A 19-bedroom country mansion in the Wiltshire village of Lacock, England, which served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies, has been put up for sale with offers invited over £1.5 million. The property, known as Bowden Hill House, is described as a "fixer-upper" and requires extensive renovation.
The village of Lacock and its historic abbey were used for several scenes set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Bowden Hill House, dating from approximately 1850 to 1860, offers 13,258 square feet of living space spread across its 19 bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is situated on 34 acres of grounds, featuring panoramic views of the surrounding West Wiltshire countryside.
The main house is constructed from squared ironstone with ashlar dressings and Bridgwater tile roofs. Inside, it includes a galleried reception hall, six living rooms, various offices, and a separate flat. The estate also comes with several outbuildings that also need renovation, which were originally used as stables, accommodation for a groom, a dairy with living quarters, and storerooms. A disused swimming pool, an historic Ice House, and a steel frame for an agricultural storage building are also part of the property.
The land comprises 20 acres of pasture fields, woodland, an orchard, and former terraced gardens. The approach to the house features a gravel driveway winding through woodland, leading to wrought iron gates.
David Mackenzie, a partner at the selling agency Carter Jonas, highlighted the property's unique potential. "This expansive country manor presents a unique opportunity rarely seen on the market," he stated. "Offering 13,258 sq ft of accommodation in 34 acres of grounds, the residence needs attention. However, the right owner will revel in its glory and potential to be transformed into a stately home which pays homage to its history and will bring it up to modern day standards."
The property is being sold freehold and is in council tax band H. For a home mover purchasing this property as their primary residence, the stamp duty would be approximately £93,750. The town of Chippenham is about five miles away, and the city of Bath is approximately 14 miles distant.
The sale comes amidst a challenging market for prime country homes. According to Savills in November 2025, property values in the prime country market had fallen by an average of 8.1% over the preceding 12 months. Factors contributing to this market trend include higher stamp duty rates, concerns over potential changes to capital gains tax, and increased costs for repairs and maintenance, insurance, and construction labour. Additionally, a planned "mansion tax" in the form of a High Value Council Tax Surcharge, set to be implemented from 2028 for homes valued at £2 million or more, could further impact the market for large, high-value properties.
Recent increases in mortgage rates, influenced by inflation and geopolitical conflicts, are also contributing to higher costs for homebuyers and those remortgaging. This economic climate adds another layer of consideration for potential buyers of substantial properties, especially those requiring significant investment for renovation.
