The Perfect Couple: 5 Shocking Filming Locations That Aren't Really Nantucket

The allure of a lavish Nantucket wedding, complete with a shocking murder, captivated millions when Netflix’s limited series The Perfect Couple premiered on September 5, 2024. Based on Elin Hilderbrand’s best-selling novel, the show paints a picture of extreme wealth and coastal beauty, making the setting—the fictional Winbury family estate, "Summerland"—as much a character as the star-studded cast. As of December 11, 2025, fans are still obsessed with the stunning backdrop, but the biggest secret of the show isn't the killer: the primary filming location is *not* the exclusive island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, but a charming seaside town on Cape Cod.

The six-episode murder mystery, directed by Susanne Bier, masterfully uses the authentic coastal atmosphere of New England to heighten the drama. While the story is firmly rooted in the exclusive world of Nantucket, the production team made a strategic decision to film the majority of the series elsewhere. This article dives deep into the actual, breathtaking locations that brought the Winbury family's dark secrets to life, revealing the stunning stand-ins that provided the perfect coastal chic aesthetic.

The Perfect Couple: Cast and Character Biographies

The success of The Perfect Couple hinges on its powerful ensemble cast, featuring Hollywood heavyweights and rising stars. This core group of actors brought the complex, flawed characters from Elin Hilderbrand's novel to life, anchoring the mystery with compelling performances.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Nicole Kidman as Greer Garrison Winbury: The unflinching and wealthy matriarch of the Winbury family, a famous novelist who is determined to control her son’s wedding, even after a murder derails the plans.
• Liev Schreiber as Tag Winbury: Greer’s husband, a respected figure in the community whose past secrets come to light during the investigation.
• Eve Hewson as Amelia Sacks: The beautiful and nervous bride whose perfect wedding plans are shattered by the discovery of a body. She is the central figure around whom the mystery unfolds.
• Dakota Fanning as Abby Winbury: Tag and Greer’s daughter, who plays a crucial role in the family dynamics and the unfolding mystery.
• Billy Howle as Benji Winbury: The groom, Tag and Greer's son, whose wedding to Amelia is the catalyst for all the drama.
• Meghann Fahy as Merritt Monaco: A friend and pivotal character whose presence adds another layer of complexity to the Winbury family’s circle.
• Jack Reynor as Thomas Winbury: Benji's brother, another key member of the family entangled in the events.

The Stunning Stand-In: Why Chatham, Cape Cod, Became 'Nantucket'

The vast majority of the six-episode limited series was not filmed on Nantucket, the island where the novel is set, but rather in the picturesque town of Chatham, Massachusetts. Chatham, located on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, provided the perfect blend of coastal charm, historic architecture, and exclusive waterfront estates needed to replicate Nantucket’s luxurious feel.

The decision to film on Cape Cod was largely logistical. Nantucket is a two-hour ferry ride from the mainland, making the movement of a large production crew, heavy equipment, and a star-studded cast like Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber incredibly challenging and expensive. Chatham, being attached to the mainland, offered a much more accessible and practical alternative while still maintaining the authentic "Cape and island feel" that author Elin Hilderbrand is famous for.

The Real-Life 'Summerland' Mansion: The Heart of the Mystery

The most sought-after filming location is undoubtedly "Summerland," the sprawling, immaculate waterfront estate belonging to the Winbury family, where the wedding and the murder take place. In reality, the house used for the exterior and most interior shots is a private residence located in the exclusive Eastward Point neighborhood of Chatham.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

This magnificent property perfectly embodies the old-money aesthetic of the Winbury dynasty. It features classic New England shingle-style architecture, manicured lawns, and direct access to the water, likely near Fox Hill Island and Pleasant Bay, as local reports suggest. The production team specifically rented this large, luxurious home to serve as the central hub of the series, demonstrating that Chatham truly had the perfect properties to stand in for Nantucket's elite residences. The famous, vibrant hydrangeas often associated with the show's imagery are a quintessential Cape Cod and Chatham feature.

Exploring Specific Chatham Locations Used in Filming

Beyond the main estate, the production utilized several other distinct Chatham landmarks to create the complete world of the series. These locations add layers of authenticity and topical authority to the show's coastal setting, seamlessly blending fiction with reality.

• Chatham Bars Inn: This iconic, luxurious resort on Cape Cod is rumored to have served as a backdrop for several scenes, potentially including accommodations for wedding guests or dining sequences. Its classic, upscale New England charm is instantly recognizable and fits the Winbury family's lifestyle.
• Chatham Lighthouse Beach: This famous beach, known for its stunning views of the Atlantic and the historic Chatham Lighthouse, likely served as a location for some of the dramatic beach scenes, including the discovery that kicks off the central mystery.
• Chatham's Quaint Downtown: The production team likely filmed establishing shots and scenes involving local businesses in Chatham’s charming downtown area, which is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale eateries that mirror the high-end feel of Nantucket’s main street.

The seamless integration of these real Chatham spots into the Nantucket narrative is a testament to the show's art direction. Viewers are left completely convinced they are on the exclusive island, a trick of the lens that makes the show's setting feel both aspirational and deeply unsettling.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Did They Film Anything on Nantucket at All?

While Chatham was the main production base, the crew did make a trip to the actual island of Nantucket to capture essential establishing footage. This technique, known as B-roll, involves filming scenic background shots, landscapes, and local landmarks without the main cast present.

These shots of Nantucket’s iconic cobblestone streets, lighthouses, and harbor views were carefully edited into the series to establish the show’s setting and maintain fidelity to Elin Hilderbrand’s novel. The use of B-roll allowed the production to leverage the visual prestige of Nantucket while benefiting from the logistical ease of filming the principal photography in Chatham. This clever substitution is a common practice in filmmaking, but in the case of The Perfect Couple, it has led to endless curiosity and discussion among fans and travel enthusiasts alike.

The mystery of where The Perfect Couple was filmed is almost as intriguing as the murder at the center of the story. The next time you watch the gripping miniseries, you can appreciate the stunning coastal scenery of Cape Cod, knowing you are getting an authentic taste of New England's most beautiful and exclusive seaside towns, even if the address on the screen says Nantucket. The show is a perfect blend of high-stakes drama and coastal escapism, cementing its place as one of 2024's most talked-about Netflix hits.