Unveiling the Opulent Filming Locations of Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Gentlemen’ Series, from Grand Estates to Italian Lakes.

The highly anticipated second season of Guy Ritchie’s acclaimed Netflix series, The Gentlemen, has arrived, drawing viewers deeper into a world where aristocratic grandeur collides with the ruthless realities of the criminal underworld. Building on the runaway success of its debut, the new installment significantly expands its geographical and thematic canvas, venturing beyond the familiar English countryside to embrace the sun-drenched, yet equally perilous, landscapes of Italy. This ambitious shift is central to the narrative, as protagonists Eddie Horniman (Theo James) and Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) navigate increasingly complex and dangerous international dealings.

Season 1 introduced audiences to Eddie Horniman, a former military officer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits his father’s vast country estate, Halstead Manor, only to uncover a sprawling, clandestine cannabis empire hidden beneath its hallowed grounds. Forced to confront this illicit legacy, Eddie, now the Duke of Halstead, reluctantly partners with the formidable Susie Glass, who manages the criminal enterprise on behalf of her incarcerated father, Bobby Glass. Their initial struggles to disentangle themselves from the illicit business gradually evolve into a strategic ambition to expand it.

In Season 2, this ambition reaches new heights, pushing Eddie and Susie to consider an international expansion of their cannabis operation. This strategic move takes them far from the East End’s subterranean criminal networks and the gritty streets of Liverpool, thrusting them instead into the sophisticated yet deadly world of the Italian Mafia. Their primary target for this international venture is Marco Moretti (Sergio Castellito), the enigmatic and dangerous Capo dei Capi, whose influence spans across Europe. This narrative pivot not only raises the stakes but also provides a visually stunning backdrop for the escalating conflict and intrigue.

Director Guy Ritchie expressed his excitement for this broader scope, stating, “The madness of Italy’s beauty, its culture, its history and its traditions was something I felt would fit perfectly into our show. I had wanted to expand the canvas of The Gentlemen in this season. Italy was just an obvious choice. British gangsters colliding with the Italian Mafia just feels so right for our world. Some fruit hangs low and looks so tasty you just can’t resist for very long.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the series’ blend of high-octane crime, sharp dialogue, and a distinctly European flair, amplified by the dramatic Italian setting. The contrast between the stoic, traditional British aristocracy and the passionate, ancient power structures of the Mafia creates a compelling dynamic that Ritchie masterfully exploits, adding layers of cultural and criminal tension.

While The Gentlemen series and its precursor film are fictional narratives, they cleverly borrow elements from the real criminal underworld and the unique challenges faced by Britain’s landed gentry. The plight of Eddie Horniman, having to find new ways to monetize a vast, historic estate, resonates with a genuine socio-economic trend. Many aristocratic families in the UK grapple with the immense costs of maintaining ancestral homes and sprawling lands in an era of diminishing traditional revenue streams. While there are no known examples of real-life aristocrats running clandestine cannabis empires, the pressure to diversify income and adapt to modern economic realities is very real for many custodians of heritage properties.

The choice of Lake Maggiore as a primary setting for Season 2’s international dealings introduces a fascinating historical nuance regarding organized crime. Unlike Sicily or Calabria, regions historically synonymous with the Mafia, Lake Maggiore is not typically considered a traditional heartland for these syndicates. However, its strategic geographical position, particularly its close proximity to the Swiss border, has made it a clandestine hub for certain criminal activities. Reports indicate that the ‘Ndrangheta, the powerful Calabrian mafia, has exploited this location for illicit operations, notably cocaine and weapons trafficking. The ‘Ndrangheta, often considered one of the wealthiest and most powerful criminal organizations in the world, has a global reach, making Lake Maggiore a plausible, if less conventional, nexus for international criminal exchanges in the series. This backdrop lends an unexpected authenticity to the show’s fictional narrative, grounding its fantastical elements in a plausible criminal reality.

The opulent and diverse filming locations are integral to The Gentlemen‘s aesthetic, blending stately British homes with picturesque Italian vistas. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key sites that brought both seasons of the series to life:

Where was The Gentlemen Season 2 filmed?

The Badminton Estate, Gloucestershire
The majestic exterior of Halstead Manor, the fictional seat of the Horniman family, is none other than The Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire. While some interior scenes were shot on purpose-built stage sets at Alperton Studios in Wembley, London, the sprawling grandeur of Badminton provides the quintessential backdrop for the family’s aristocratic facade. This real-life residence of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort is a highly sought-after filming location, recognizable to keen-eyed viewers from other period dramas like Netflix’s Bridgerton, and even major Hollywood productions such as Pearl Harbor and 28 Days Later.

The estate boasts a rich history, with evidence of occupation dating back thousands of years, including remains of several Roman villas. The core medieval property was acquired by Edward Somerset, fourth Earl of Worcester, in 1612, and it was his son, Sir Thomas Somerset, who initiated significant architectural alterations, transforming it into the stately home seen today. Over centuries, Badminton has captivated high society and even royalty; King Charles II was a guest, and the late Queen Elizabeth II was a regular attendee at the estate’s renowned annual Horse Trials.

