Northanger Abbey (estate)

Northanger Abbey is the titular estate of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. It is the family seat of the wealthy Tilney family and is currently owned by the formidable General Tilney. It is very old and very renowned architecturally. It is about 20 miles away from Woodston, Henry Tilney's own house.

Description

Overall

The abbey is stunning in its grandeur, and is rich in Gothic ornaments. There is a courtyard at the center, completely enclosed on all sides. The building is surrounded by old trees, woody hills, and luxuriant plantations. The gardens and hot-houses of Northanger were unparalleled and General Tilney was flattered by Catherine's looks of admiration and wonder.

Drawing-room

The drawing-room used to entertain important guests is magnificent in size and furniture. Catherine believed it to be very noble and grand, but did not have the eye for the finer pieces of luxury.

Library

The library was equal in magnificence to the drawing-room, and exhibited a large collection of volumes.

Dining parlour

Northanger's dining parlour was a large, spacious room, and far larger than that of Mr. Allen. It was fitted up in luxury and expense that was largely lost on Catherine's unpractised eye. Many footmen waited on the family and their young guest, which impressed Catherine.

Living Quarters

Mrs. Tilney's apartments

"She saw a large, well-proportioned apartment, and handsome dimity bed, arranged as unoccupied with a housemaid's care, a bright Bath stove, mahogany wardrobes, and neatly painted chairs, on which the warm beams of a western sun gaily poured through the two sash windows!"

—Description of the late Mrs. Tilney's former apartments at Northanger

Guest apartments

"This is strange indeed! I did not expect such a sight as this! An immense heavy chest! What can it hold? Why should it be placed here? Pushed back, too, as if meant to be out of sight!"

—Catherine talking to herself about the possibility of her apartments being haunted.

Although Henry Tilney told Catherine Morland that the abbey was haunted and eerie to tease her, it really was not so bad. Catherine's apartments were cheerful, the floors papered and carpeted. The furniture was handsome and comfortable, although not modernly fashionable. Catherine was at ease until she noticed the disturbing old wooden chest placed so it would be out of sight.

Trivia

• Lismore Castle in Ireland was chosen as a location.