscape.
Fennell’s adaptation has been described as “maximalist” and “raunchy,” with some critics noting its inclusion of BDSM-infused elements. The film has also drawn attention for its casting choices and the elimination of Brontë’s use of unreliable narrators, as detailed by TIME magazine. Despite the controversy, the film opened at No. 1 at the box office over Valentine’s Day weekend, according to People magazine.
Thornworthy House is currently for sale through Knight Frank, with interested parties encouraged to contact the agency for further details.