A wealthy fan of the TV drama could soon own Byfleet Manor in Surrey, England, which serves as Dower House, the fictional home of Dame Maggie Smith's character the Dowager Countess of Grantham.

The cast has filmed at the 17th century property for five years, and the building has also been used as a backdrop in British dramas Poirot and Cranford.

The mansion boasts eight bedrooms, four reception rooms and 18 acres of land, and the sale is expected to receive international interest.

Buying agent Henry Pryor says, "Unlike Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey itself, this is a practical house for 21st century living and for many foreigners, ownership would provide the most English of Christmas cards for folks back home."