Outlander Fans Spot Familiar Filming Location from Close to Home
Locales: Stirlingshire, Perthshire, UNITED KINGDOM

Saturday, February 21st, 2026 - Fans of the hit historical drama Outlander are experiencing a delightful case of deja vu, thanks to a sharp-eyed viewer who noticed a striking connection between the show and the 2005 ITV series Close to Home. The connection? A remarkably recognizable stately home used as a key filming location in both productions.
Jessica Reynolds, currently captivating audiences as Rachel Murray in Outlander, previously played Lucy Sharpe in Close to Home. While Reynolds' acting prowess is already well-known, it's the enduring visual link between her past and present roles that's generating a buzz amongst fans. The stately home, used to establish the setting for both dramas, is Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent.
Close to Home, a suspenseful thriller, revolved around the investigation of a suspected spousal murder. The grand estate at Bedgebury served as a backdrop for the wealthy and potentially sinister family at the center of the story, lending an air of mystery and opulence to the proceedings. The location's imposing architecture and extensive grounds contributed significantly to the series' atmosphere.
Fast forward to Outlander, and the same location takes on a completely different persona. Here, the estate is transformed into Fraser's Ridge, the burgeoning homestead built by Jamie Fraser and his family in the 18th-century American colonies. The dramatic shift in context - from a potentially crime-ridden English estate to a rugged, hopeful settlement in the North Carolina wilderness - highlights the versatility of the location and the skill of the Outlander production team.
The discovery sparked a flurry of activity on social media, with fans sharing screenshots and expressing their amazement. "Anyone else notice that the house used for the Fraser's Ridge home in Outlander is the same house used for Close to Home?!", one Twitter user exclaimed, quickly garnering hundreds of likes and retweets. Others echoed the sentiment, marveling at the small world of British television and film production.
"It's amazing how you can see a building and instantly recognize it from somewhere else!" one fan commented, capturing the sense of surprise and connection. The revelation also prompted discussion about the economic realities of television and film production. Reusing locations, especially visually striking ones like Bedgebury, helps to reduce costs and streamline logistics. However, it also creates these unexpected, and often delightful, moments of recognition for attentive viewers.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, beyond its role in these two popular dramas, is a location steeped in history and natural beauty. The Pinetum boasts a world-renowned collection of conifers, while the surrounding forest offers a tranquil escape for visitors. Its accessibility and picturesque landscapes make it a popular choice for film and television crews, although few locations achieve the level of recognition garnered through its appearances in Outlander and Close to Home.
The impact of location scouting extends beyond mere aesthetics. A carefully chosen setting can deeply influence the mood, tone, and overall impact of a production. In the case of both Close to Home and Outlander, Bedgebury's grandeur and inherent sense of history provide a powerful foundation for the storytelling. It's a testament to the location's versatility that it can convincingly portray both a potential site of domestic tragedy and a hopeful symbol of new beginnings.
The recognition of this shared location offers fans a unique opportunity to connect with the shows on a deeper level. It's a reminder that behind the costumes, scripts, and special effects, there's a tangible world of physical locations that contribute to the magic of filmmaking. It also demonstrates the enduring power of visual storytelling and the ability of audiences to forge connections with familiar landscapes, even when presented in vastly different contexts. The small world of television indeed, and one that continues to surprise and delight.
Read the Full Daily Express Article at:
[ https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2171662/outlander-house-of-guinness-jessica-reynolds-close-to-home ]