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’ Country Home

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, just a stone’s throw from King Charles’ country residence, lies Chavenage House—a 16th-century manor steeped in history and mystery. This sprawling Gloucestershire estate, built in 1650, has earned a notorious reputation as one of television’s most provocative filming locations. Often described as “damp,” “creepy,” and even likened to a “sex dungeon,” Chavenage House has hosted some of the steamiest and most unforgettable scenes ever broadcast on screen.

Owned by James Lowsley-Williams and his wife Emma, the Grade II-listed mansion boasts around 50 rooms filled with centuries-old interiors that seem frozen in time. Its atmospheric charm has made it a magnet for filmmakers seeking authentic and evocative backdrops, despite the challenges posed by its aging structure and eerie ambiance.

The Financial Burden of Maintaining a Historic Estate

Owning and preserving a historic estate like Chavenage House is no small feat. Since inheriting the property from his grandfather in 2023, James Lowsley-Williams has openly discussed the immense financial strain involved in keeping the mansion viable. Annual upkeep costs run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, forcing the couple to give up their previous careers and embrace a more modest lifestyle to sustain the estate.

Emma Lowsley-Williams has expressed the emotional weight of their responsibility, stating, “You just never want to be the generation that doesn’t make it work.” Their story has been featured on Channel 4’s documentary series *Saving Country Houses*, where viewers got an intimate look at the manor’s damp ceilings, aging furnishings, and even Emma’s “worst nightmare” bedroom, complete with relics from James’s childhood.

The couple’s candid portrayal of life in a historic home has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some viewers have compared the manor to a horror film set, while others have been fascinated by its haunting beauty and rich history.

From ‘Creepy’ Manor to Famous Filming Location

Despite its eerie reputation, Chavenage House has flourished as a sought-after filming location for some of the most memorable and risqué scenes on British television. The estate has featured in acclaimed productions such as *Rivals*, *Wolf Hall*, and *Poldark*, showcasing its versatility and cinematic appeal.

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 steamy adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel *Rivals*, which was shot over five months in 2025. The estate also hosted the cast of the 2008 adaptation of *Tess of the D’Urbervilles*, where stars Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne filmed a passionate scene inside the house.

This rich cinematic history contrasts sharply with the daily realities faced by the Lowsley-Williams family, who continue to balance the manor’s fame with the practical challenges of preservation.

Future Renovation Plans and Royal Connections

Looking ahead, the owners of Chavenage House are pursuing ambitious renovation plans aimed at securing the estate’s future. These include converting parts of the mansion into a yoga studio and wellness retreat, transforming an old cattle shed into a café, and installing a converted shipping container as an Airbnb rental. Additionally, there are plans to modernize the aging bathroom, which currently suffers from rust and broken tiles.

The estate’s cultural significance was further highlighted when Queen Camilla, 78, visited the set of *Rivals*. The queen shared heartfelt remarks about the late Jilly Cooper, author of the novel on which the series is based, saying, “It’s so sad she’s not here,” and expressing excitement to see the show. Reflecting on Cooper’s work, Queen Camilla remarked, “I galloped through them. It’s just good fun. And I think nowadays people need some good fun.”

Conclusion

Chavenage House stands as a fascinating blend of history, cinematic allure, and the harsh realities of maintaining a centuries-old estate. Its reputation as a “sex dungeon” and “creepy” manor only adds to the intrigue surrounding this remarkable property near King Charles’ home. As James and Emma Lowsley-Williams navigate the challenges of preservation and embrace innovative ways to keep the estate alive, Chavenage House continues to captivate audiences both on and off screen.

If you’re fascinated by historic estates with a twist of mystery and cinematic history, stay tuned for more exclusive insights into Britain’s most intriguing properties. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of heritage homes and film locations!