Kate Winslet’s cottage from 'The Holiday' is on Airbnb – and it has an unexpected back story

If you're thinking of watching (or re-watching) The Holiday right around now, you are certainly not alone. The noughties rom-com is a Christmas classic – defined by its contrasting locations – Hollywood and Shere – the latter being an English country village where Kate Winslet resides in Rosehill Cottage. However, in reality, the pretty stone building is not entirely as it seems. 

The original Rosehill Cottage is named Honeysuckle Cottage – and is located in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey – the south-eastern county that serves the movie's backdrop. You may be surprised to learn, though, that neither Kate Winslet nor Cameron Diaz ever actually stepped foot on the property. 

Instead, researchers for the film scouted out the cottage before 'recreating it brick for brick' in a London studio, where filming took place. Therefore, despite being among the most recognizable properties in Surrey, Rosehill Cottage does not exist as we know it. 

In real life, Honeysuckle Cottage belongs to Jon Bromley and his wife, Cressida, who were reportedly unaware of its significance until they noticed strangers taking photographs outside. Their home is an identical match to the one seen in the movie – from the wooden gate and picket fence to the front yard cottage garden.

Honeysuckle Cottage is now available on Airbnb, and while it is booked up for this Christmas (sorry), you can still enjoy some time there in 2023. There are currently some dates available for January and February, so there is a chance you might see some snow from the cottage window – though that can't be promised. 

In the movie, Rosehill Cottage belongs to Kate Winslet's character, Iris, who arranges a home swap with LA-based Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz. Amanda consequently falls in love with Jude Law's character while navigating the English countryside. 

Some of the film's most memorable scenes are set inside the property, so fans will be happy to know that Honeysuckle Cottage has similar cottage decorating ideas. The home has retained many original features, including wooden beams, an inglenook fireplace, and a log burner that complements the warming textiles and classic color scheme inside the living space.

Leading from the living room and kitchen, the home has two double bedrooms and a smaller single room. 

There is also a bathroom and shower and a utility room. Beyond the quintessential brick walls, guests can enjoy a lush lawn and views of the Surrey Hills that surround the property. 

On The Holiday's DVD commentary, the Production Designer Jon Hutman explained that he was searching for the 'cutest, smallest, most English cottage that we could find' when he came across Honeysuckle Cottage. And we're inevitably looking for reservations ASAP.