Where was The Beguiled filmed?

This scene instantly transports viewers to a time and place where the weight of history lingers. The hauntingly beautiful opening scene unfolds against the backdrop of the American Civil War in 1863. Armed with a basket, Amy (Oona Laurence) strolls along an oak-shrouded lane as the majestic canopies loom overhead, seemingly sharing long-lost tales. The vast acres of Evergreen Plantation, previously used to grow sugarcane, and the magnificent main house, restored in 1832 in the Greek Revival style, highlight the complicated history of the South. Built primarily around 1790, it remained a functional plantation until the Great Depression of the 1930s, when it was abandoned. Despite its troubled past, Evergreen Plantation has thrived in the present day as a functioning farm and a popular filming location, appearing in films like Django Unchained and the AMC television series Into the Badlands. The historic grounds have been the setting for countless real and fictional stories; visitors are welcome to inquire with the administration about visiting hours so they can plan their exploration. Situated on the western banks of the Mississippi River, within St. John the Baptist Parish and close to Wallace, Louisiana, get to the Evergreen Plantation via a picturesque journey through some of Louisiana's most stunning scenery. It's a 50-minute drive from New Orleans using I-10 W and LA-3127 N.

The scene introduces Amy (Oona Laurence), a twelve-year-old girl navigating dense woods while collecting mushrooms. Amidst nature's serene yet haunting backdrop, the distant echoes of the Civil War resonate through faint cannon blasts, a stark reminder of the tumultuous times. It is in this secluded woodland that Amy encounters John McBurney (Colin Farrell), a Union Army corporal from Ireland, gravely wounded and on the brink of death due to a severe leg injury. New Orleans City Park provided the backdrop for this scene, a location Sofia Coppola chose for its natural beauty and historical significance. Despite its brief appearance in the film, City Park is a well-known filming location, having served as a backdrop for various movies and TV series such as ‘Shock and Awe’ and ‘Queen Sugar.’ The park, with a history spanning over 170 years, City Park is a treasure trove of natural and cultural resources in Southeast Louisiana, features highlights such as Couturie Forest and Arboretum, the Botanical Garden, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. It is also famous for housing the world's most extensive collection of mature live oaks, with some trees dating back nearly 800 years, offering an ageless and magical setting. Explore this renowned filming site by journeying to the core of New Orleans, where City Park stands as a lush sanctuary among the urban landscape. A brief 12-minute drive from the city center via US-90 BUS E and I-10 W, or an hour-long bus ride, will bring you to this destination.

Miss Martha Farnsworth (Nicole Kidman), the school's headmistress, makes the cautious decision to shelter an unconscious Union soldier, John McBurney (Colin Farrell), until he regains his strength. The soldier is kept in the school's music room, under lock and key, to recuperate. In a tense and intimate sequence, Miss Martha, along with Miss Edwina (Kirsten Dunst), the teacher, undertake the delicate task of cleaning McBurney and attending to his severe leg injury. This compelling scene and several others in The Beguiled were filmed at the Coolidge House at 1228 Race St, New Orleans. This grand residence belongs to American actress Jennifer Coolidge and offers the perfect backdrop for the film's haunting and gothic narrative. While some scenes came to life at the historic Madewood Plantation House, the interiors, like the music room and bedrooms, were brought to life at the Coolidge House. Given its status as a private property, public access to the interior, including the music room, is restricted. However, fans of the film and architecture enthusiasts can still admire the house's exterior and appreciate its contribution to the movie's setting from a respectful distance. Fans can head to the Lower Garden District to explore the outside of the Coolidge House and experience this famous filming location up close. Traveling from the city center is convenient, with options to take a taxi or drive via St Charles Ave. Public transportation is also a viable choice; alternatively, a 30-minute stroll through Camp St will lead you there.

Despite initial reservations due to his enemy status, each household member, led by Miss Martha (Nicole Kidman), finds themselves charmed by McBurney's (Colin Farrell) presence. As he recovers from his injuries, McBurney does yard work, offering his services as a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to ingratiate himself with the women. Amy (Oona Laurence) develops a warm and amiable relationship with him. In contrast, the other students (Angourie Rice, Elle Fanning, Emma Howard, and Addison Riecke) compete for his attention and approval, each aspiring to gain his favor. The backdrop for this captivating story is the historical Madewood Plantation House, situated on Bayou Lafourche near Napoleonville. Constructed in 1846, this mansion, which serves as the setting for the Farnsworth Seminary in the film, is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. The property's rich history and architectural grandeur add authenticity and depth to the movie's setting, transporting viewers back to the Old South. Today, the Madewood Plantation House is a luxury guesthouse, offering visitors the unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the era's ambiance. Guests can book a room and experience the luxury and charm of antebellum Louisiana firsthand. Visitors can head to Bayou Lafourche, near Napoleonville, to get to the Madewood Plantation House. The journey from New Orleans takes approximately an hour and 20 minutes by car, following the I-10 W route. Please note that there are no public transportation options available for this trip.

The narrative turns as the young girls sew McBurney's (Colin Farrell) body into a shroud, marking a sad moment of farewell. Edwina (Kirsten Dunst), portrayed with a heartrending depth of emotion, watches on, her devastation palpable. United in their grim task, the women drag his body to the road, a silent testament to the harsh realities of their world. Their final act of tying a blue rag to the gate serves as a signal for the next group of soldiers who pass by, a hauntingly symbolic gesture of surrender and loss. This evocative scene was brought to life against the backdrop of Napoleonville, a charming village in Louisiana's Assumption Parish. Napoleonville, known for its quintessential small-village allure, provided the ideal setting to capture the rural ambiance. Notably, Napoleonville has also served as the filming location for Because of Winn-Dixie, a film adaptation of Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Prize-winning novel set in the fictional town of Naomi, Louisiana, further cementing its reputation as a sought-after setting for productions aiming to evoke a rich, Southern atmosphere. A scenic drive away from major urban centers such as New Orleans, Napoleonville is easily reachable by car, inviting visitors to explore its picturesque village charm. Just a short 5-minute drive from the heart of the village lies the Madewood Plantation House. Furthermore, reaching this captivating destination is only a one-and-a-half-hour journey from New Orleans via I-10 W.