EXCLUSIVE: King Charles’ ‘Sex Dungeon’! Radar Goes Behind Doors of ‘Creepy’ Estate on Monarch’s Doorstep That Has Hosted Some of the Dirtiest Scenes Ever Seen on Screen
Chavenage House: The ‘Sex Dungeon’ Near King Charles That Became a Provocative Filming Location
Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, just a stone’s throw from King Charles’ country home, lies Chavenage House—a sprawling 16th-century manor steeped in history and mystery. Despite its centuries-old charm, the estate has earned a reputation for being “damp,” “creepy,” and even likened to a “sex dungeon” by viewers and critics alike. This Grade II-listed mansion has become one of television’s most provocative filming locations, hosting some of the steamiest and most unforgettable scenes ever broadcast.
Built in 1650, Chavenage House has been home to generations of the Stephens family before passing into the hands of James Lowsley-Williams and his wife Emma in 2023. The couple inherited the estate amid a financial struggle to maintain the vast property, which boasts around 50 rooms filled with centuries-old interiors. Yet, despite its eerie ambiance and upkeep challenges, the manor has thrived as a backdrop for daring film and television productions, including the hit series Rivals, Wolf Hall, and Poldark.
The Financial Burden Behind the Glamour of a Historic Estate
Owning and maintaining a historic estate like Chavenage House is no small feat. James Lowsley-Williams has been candid about the enormous financial burden that comes with preserving such a grand property. Annual running costs run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, forcing the couple to leave their previous careers and live a more modest, cash-strapped lifestyle.
Emma Lowsley-Williams has described the daunting task of upkeep, pointing to the damp ceilings, aging furnishings, and rooms frozen in time—some of which have been featured on Channel 4’s documentary series Saving Country Houses. The show captured Emma leading viewers through the manor’s “worst nightmare” bedroom, complete with relics from James’s childhood, including an old crib, a pram, and a doll. The eerie atmosphere has led many to compare the house to a horror film set or a haunted mansion.
Despite these challenges, the couple remains determined not to be the generation that lets the estate fall into ruin. They are exploring innovative ways to generate revenue, including welcoming film crews and converting parts of the property into a yoga studio, wellness retreat, and even an Airbnb rental housed in a converted shipping container.
Chavenage House’s Cinematic Legacy: From Rivals to Poldark
Chavenage House’s proximity to King Charles’ residence has only added to its mystique, but it is its role as a filming location that has truly put it on the map. The manor has been the setting for some of television’s most memorable and risqué scenes.
Actor Aidan Turner, known for his role as Captain Ross Poldark, filmed several intimate scenes within the manor’s walls. Interestingly, the same bed was used for both Poldark and the adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s scandalous novel Rivals, which was filmed on-site over five months in 2025. The estate also featured in the 2008 adaptation of Tess of the D’Urbervilles, where stars Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne shot a passionate scene inside the historic home.
The manor’s cinematic history contrasts sharply with the practical realities faced by its owners, who are now spearheading renovation plans to secure the estate’s future. These plans include modernizing an aging bathroom plagued by rust and broken tiles, transforming an old cattle shed into a café, and expanding the property’s appeal as a wellness destination.
Royal Connections and Future Prospects
The estate’s cultural significance was further highlighted when Queen Camilla visited the set of Rivals. The queen, 78, paid tribute to her late friend Jilly Cooper, the author of the novel on which the series is based. Camilla expressed her sadness at Cooper’s passing and shared her enthusiasm for the show, calling it “good fun” and a welcome source of entertainment in today’s world.
Looking ahead, the Lowsley-Williams family is committed to preserving Chavenage House’s unique character while adapting it for modern use. Their efforts to blend history, culture, and commerce aim to ensure that this “creepy” yet captivating estate continues to captivate audiences and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Chavenage House stands as a fascinating example of how historic estates can find new life through film and television, even when faced with daunting financial and maintenance challenges. Its reputation as a “sex dungeon” and “creepy” manor only adds to its allure, drawing curious fans and industry professionals to its doors. If you’re intrigued by the intersection of royal proximity, cinematic history, and the struggle to preserve heritage, keep an eye on Chavenage House’s evolving story. For more exclusive insights into historic estates and their hidden secrets, subscribe to our newsletter and never miss an update!
