Rebuilding the Enchanting Owens Residence for the 'Practical Magic' Sequel
Production designer Tom Burton painstakingly reconstructed the Owens family's Victorian home for the upcoming sequel, earning praise from stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The house, known for its whimsigoth blend of Gothic romance and botanical abundance, has become a cult favorite among fans. The sequel expands the story to England, but the Owens home remains the emotional anchor.
To accommodate director Susanne Bier's fluid camera work, production designer Tom Burton reworked the original interior blueprint, which did not align with the exterior facade, creating a unified ground-level layout. The structure took twelve weeks to build at Leavesden Studios, with an additional three weeks spent on interior decoration.
The initial residence, designed by Roman and Williams, was erected on San Juan Island and dismantled after shooting. In contrast, the new version features a live garden and serves as a stable focal point, even as the sequel's plot ventures into English countryside settings like cottages and ancient ruins.
The meticulous recreation could spark renewed interest in whimsigoth and Victorian-inspired interiors, potentially influencing home decor trends and DIY projects among fans. It may also drive lifestyle-travel interest, as enthusiasts seek out the studio locations or similar architectural styles. Furthermore, the set's functional design could set a new benchmark for how production designers approach sequels, ensuring beloved fictional spaces remain immersive and emotionally resonant for audiences.