Wales Online has recently shared a fascinating story about Maria, whose Welsh mansion became the backdrop for a Hollywood movie featuring Oscar-nominated star Carey Mulligan. Maria and her family found themselves at the heart of a cinematic experience as their Grade II* listed Derwydd Manor was transformed into a remote house by the beach for the movie “The Ballad of Wallis Island.”
Maria, her family, and friends are eagerly anticipating the film’s release, not just to see Carey Mulligan’s performance but also to witness their beloved Tudor mansion take centre stage on the silver screen. This unique experience began when the movie crew descended on Derwydd Manor in August 2023, filming for five weeks to create the illusion of a secluded island home. Despite its real location just outside Ammanford, the magic of cinema transported the mansion to a whole new setting.
The resulting film, “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024 and is set for release in the United States and the UK in 2025. The comedy-drama, starring Carey Mulligan alongside Bafta award-winners Tom Basden and Tim Key, has already garnered positive reviews for its blend of humour and emotion. Maria’s mansion played a pivotal role in bringing the story to life, with various rooms serving as key locations for the film.
Maria’s gracious hosting of the movie crew, including director James Griffiths and the talented cast, helped create a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere during filming. The actors, particularly Tom Basden and Tim Key, impressed Maria with their humour and down-to-earth personalities. Carey Mulligan, whose Welsh roots added a special connection to the location, found comfort and familiarity in the mansion’s separate apartment during her time on set.
For Maria, the experience of her home being used for a major movie production was both exciting and rewarding. She emphasised the importance of being flexible and accommodating to ensure a smooth filming process. The unique features of Derwydd Manor, such as its historic architecture and spacious rooms, provided an ideal backdrop for the movie’s narrative, showcasing the mansion’s grandeur on screen.
As the film’s release date approaches, Maria reflects on the memories created during the filming process and the legacy of her ancestral home. With Derwydd Mansion now listed for sale with a guide price of £2 million, Maria looks ahead to passing on this remarkable property to a new custodian, who may continue its storytelling journey through future filming opportunities.
The story of Maria’s mansion being transformed into a Hollywood movie set serves as a testament to the rich history and character of Welsh homes. As the film industry in Wales continues to thrive, more homeowners may find themselves at the intersection of art and reality, sharing their unique spaces with audiences around the world. Maria’s experience exemplifies the special connection between heritage properties and cinematic storytelling, showcasing the magic of bringing history to life on the big screen.
In conclusion, Maria’s journey from hosting a Hollywood film crew in her Welsh mansion to preparing to pass on this historic property encapsulates the enduring allure of heritage homes in the realm of cinema. As audiences await the release of “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” they will have the opportunity to witness Maria’s beloved mansion take on a new identity, blending history with contemporary storytelling in a truly cinematic fashion.