This September, global audiences will be captivated by the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility*, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones. While the presence of George MacKay, Frank Dillane, and Herbert Nordrum—playing a trio of charming and occasionally villainous suitors for the Dashwood sisters—will certainly draw viewers, the film’s breathtaking scenery is equally compelling.
The production showcases the dramatic beauty of Dartmoor National Park, featuring its rugged granite cliffs and sweeping grasslands. Audiences will see Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles against the backdrop of these vast tors, perfectly capturing the emotional intensity of the story. The film also features charming stone cottages and farmhouses nestled in lush, wooded valleys. One such location serves as the Dashwood family’s Barton Cottage, where the sisters can be seen enjoying a peaceful moment in the warm evening light.
Beyond the cinema, there has never been a better time to explore this stunning corner of southwest England. Renowned as the home of the classic Devonshire cream tea and the setting for many of Agatha Christie’s mystery novels, the region is experiencing a hospitality renaissance. Leading this movement are forward-thinking hoteliers such as Caitlin Owens and Paul Glade, the creators of the regenerative rural retreat Fowlescombe Farm, which opened its distinctive oak-framed doors last May.
During a visit in the heart of a Devon winter, the seclusion of Fowlescombe becomes even more apparent. Situated near the foothills of Dartmoor and just a short distance from the bohemian town of Totnes, the estate is accessed via narrow farm tracks and imposing stone gates. The drive through the dense, wooded forest feels remarkably timeless, almost as if one were stepping back into the era of the Dashwood sisters.
The road to Fowlescombe Farm.
Photo: Jon TonksFowlescombe offers a striking blend of tradition and modernity. At its center sits a classic gabled farmhouse with smoke rising from its chimneys, surrounded by contemporary barn conversions. These sleek structures feature expansive glass panels set into local dark gray shillet stone. The estate offers a variety of immersive experiences, from morning yoga in the greenhouses to culinary workshops led by Chef Elly Wentworth, such as bread and sausage making. The check-in process is refreshingly informal, beginning at the farmhouse kitchen before leading guests to their private, beautifully appointed barn suites.
