If you’ve ever binged Ghosts on CBS, chances are you’ve wondered—is Woodstone Manor an actual place? The sprawling, haunted mansion that serves as the show’s centerpiece feels almost too authentic to be fiction. From its stately façade to the antique-filled interiors, it’s hard not to imagine that such a place might exist somewhere in the real world. Well, let’s dive deep into the mystery, uncover the inspiration behind Woodstone Manor, and find out what’s real—and what’s pure TV magic.
What Exactly Is Woodstone Manor?
Woodstone Manor is the fictional estate at the heart of CBS’s hit sitcom Ghosts. The story revolves around a young couple, Samantha and Jay, who inherit this massive, centuries-old mansion—only to discover it’s inhabited by a quirky collection of ghosts from different eras.
The manor isn’t just a setting; it’s practically a character in the show. Its grand architecture, vintage charm, and ghostly aura all contribute to the series’ unique blend of comedy and supernatural storytelling.
Is Woodstone Manor a Real Mansion?
Here’s the short answer: No, Woodstone Manor isn’t a real mansion. But don’t be disappointed just yet—the story behind its creation is every bit as fascinating as the show itself.
The fictional Woodstone Manor was brought to life through a mix of clever set design, real-world filming locations, and a heavy dose of cinematic creativity. The actual mansion used for exterior shots is not located in upstate New York, where the show is set—but rather in a place that’s quite a surprise.
Where Was Woodstone Manor Filmed?
While Ghosts is set in New York, the exterior of Woodstone Manor was filmed at a real-life historic estate called Dufferin House, located in Montreal, Canada. The beautiful mansion was chosen for its elegant yet slightly eerie appearance—perfect for a show that balances humor and haunting.
The production team used Dufferin House for establishing shots, while the interior scenes were filmed on meticulously designed sets that recreated the look of an old, creaky estate filled with character and charm.
The Real Inspiration Behind Woodstone Manor
The show’s creators have confirmed that Woodstone Manor was inspired by classic American estates from the late 19th century—think Gilded Age mansions owned by the likes of the Vanderbilts and Astors.
These homes often featured grand staircases, sweeping ballrooms, and ornate parlors—elements that the set designers intentionally recreated to give Woodstone Manor its distinct personality.
A Nod to British Roots
Interestingly, Ghosts is based on a British series of the same name. In the UK version, the story unfolds in an ancient English country house called Button House. When CBS adapted the show for American audiences, they reimagined the estate as a lavish Gilded Age mansion to better fit U.S. history and culture.
This change gave the series a fresh twist—Woodstone Manor became a distinctly American ghost story with a touch of historical flair.
How the Set Designers Created the Manor’s Haunted Look
The show’s production designers went all out to make Woodstone Manor feel both luxurious and lived-in. Using vintage furniture, worn wallpapers, antique portraits, and flickering chandeliers, they crafted an environment that feels authentically haunted without being gloomy.
Every room tells a story. From the library with its dusty tomes to the drawing room where the ghosts often gather, each space reflects different time periods and personalities of its spectral residents.
Fun Fact: Some Props Are Real Antiques
To make the manor feel real, many of the props and furnishings are genuine antiques. The set decorators sourced items from estate sales and antique shops across Canada and the U.S. Some pieces even date back over 100 years—meaning they technically might have their own ghosts!
Why Woodstone Manor Feels So Believable
So, why does this fictional mansion feel so real? Simple—it’s designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The mix of classic architecture, soft lighting, and carefully aged details creates a lived-in charm that viewers instantly connect with.
Plus, the idea of an inherited mansion filled with ghosts from different eras feels almost like a modern fairytale—anchored by a place that could almost exist in real life.
The Architectural Style of Woodstone Manor
Woodstone Manor appears to draw from several historical architectural styles, particularly Beaux-Arts and Victorian Gothic Revival. The grand arches, detailed molding, and massive wooden doors give it that stately, slightly ominous look you’d expect from a centuries-old estate.
These architectural cues help ground the comedy in something visually rich and timeless—making the setting feel both extravagant and eerie at once.
Is the Interior Based on a Real House?
The interior of Woodstone Manor was built entirely on a soundstage, allowing the production crew full control over lighting, layout, and movement. This gave them flexibility to film from any angle and add supernatural effects seamlessly.
However, the team drew inspiration from real Gilded Age homes such as The Breakers Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, and Lyndhurst Mansion in New York. These historic homes influenced everything from the wood paneling to the ornate fireplaces seen on the show.
The Symbolism Behind the Manor
Woodstone Manor isn’t just a backdrop—it represents connection between the past and present. The ghosts symbolize bygone eras, while the living characters bring modern chaos into their timeless world. The manor bridges those worlds, acting as a metaphor for memory, legacy, and belonging.
Comparing Woodstone Manor to Button House (UK Version)
While both manors share the same narrative purpose, their vibes differ.
-
Button House feels old-world, rural, and distinctly English—complete with stone walls and centuries of history.
-
Woodstone Manor, by contrast, is glamorous and dramatic, echoing America’s Gilded Age opulence.
This cultural adaptation made the U.S. version more relatable to American audiences while keeping the heart of the story intact.
Behind the Scenes: Filming Challenges
Filming at the real Dufferin House came with logistical hurdles. The crew had to carefully coordinate exterior shoots due to weather and lighting. Inside, sets were built to accommodate cameras and ghostly effects—like the way ghosts walk through walls or appear from thin air.
The Mansion as a Character
Think of Woodstone Manor as more than bricks and mortar—it’s the heartbeat of the show. Every creak, portrait, and flicker of candlelight adds personality. The ghosts belong to it, and so do the humans who stumble into its chaotic charm.
It’s this emotional connection that keeps fans wondering: could such a place actually exist somewhere out there?
Can You Visit the Real Woodstone Manor?
Unfortunately, Dufferin House isn’t open to the public. It’s a private estate, and most of the filming happens on closed sets. But for superfans, taking a trip to Montreal might still offer a few familiar glimpses—especially of the mansion’s exterior.
The Legacy of Woodstone Manor
Over time, Woodstone Manor has become more than a fictional estate—it’s a pop culture icon. Much like the Addams Family house or Downton Abbey, it captures viewers’ imaginations and symbolizes a world where humor and hauntings coexist beautifully.
Conclusion
So, is Woodstone Manor real? Not exactly—but that doesn’t make it any less magical. The mansion’s blend of history, imagination, and artistry makes it feel alive (and delightfully haunted). Whether you’re a fan of the ghosts, the humor, or the rich visuals, one thing’s certain—Woodstone Manor is a place you’ll never forget.
FAQs
1. Is Woodstone Manor a real place I can visit?
No, it’s a fictional mansion. Exterior shots were filmed at Dufferin House in Montreal, but it’s a private property.
2. What inspired the design of Woodstone Manor?
The design draws from Gilded Age architecture and classic American estates like The Breakers and Lyndhurst Mansion.
3. Are any scenes filmed in New York?
Although the show is set in upstate New York, filming primarily takes place in Canada for production reasons.
4. Is the British version’s house real?
Yes! The UK version’s Button House is filmed at West Horsley Place, a real 15th-century English manor.
5. Do any real ghosts haunt the filming locations?
While there’s no proof of real ghosts, some cast members have jokingly said the mansion’s atmosphere feels “too real to be fake.”
