For aficionados of the hit Disney+ series Rivals, the opulent estate known as Bella Vista, the fictional residence of Danny Dyer’s character Freddie, is instantly recognizable. However, this grand property, actually named Foxfield and situated in Lisvane, Cardiff, is very much a real-world offering, with an asking price of £8 million.
The series, an adaptation of one of Dame Jilly Cooper’s celebrated “bonkbuster” novels, boasts a stellar cast including Danny Dyer, David Tennant, and Emily Atack, drawing viewers into a world of upper-class intrigue and drama.
Jemma Friday, an estate agent with Fine and Country, highlighted that Foxfield is “currently south Wales’ most expensive home,” noting the curious inquiries about whether Danny Dyer himself might be the prospective buyer. She expressed, “If he wants to buy it, I’m really happy to sell it to him.”
Originally constructed in 1999, the property was formerly owned by businessman Peter Thomas, the proprietor of Peters Pies, as per Friday’s account. Spread across 24 acres of private grounds, its £8 million valuation positions it among Wales’ most exclusive residences.
A Glimpse into Cooper’s Fictional World
First published in 1988, Rivals is the second installment in Cooper’s immensely popular Rutshire Chronicles. This series masterfully depicts the lives and social dynamics of England’s upper and upper-middle classes within a picturesque, albeit fictional, Cotswolds setting.
The narrative immerses readers in the extravagant world of the 1980s, set against the backdrop of sprawling country estates, chronicling the intense rivalry between the aristocratic Rupert Campbell-Black and the ambitious TV executive, Lord Tony Baddingham.
A Property Fit for a Jilly Cooper Novel
Friday reiterated the property’s status as the most expensive in South Wales, asserting its value: “I think it warrants that, because it is truly a great property.” She added, “Seeing it on TV, it gives it that grandeur, but actually seeing it in person, it’s really breathtaking.”
The Fine and Country listing details Foxfield’s amenities, which include seven en-suite bedrooms, a valet car garage, and a spacious drawing room. “By no means would you be short of space,” Friday commented.
Adding a unique touch, the property features a white oak staircase shaped like a rugby ball, described as “very on trend for Wales.” Further enhancing its appeal, the estate includes its own pond and a convenient lift servicing the ground and first floors.
Fine and Country
Fine and CountrySince its listing, the multi-million-pound property has attracted significant global interest, with Friday observing, “We are seeing a huge amount of buyers coming back from the US for instance. People who might want something with heritage and in the countryside.”
Dame Jilly Cooper, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 88, recently made headlines when she requested that the show’s producers refrain from making her typically stoic male characters weep on screen, a testament to her enduring influence on her characters’ portrayals.
Rivals is now streaming on Disney+.
Business Style Takeaway: The enduring appeal of properties associated with popular culture, like Foxfield in the context of Rivals, underscores the powerful synergy between entertainment and luxury real estate. Brands and executives can leverage this trend by understanding how narrative, celebrity association, and aspirational lifestyles drive consumer interest and investment, offering opportunities for cross-promotional activities and targeted marketing campaigns.
Details can be found on the website : www.bbc.com