Supervising location Manager Iggy Ellis praised Badminton for its authenticity: “Badminton felt immediately right for Halstead, because it’s a proper, lived-in home rather than a National Trust museum. So inside, there’d be some walking sticks by the door or a few shotgun rounds from where they’d been out shooting. There were cracks and tired bits, as you’d get in every family home. But there was also oil painting and history and majesty. It felt perfect for our story.” This lived-in quality imbues Halstead Manor with a sense of inherited history and casual aristocratic charm, even as it conceals a gritty criminal enterprise.

Ashcombe Estate, Wiltshire
In a unique touch, Guy Ritchie made his own country estate, Ashcombe Park in Wiltshire, available for filming a pivotal shooting party scene in episode one. This personal connection undoubtedly infused the scene with a layer of authenticity. Production designer Martyn John recounted the logistical challenges: “That was a lot of fun but tricky at times too. You’re in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal or internet. We had to take everything in; so, flowers, food, dogs, guns and also… frozen partridges.” This anecdote highlights the meticulous effort required to bring Ritchie’s vision to life, even in his own backyard.

Ashcombe, a working farm spanning 1,100 acres of picturesque rolling chalk land, is named for its abundant ash trees and valleys ("combes"). The estate has been Ritchie’s family home since 2001, when he purchased it with ex-wife Madonna. Before that, it was famously owned by the celebrated photographer Cecil Beaton, whose artistic eye undoubtedly appreciated its natural beauty. The estate’s rugged, natural charm provides a stark contrast to the polished interiors of other locations, grounding the show’s aristocratic characters in a more rustic, traditional English sporting context.

Loseley Park, Surrey
Loseley Park, a historic stately home nestled just outside Guildford, served as another significant location for both exterior and interior scenes at Halstead Manor, mirroring its role in Season 1. This popular wedding venue seamlessly blends historical grandeur with practical functionality for filming. Supervising locations manager Iggy Ellis explained the efficiency-driven approach: “Where possible we tried to maximise every location because when you move around it costs money that could be on the screen. So we used a cottage in the grounds of Loseley for the exteriors of gamekeeper Geoff’s cottage and built the interior in the studio because we needed lots of camera space and somewhere for Geoff’s menagerie of animals.” This strategy allowed the production to maintain visual continuity while optimizing resources, creating a believable yet adaptable setting for Geoff’s rustic dwelling. Loseley Park, with its Elizabethan manor house and beautiful gardens, adds another layer of authentic English heritage to the series.

Swakeleys House, Ickenham
Swakeleys House, a magnificent 17th-century mansion in Ickenham, proved to be an incredibly versatile location for the production. Iggy Ellis noted, “It was a great find because we were able to use it for so many things. From the rehab centre where Freddie is recovering from the cocaine habit he acquired in the first series to the interior of the prison where Bobby Glass is meant to be serving time.” This adaptability showcases the power of art direction and set dressing to transform a single location into vastly different environments.

Built in 1638, Swakeleys House is a prime example of "Artisan Mannerism," a sophisticated form of Jacobean architecture characterized by its decorative classical flourishes, such such as ornate gable ends and intricate brickwork. Historically, it was the residence of Sir Edmund Wright, a Lord Mayor of London, and notably received two visits from the famed diarist Samuel Pepys, underscoring its historical significance and pedigree. Its grand yet slightly austere interiors were perfect for depicting both the sterile environment of a high-end rehab facility and the imposing, institutional feel of a prison.

The Adelphi Building, London
The iconic Adelphi Building off The Strand in London was transformed into a high-stakes auction house for a thrilling sequence in which Susie Glass bids millions for a priceless Botticelli painting, only for it to be snatched in a daring heist by a gang on e-bikes. Iggy Ellis detailed the intricate logistics of this urban chase: “I wanted to use that network of streets around the Savoy Hotel, including a secret little tunnel that cuts between John Adam Street and the riverside. It takes at least three months’ notice to get London streets closed for filming, and there were some careful negotiations with everyone from Westminster Council to building owners and the Savoy Hotel itself. But that amazing chase really is one of the things I’m most proud of.” This sequence brilliantly captures Ritchie’s signature dynamic action within a distinct London setting.

The Grade II-listed Adelphi Building retains many of its original 1930s Art Deco features, including an impressive stone facade, classic columns, and intricate Gilbert Ledwood sculptures. Today, it primarily serves as office space and notably houses the publisher Condé Nast, home to prestigious titles like Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Tatler, and GQ. Its architectural elegance and prominent location overlooking the Thames made it an ideal choice for a scene blending high culture with high crime.

