Netherfield Park

Netherfield Park is a great house in Hertfordshire, located in the general vicinity of Meryton and three miles away from Longbourn.

Over the course of the novel, nouveau riche Charles Bingley leases the house, seemingly through a Mr. Morris, who may be the owner or the owner's man of business. Based on the excitement around the house's leasing, it would seem that it has sat vacant for some time.

Architecture and Decor

Because of the details around Netherfield's leasing, it sounds as though the current owner is unable or unwilling to perform upkeep on the home, suggesting it was built at least a generation ago and inherited.

Based on the general attitude of the neighborhood towards Charles Bingley, it is likely that Netherfield is the grandest house in the area; Mrs. Bennet even says "I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield." There is a room referred to as "the drawing room" in which there is a pianoforte and card table during Elizabeth's visit and later seems to double as the dancing room for the Netherfield Ball. At different times, we also get reference to a breakfast-parlour and dining parlour. There is much joking about how paltry Charles Bingley's collection of books is, but there may be a library space full of empty shelves.

We also know that there must be a large number of bedrooms. Even with Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, the Hursts and Mr. Darcy in residence, there is still sufficient space to put Elizabeth and Jane in separate rooms.

Park, Gardens and Land

We're given to understand that Netherfield Park does come with lands, but that the estate is no where near as large as Pemberley. We know there is a "gravel walk" and some kind path through shrubberies which is wide enough to accommodate two comfortably, but not three. Given that the Bingley sisters venture out into it, it is likely not very far from the house.

Staffing

There is very little discussion of servants at Netherfield Park. Mrs. Nicholls is mentioned twice in contexts that suggest she is the cook. There's at least one--likely male--servent who is sent to Longbourn with Elizabeth decides to stay in order to deliver a message with her plans and collect some clothes she can wear for the next several days.