Downton Abbey’s Film Set to Become Luxury Hotel

Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey, EnglandThe Downton Abbey television series has proved so wildly popular, that numerous British hotels have marketed themed packages for guests to tour Highclere Castle, the real-life location for the fictional Downtown Abbey, the seat of the Earl and Countess of Grantham.

But soon Downton Abbey fans will be able to bed down in the castle itself, as First Class Holdings, LLC, a Chinese investment company, has purchased the property and plans to turn it into a luxury hotel. As reported by Gadling, the project is scheduled to debut in early 2015 will cost $350 million.

Top digs: The Presidential Suite will occupy the Earl and Countess' bedroom. Says Gadling: “A full-service spa will take the place of the former estate stables, and a rooftop swimming pool is planned, offering scenic views of the English countryside.”

Photo via Wikimedia/JB + UK_Planet (creative commons)