Villa Rusconi Clerici, Lake Maggiore
The shift to Italy brought with it the breathtaking beauty of Lake Maggiore, where Villa Rusconi Clerici became the glamorous palazzo home of Contessa Isabella Savanza de Parme, known as Bella, Eddie’s new love interest and a Mafia heiress. Production designer Martyn John’s decision was swift: “We spent three full days looking at several amazing palazzos, including one on Lake Como. But as soon as I saw the one at Lake Maggiore, I knew this was the one. It was in a much less touristy area and it had such great light and glittering water. You could point the camera anywhere and it just looked beautiful.” This choice underscored the series’ commitment to visual splendor.

The interiors of Villa Rusconi Clerici were equally perfect for Bella’s sophisticated residence. Iggy Ellis elaborated on the desired aesthetic: “I wanted a house or a villa which reflected the taste – if not the scale – of Eddie’s country estate, Halstead Manor. I wanted these two aristocratic families to merge, stylistically. So, you have all the antiques and the paintings that reflect tradition and ancestry, but also modern pieces because, despite the centuries-old history of both families, there’s a new generation in charge now.” This blend of old and new mirrors the evolving nature of the criminal empires depicted.

Villa Rusconi Clerici is a beautifully preserved 19th-century palazzo situated on the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore. It is a popular wedding venue, a testament to its picturesque setting and architectural beauty. The villa, as it stands today, was built for Stefano Türr, a Hungarian colonel and revolutionary who played a significant role in the unification of Italy and was married to a cousin of Emperor Napoleon. Its Art Nouveau interiors, including a grand staircase with a magnificent wrought iron balustrade, offer a blend of historical grandeur and artistic flair.

Grand Hotel Majestic, Lake Maggiore
The opulent Grand Hotel Majestic stood in for the fictional "The Grand Hotel," hosting a lavish wedding later in the series. Established in 1870, it quickly became a beacon of luxury hospitality, drawing an international elite to its shores. Its stunning location on Lake Maggiore makes it a sought-after wedding venue, much like its portrayal in the show. One of its most captivating features is the panoramic view across the lake to Borromeo Island, famously captured in a scene with actor Theo James on one of its balconies. While the interiors exude French elegance with parquet flooring and chandeliers, the expansive grounds are equally magnificent, adorned with centuries-old trees and vibrant flowers, and even featuring a small private beach. This blend of natural beauty and refined luxury provides a perfect backdrop for the series’ high-stakes social events.

Chiesa San Leonardo, Lake Maggiore
The 16th-century Chiesa San Leonardo, located in the charming lakeside village of Pallanza, also features prominently in the new season. This historic church is notable for its striking columns crafted from pink Baveno granite, as well as exquisite 17th-century wooden sculptures and altars. A 65-meter-high bell tower dominates the skyline, and a dramatic staircase offers direct access to the lake, making it a visually impressive and memorable location for any ceremonial scenes.

Where was The Gentlemen Season 1 filmed?

Stoke Court, Buckinghamshire
While The Badminton Estate served as the primary exterior for Halstead Manor, some of the critical interior scenes were filmed at Stoke Court in Buckinghamshire. This location provided the setting for the study, where Freddie famously shoots the Liverpudlian drug dealer Tommy while wearing a chicken costume. It also served as Halstead Manor’s boot room, drawing-room, and orangery, contributing to the lived-in, aristocratic feel of the Horniman residence. Stoke Court is historically recognized for its association with the mid-18th-century poet Thomas Gray, who spent his childhood holidays there, imbuing the property with a sense of literary heritage.

Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire
Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire embodied the lavish home of extravagantly wealthy drug lord Stanley Johnston, alias Bridgewater House. This magnificent neo-Palladian English country house, designed by Isaac Ware in 1754, was the setting for the tense, yet polite, war of words between Susie Glass and Stanley over his attempts to seize her father’s empire. Its grand architecture and sprawling grounds perfectly convey the immense wealth and power of Johnston, providing a fitting arena for the clash of criminal titans.

London (General)
The Gentlemen’s filming locations masterfully depict two contrasting facets of British society: the opulent country houses of the landed gentry and the clandestine hideouts of the criminal underworld. For the latter, the production team extensively utilized various locations across London, capturing the city’s diverse and gritty urban landscape.

The esteemed Reform Club in Pall Mall doubled as Pinky’s Club, a bastion of old-world exclusivity and discreet dealings. Billingsgate Market, London’s historic fish market, was explicitly named in the series as the headquarters of the Liverpudlian drug group, lending a sense of authentic, working-class grit to the criminal operations. The exterior shots of the imposing Croydon Tower Block were captured at the Brandon Estate, a stark Brutalist complex that visually represents the more intimidating, urban side of the underworld. Finally, the now-closed party venue Printworks in Rotherhithe provided the raw, industrial backdrop for the series’ boxing ring scenes, perfectly encapsulating the brutal and underground nature of the fights.

The Gentlemen is available to stream on Netflix now, offering viewers a visually rich and narratively compelling journey through a world where tradition and criminality are inextricably linked, brought to life by these meticulously chosen and historically significant locations. This article is based on a version that originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.