When we at Avante Video were approached to create a cinematic video for this luxury holiday accommodation, the vision was clear: this wasn’t just about showing a place to stay — it was about creating a story of rest, discovery, and connection to the landscape and experiences of County Down and beyond.
The final package included a main cinematic feature and eight short social media videos, each one highlighting not just the house itself, but the rich experiences waiting just beyond its doorstep. From the wild beauty of Murlough Bay to the magic of Rostrevor’s Fairy Glen, the Bramley House story was crafted to inspire guests to see this part of Northern Ireland as a place to explore and unwind in equal measure.
Finding the Story
Every project we take on begins with a conversation — not just about what a property looks like, but about what it feels like. When we first spoke with the owner of Bramley House, it was clear she wanted something different. This wasn’t about ticking off features like “three bedrooms, two bathrooms, modern kitchen.” It was about emotion. She wanted potential guests to feel the warmth of the space, the quiet of the countryside, and the sense of discovery that comes from wandering a little further afield.
That conversation shaped the creative direction. Together, we developed a detailed script that told the story of Bramley House as an experience, not just accommodation. The script guided everything — from the structure of the main cinematic video to the tone of each short clip. Once the owner approved the final version, we brought in a professional voiceover artist to deliver the script with warmth, clarity, and a touch of cinematic flair.
Half a Day at Bramley House
Our first filming day focused on the property itself. We arrived early, to get the best morning light over Loughbrickland. There’s something magical about filming at that hour — the air feels still, the light is golden, and every detail seems to glow.
Bramley House itself is a delight to film – its interiors blend modern comfort with country charm. Wide windows fill the rooms with light, and there’s a thoughtful flow between spaces that makes it easy to capture in motion. The kitchen, with its neutral tones and open layout, naturally became a focal point — a place where guests could imagine making coffee and having breakfast before heading out to explore.
The garden, too, became a character in the story. The Bramley apple tree after which the house is named stands proudly in the walled garden. Birds sang and the countryside stretched gently into the distance behind the house. We filmed slow, sweeping shots to capture that feeling of tranquility — the sense of having found a peaceful retreat that still sits close to everything you might want to see and do.
Expanding the Experience
The second half of the project took me on the road. The owner wanted to showcase the places that made staying at Bramley House special — not just the property, but the experience of being in this part of Northern Ireland.
Some of the footage I already had from my own travels — shots from previous adventures across County Down and the Cooley Peninsula. Others I filmed specifically for this project, visiting locations that would bring the story together.
Each short video was designed to stand alone, yet connect back to Bramley House through tone and texture. The goal was to create a series that together painted a complete picture of the experience awaiting guests.
The Eight Stories Around Bramley House
1. Murlough Bay, Newcastle
A breathtaking nature reserve where ancient dunes meet sea and sky. The soft light across the sand dunes and the silhouette of the Mournes in the distance make for cinematic magic. This short film became about freedom — the idea of breathing deeply and feeling the wild coast.
2. Slieve Donard
Northern Ireland’s highest peak and a place that carries a quiet majesty. I had previously filmed a sunrise climb here, so I was able to weave in some of that footage – a reminder that for those staying at Bramley House, adventure is always close at hand.
3. Charming Carlingford
Just across the border in County Louth, Carlingford is full of cobbled charm and Irish character. The short clip captured glimpses of its narrow streets, the lough shimmering beside it, with the yachts moored and ready for sailing – perfect for guests looking for a day trip steeped in atmosphere and activities.
4. Kodak Corner
Every community has its hidden gems, and Kodak Corner is one of those unexpected visual treats. It’s a spot that’s all about nostalgia and colour — a great reminder that beautiful moments can be found where you least expect them. A short trail through dense forest leads you to this wonderful viewpoint.
5. Whyte’s Estate and the Local Park
These locations, right on Bramley House’s doorstep, helped anchor the story. Families and couples staying here can step outside and immediately find a place to walk, breathe, and unwind. We captured a hike through the leafy trails of Whyte’s Estate, and pets and people enjoying the outdoors.
6. Belfast’s Titanic Centre
A nod to Northern Ireland’s proud industrial and cultural history. The sleek lines of the Titanic Centre building contrasted beautifully with the countryside shots — tying the story together with a sense of heritage and innovation.
