The film transports viewers into a world of supernatural horror, much of which is owed to the special filming locations and sets. Production began in the fall of 1998, capturing captivating scenes in the picturesque landscapes of England, particularly at Harlaxton Manor and Belvoir Castle. Harlaxton Manor, located in Lincolnshire, is a majestic 19th-century mansion that beautifully combines Elizabethan and Jacobean architectural styles. Its imposing facade and lavishly furnished interiors became the central setting of the film. On the other hand, Belvoir Castle is a majestic fortress perched atop the Leicestershire countryside. Its towers, imposing walls, and extensive gardens provide a picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the film's eerie narrative. The skillfully designed sets in Los Angeles, created by renowned Argentine production designer Eugenio Zanetti, also contributed greatly to the film's atmosphere. His work enhanced the chilling horror of the narrative with his craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Filming Locations:

Dining Room

In the Movie

Scene where Theo, Nell, Luke, and Dr. Marrow discuss their insomnia problems over dinner and learn more about each other. Nothing forebodes trouble; they chat animatedly, drink wine, and laugh heartily. Each shares their thoughts that come during sleepless nights.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Harlaxton Manor. This architectural marvel, built in 1837, stands on the grounds of an original 14th-century manor. To create an immersive setting, the filmmakers made some alterations to Harlaxton. They added a porch resembling a carport and hid the beautifully carved letters indicating the owner's name and construction date. The goal was to soften Harlaxton's grandeur for its appearance in the film. Harlaxton Manor has a rich cinematic history, previously serving as the estate of the mad Earl of Gurney in Peter Medak's 1971 film based on Peter Barnes' black satire "The Ruling Class." Located in Lincolnshire, England, Harlaxton Manor is open to visitors, allowing fans of "The Haunting" to explore the intricate rooms and corridors shown in the film.

Kitchen

In the Movie

Scene where Nell and Theo flinch at a loud knock and ask Luke to find the source of the sound. After a little investigation, he demonstrates the noisy plumbing system, thereby trying to reassure the heroines.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the historic Belvoir Castle, the residence of the Duke of Rutland. This castle served as the location for the kitchen scene. Belvoir has been featured in several notable films, including Barry Levinson's "Young Sherlock Holmes" and "The Da Vinci Code." The castle has a rich history and stunning architecture and is open to the public on certain dates.

Secret Library

In the Movie

Scene where Nell, one of the heroines participating in Dr. Marrow's insomnia study, wakes up to mysterious sounds in the middle of the night. Following bloody footprints, she discovers a hidden library. There, journals with numerous children's names are stored, and this is clearly not without reason...

In Reality

The scene was filmed inside a dome-shaped hangar that once housed the Hughes H-4 Hercules. This hangar is located next to a moored steamship in Long Beach. Inside the hangar, intricate, handcrafted sets were built, costing approximately $8–10 million to create. They were conceived and designed by the talented Argentine production designer Eugenio Zanetti. His exceptional vision and attention to detail are reflected in these sets, which perfectly embody the film's eerie atmosphere.