Wales


<p>Wales has long been a favourite of <a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/exclusive-look-welsh-backdrops-other-bennet-sister/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filmmakers</a>, with its dramatic coastline and storybook landscapes popping up everywhere from blockbuster films to binge-worthy TV. You probably spotted Freshwater West in <em>Harry Potter</em> and <em>Robin Hood</em>, while Penbryn Beach made an appearance in <em>Die Another Day</em>, and Marloes Sands featured in <em>Snow White and the Huntsman</em>. Safe to say, <a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-beaches-in-wales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welsh beaches</a> know how to work a camera angle.</p>



<p>But it’s not just the coastline stealing scenes. Some of Wales’ most impressive homes are getting their moment in the spotlight too, most recently in the glossy, sexy, pouty, Eighties-shoulder-pad frenzied world of <em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/rivals-season-two-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rivals</a></em>. Eagle-eyed viewers of the hit Disney+ series may have already recognised <a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/property/rivals-wales-properties-filming-location/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodbank House</a> in Llanhennock during the first season, but season two introduces an even bigger scene stealer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Bella-Vista.png" alt="Rivals home Bella Vista " class="wp-image-7383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Bella-Vista.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Bella-Vista-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Bella-Vista-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Bella-Vista-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8216;Rivals&#8217; home of Freddie and Valerie Jones, Bella Vista</figcaption></figure>



<p>Say hello to Bella Vista, the enormous mansion in Lisvane, Cardiff, that doubles as the Rutshire home of Freddie (Danny Dyer) and Valerie Jones (Lisa McGrillis). The couple represent the flashy rise of new money in the more is more period of the 1980s, and their home reflects every inch of it. Think shag pile carpets, satin sheets, glossy finishes and enough drama to rival the plot itself. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Val-Jones.png" alt="'Rivals' Valerie Jones at housewarming pool party" class="wp-image-7381" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Val-Jones.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Val-Jones-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Val-Jones-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Val-Jones-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8216;Rivals&#8217; Valerie Jones at housewarming pool party</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’ve watched episode four, you’ll already know Bella Vista (actually known as Foxfield) practically deserves its own billing, especially during a rather steamy pool scene. And for anyone tempted by a slice of TV glamour, the property is <a href="https://www.fineandcountry.co.uk/cardiff-and-newport-estate-agents/property-sale/7-bedroom-detached-house-for-sale-in-cf14-lisvane-rudry-road/4581314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the market</a> for a cool £8 million. It was revealed the house belongs to a mother and daughter who were such huge fans of season one that they offered up their home to be featured in the show. Honestly, iconic behaviour.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Freddie-and-Lizzie.png" alt="'Rivals' Freddie and Lizzie share a sweet moment" class="wp-image-7380" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Freddie-and-Lizzie.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Freddie-and-Lizzie-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Freddie-and-Lizzie-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/05/Freddie-and-Lizzie-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8216;Rivals&#8217; Freddie and Lizzie share a sweet moment</figcaption></figure>



<p>Think your home has what it takes for a starring role in the next big hit? Well, getting a property on screen is more possible than you might think. Here’s what you need to know to get a piece of the (ready, camera) action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-my-home-qualify">Does my home qualify?</h2>



<p>Location companies are always on the lookout for quirky, spacious, exclusive places, but there’s also a demand for normcore housing – think about the locations in <em>Derry Girls</em> and <em>Gavin &amp; Stacey</em> and you get the idea. In short, production houses need a variety of places on their books, from grand townhouses to studios and commercial properties, and yours might just fit the bill, whether it’s a charming three-bed semi or a contemporary conversion.</p>



<p>As shoot agency <a href="https://www.thelocationguys.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Location Guys</a> say, &#8220;You don’t have to be on <em>Grand Designs </em>to be a successful shoot location.&#8221; Instead, they’re looking for good access (parking’s a huge bonus), minimal decor (allows greater flexibility to transform a space), wood and concrete floors (most in demand) and plenty of natural light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-i-start">How do I start?</h2>



<p>The first step is to register your interest with a reputable location company (<a href="https://mscs-wales.openbrolly.com/location" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wales Screen</a>, <a href="https://www.freshlocations.com/list-your-property/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fresh Locations</a>, <a href="https://amazingspace.co.uk/register" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazing Space</a>, <a href="https://submissions.shootfactory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shoot Factory</a>, <a href="https://www.thelocationguys.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Location Guys</a>) and supply a variety of photographs of your property, both interior and exterior. It’s best to be upfront about any potential problems, whether that’s a lack of parking or it’s next to a noisy railway, and once (if) you’re on the books, you’ll then be promoted and approached with any interested productions including dates, budgets and requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-if-i-don-t-want-my-whole-house-to-be-used">What if I don’t want my whole house to be used?</h2>



<p>That&#8217;s totally fine, you’re in charge. Specifications can be made clear from the start, including off-limits areas, and other rules and regulations, such as no animals or ‘please don’t paint my walls pink!’.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-earning-potential">What&#8217;s the earning potential?</h2>



<p>Typical day rates range from around £200 for a magazine shoot to up to £2,000+ a day for filming. Not too shabby, right? Just imagine the bragging rights if your pad ends up on screen or in a glossy mag. And you never know, you might even get to meet the &#8216;talent&#8217; (Danny Dyer, we&#8217;re gunning for you) or be cast an as extra on set! </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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This Cardiff home starred in ‘Rivals’ – could yours be next?

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