7. Warrenpoint
Coastal charm, fishing boats, and sea breezes — Warrenpoint offered a laid-back seaside rhythm that added variety to the series. The footage captured shimmering water and dramatic clouds that brought excitement to the final edit.
8. Rostrevor’s Fairy Glen
A local favourite and one of my personal highlights. Mossy stones, dappled light, and the gentle sound of flowing water — it’s a scene straight from a storybook. This short video is one of my favourites, representing nature’s quiet magic that makes this area so unforgettable.
Building a Cinematic Feel
Cinematic storytelling is all about emotion and flow. To achieve that, I paid close attention to movement and rhythm – both in how the camera moved and in how shots transitioned from one to another.
Inside Bramley House, I used smooth gimbal shots and natural light to create an inviting, airy feel. Outside, drone footage helped open up the landscape, revealing how the house sits amid rolling countryside. In post-production, I graded the colours to bring a gentle warmth – rich greens, soft blues, and golden light that echoed the calm of the setting.
Each short video had its own tone, but they all shared the same cinematic signature – slow pacing, immersive sound design, and transitions. For the music, I chose tracks that blended acoustic warmth with a touch of cinematic grandeur – the kind that subtly lifts emotion without overpowering the visuals.
Script, Voice, and Social Media Ready
A key part of this project was ensuring every video was ready to use across all platforms – not just visually beautiful, but strategically practical.
Alongside the main cinematic edit, I created eight individual scripts that matched the tone of each short film. Once the owner approved the master script for the main video, we recorded the professional voiceover -a voice that conveyed calm confidence, fitting the tone of Bramley House perfectly.
From there, I provided descriptions, hashtags, and social media captions for every video, tailored to help the client reach more viewers online. Each short film was delivered in multiple formats – horizontal, vertical, and square – making it easy to share across Airbnb, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and any other platform the client might use.
By the end, the client had not just a set of videos, but a complete digital storytelling package – beautifully crafted and ready to post anywhere.
Collaboration and Client Vision
What made this project so rewarding was how collaborative it felt. The owner had a clear sense of what she wanted: to invite people not just to stay, but to feel the area – to see Bramley House as a base for experiences rather than just accommodation.
That kind of brief allows for creativity. It meant we could think beyond the typical property video and instead tell a story of place. The combination of the cinematic main film and eight short videos gave her both a centrepiece for her Airbnb listing and a full set of social media content to share throughout the year – each piece designed to spark curiosity and inspire bookings.
More Than Marketing
What struck me most while creating the Bramley House video was how it reflected a broader truth about modern travel. Guests today don’t just want a comfortable bed – they want connection. They want to know what they can explore, taste, and feel while they’re there.
By weaving together the beauty of the property and the allure of the local area, we created a video experience that speaks directly to that desire. It’s storytelling that goes beyond the practical and taps into emotion – something that resonates long after the viewer has finished watching.
Why Cinematic Storytelling Works for Accommodation Owners
If you run a guest house, hotel, or Airbnb, cinematic video can transform how people perceive your property. It captures not just what your place offers, but why it matters.
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It builds trust. When potential guests see your property brought to life through authentic visuals, they can imagine themselves there.
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It tells your story. Every home, every landscape, every host has something unique – and video helps you express that uniqueness clearly and beautifully.
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It expands your reach. With a main cinematic video and shorter clips, you can share your story across multiple platforms – from your listing to Instagram, Facebook, and beyond.
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It creates emotion. And emotion is what drives decisions. People don’t just book with logic – they book when something feels right.
Looking Back
Creating the Bramley House videos reminded me why I love this kind of work. It’s not just about cameras and editing – it’s about connection. It’s about finding the quiet stories that places hold and bringing them to life in a way that others can feel.
When I look at the final videos – the main cinematic feature and the eight short stories – I see more than a marketing project. I see a portrait of a place, and its possibilities. And I hope that every future guest who watches them feels inspired to experience it for themselves.
Bringing Your Property Story to Life
If you own an Airbnb, guest house, or boutique hotel and want to show people more than just a place to stay, I’d love to help you tell your story. With cinematic video, storytelling, and social-ready edits in every format, you can showcase your property in a way that inspires, engages, and truly connects.
Let’s make your next guest fall in love before they even arrive.
Get in touch to get started with a conversation about your video story.
