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Much of the filming took place on Portobello Road. Image © Papertree[/caption]
I recently visited London for a weekend break. We had a lovely time despite the difficulties in transporting a toddler around the city, particularly one who is at the stage where she doesn't want to stay in the buggy and yet she cries, "carry" after two or three steps.
Whilst in London we ended up walking through the lovely area of Notting Hill. This is one of the most expensive areas in the country with house prices regularly exceeding £5 million. Most of the houses in the area are traditional Victorian style properties featuring classic panelled doors.
As we were walking through the area, it reminded me of the classic doorstep scene from the film Notting Hill. This is the one where the press are desperately hoping to see Julia Roberts whilst she is in London shooting a film. After spending the night in Hugh Grant's house, the press are lined up outside trying to catch a glimpse of her. Hugh Grant's flatmate, Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, answers the door and poses for the press, wearing nothing but a pair of grey underpants. It is a great scene and probably Ifans' most famous acting moment.
The actual location used in the Notting Hill Movie is in Westbourne Park Road W11, near Portabello Road. The original door has now been replaced by an alternative which is now painted Black as the Blue door was visited by fans of the film and continually being drawn on which understandably annoyed the owners. The house was once owned by the films screenpaly writer Richard Curtis.
The Blue door in the scene is a classic 4 Panel Victorian style with raised panels and raised beading, with traditional stiles (vertical side sections) and deep rails (the flat horizontal cross sections). If you are looking for a similar style door then I would suggest you take a look at the Kershaws Heritage No. 20. This is not identical but it is a similar style and features beautiful, quality mouldings and detailing. This door is pre-primed so you can paint it in a variety of colours and it is available in a range of sizes and even customisable sizes so it would be suitable for most properties, in particular, those built in the Victorian Era. As an economical alternative the Pimlico External door in Meranti Hardwood in standard sizes is a similar design. I personally like the bright blue example that is shown in the photo on our website.
