If you’re a Potterhead, no matter where in the world you’re from, you’ve surely at least once wanted to visit 4, Privet Drive at Little Whinging, Surrey. Recently, the residents of the house that served as 4 Privet Drive in the Harry Potter series have shared their experience of hosting Harry Potter fans regularly.
The fictional address in the books belongs to Harry’s uncle and aunt, Vernon and Petunia Dursley, who take him in after his parents’ death. The Dursleys mistreat and abuse him until he is rescued by Hagrid and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the age of 11.
The house remains an important setting in the saga beyond the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The destination is mentioned in a few chapters in every book, as Harry spends his summer breaks in the house.
In an interview with The Sun, the residents of the house that portrayed 4 Privet Drive in the first film share their views on fans visiting the iconic property. The address mentioned in the books is not a real one, however the property where the Harry Potter films were shot still exists today.
The actual home is situated in Bracknell, Berkshire, while in the books and films, it’s in the fictitious town of Little Whinging, Surrey. Here are some excerpts from the conversation with the residents of the property:
We’ve had people in floods of tears. It’s bizarre. The kids, you get it. But obviously the adults. They dress up sometimes in full gear and recreate scenes. There was one time somebody tried to climb the fence. That was when we were like ‘oh my god, don’t do that!’ We are accommodating though. I’ve moved my cars for people that want a good photo. I don’t mind. Harry Potter is amazing. I get that. But you do come home from work and they are all on your drive. It’s quite mad. We knew what house we were buying except they didn’t really tell us. They didn’t tell us they are here all day, every day. It’s constant. You open the curtains in the morning. You don’t get used to it. It’s really weird. Ten is the maximum we’ve had but people come in groups. People come in cars and it’s all day and sometimes at night. The school holidays are the worst. Last week we had loads of people knocking on the door. It’s more of the fact that it’s a constant stream. It’s one of those franchises after all these years that is still just as crazy. Sometimes I just don’t get it. Most people do knock on the door and ask if they can take a photo, but some people don’t bother. I feel sorry for the neighbours because they are on their driveways trying to get a good photo. People have travelled miles. From all over the world. People are sometimes really awkward. We are used to it, but not used to it in a way.
The current homeowners are understandably annoyed by the frequent visits from Harry Potter fans, but it is understandable that people are curious to see the house for themselves.
4 Privet Drive is the site of some of the saga’s most memorable scenes, such as Dumbledore leaving infant Harry on the doorstep, initiating his entire journey. It is also where Ron, Fred, and George famously rescue Harry with their flying car in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It is also the house where we first meet Dobby and where the incident with Aunt Marge takes place.
Although the Dursleys and 4 Privet Drive appear less frequently as the saga progresses, both the family and the house remain important for Harry. Besides 4 Privet Drive symbolizing the beginning of Harry’s adventure, he reluctantly acknowledges it as a refuge, as it shields him from Voldemort due to his mother Lily’s sacrifice.
When he departs 4 Privet Drive as an adult, Harry has reconciled with the abuse he endured there from his aunt, uncle, and cousin, even recalling the house and its residents with some affection.
Given its physical and thematic relevance to the Harry Potter series and Harry’s journey in particular, it is not surprising that many fans have visited the house in person. This shows the relevance and popularity of the Harry Potter series even after all these years.
However, it is understandable that the residents of the property feel their privacy is violated sometimes. Perhaps the only solution here is to respectfully take permission before clicking pictures of the property and avoid knocking at odd times, for it will almost be impossible to stop Potterheads from visiting the house, no matter how many years pass by.
“After all this time?” “Always.”
About Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a film series based on the eponymous novel series by J. K. Rowling. The series is distributed by Warner Bros. and consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
The film series follows Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, and his journey to take down the evil wizard Lord Voldemort and save Hogwarts, the Wizarding School he attended, with his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
The series was mainly produced by David Heyman, and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the three leading characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
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