With the recent news that Downton Abbey is debuting its new spin-off of the TV show, Downton Abbey 2 with the original cast, fans can celebrate by dreaming up a trip to stay in one of the film locations in real life. Fans of the hit show can finally live like the characters by literally swapping homes to stay in the charming English country cottage where the episodes were filmed.
The Falstaff House—listed on global home-swapping site Love Home Swap—is a cozy and traditional stone terraced cottage with a Grade II listed building in the English statutory list of "Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest." It boasts two simple bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private patio, a modern kitchen, and an adorable living room with a stove. While it retains much of its original charm, it has modern amenities like updated bathrooms, WiFi and is equipped for kids to visit.
RELATED: These Exquisite English Manor Hotels Are the Perfect ‘Bridgerton’-Inspired Escapes
And the home is located in the heart of the beautiful town of Alnwick Northumberland (which is also in the hometown of Harry Potter's castle). It's the perfect base to visit the north of England and Scotland, a 10-minute drive to the beach, and a five-minute drive to the beautiful English countryside. Edinburgh, Durham, and York are all easily accessible by train or car as well.
As far as how the swapping works, members can choose from two different swaps: simultaneous swap or a non-simultaneous points swap to stay in the cottage. The first is where they swap houses with someone else at the same time while the other is swapping at different dates, so travel plans don't have to line up with a member. Members can choose from three plans: lite ($11), standard ($13), and platinum ($15) and have access to homes in over 110 countries worldwide.
RELATED: You Can Take a Virtual Tour of Highclere Castle's Gardens
Célia Pronto, Managing Director for Love Home Swap, told Departures, "Not only does the power of home swapping bring our members unique accommodation like this cottage in Alnwick, England where Downton Abbey was filmed, but it also provides a more affordable, sustainable, and authentic experience compared to a short term rental."
