Tucked in the tranquil West Yorkshire countryside, a stone’s throw away from the renowned setting of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and the bustling town of Halifax, sits the splendid Holdsworth House. Recently, this historic venue welcomed Hollywood stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, who are slated to portray Heathcliff and Cathy in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Holdsworth House exudes an air of refined elegance, with its crackling log fires and dimly lit beams, tracing its heritage back to the 13th century when it started as a humble cluster of barns. Today, it stands as a luxurious retreat, offering exceptional dining, premium drinks, and top-notch service.
During the filming of the adaptation, Holdsworth House served as a haven for the cast and crew, offering a break from the harsh winds of the moors as they worked to bring Brontë’s masterpiece to life on the silver screen. A devoted fan of Wuthering Heights, I leaped at the chance to immerse myself in the Holdsworth House experience when Airbnb and Warner Bros extended an invitation. Ever since I first delved into the pages of the novel at 14, I have been transported to Brontë’s windswept moors. Upon my arrival, greeted by friendly staff, I was ushered to my lavish accommodations.
Bathed in natural light with a view of a hillside and a solitary tree reminiscent of scenes from Wuthering Heights, I relaxed before indulging in a delightful afternoon tea at the property. Freshly baked scones and delectable cakes set the stage for a peek into a recreation of Cathy’s chamber from the estate. The ambiance of the shadowy, burgundy velvet chamber mirrored the tones expected in the film.
The room unveiled subtle yet eerie details, such as pink walls with cascading pale blue streaks resembling veins leading to a central heart, and three names etched longingly on the windowpane, embodying the multiple identities of our protagonist – Catherine Earnshaw, Catherine Linton, and Catherine Heathcliff. As dusk settled over the hills, I felt a connection to Cathy’s sorrow.
For those enamored with Wuthering Heights, the opportunity to stay in Cathy’s room on Airbnb is available for couples, with limited availability. Requests can be made starting at 12pm on February 20, granting three lucky winners a chance to live out their Wuthering Heights fantasy. If luck doesn’t favor you, a stay at Holdsworth House in one of the more standard rooms is equally enchanting.
After immersing myself in Cathy’s world, we returned to the main house for a lavish banquet inspired by the film. The tour continued with a visit to Mr. Elordi’s (Heathcliff’s) quarters, featuring an opulent sage-colored settee and a grand bed adorned with crimson and rose cushions. The celebrities were amiable throughout their stay, adding to the authenticity of the Wuthering Heights experience.
To conclude the day, a visit to Haworth, a charming village central to the Brontë legacy, was a fitting end. The evening atmosphere at The Hawthorn, a local tavern steeped in history, was captivating, offering a cozy setting for a delightful meal and drinks.
As the night drew to a close, the allure of the luxurious bed at Holdsworth House beckoned. With tales of past celebrity visits echoing in my mind, I drifted into slumber, dreaming of the haunting moors and the ethereal figure of a woman at the window. Rooms at Holdsworth House can be booked starting at £154 per night, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the world of Brontë and Wuthering Heights.