When the 32 contestants arrived in limousines to meet Matt James, they were nowhere near the iconic Bachelor Mansion. Like Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams' Bachelorette journey, Season 25 of The Bachelor was filmed in a bubble in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. While Claire and Tayshia filmed just two hours away from Los Angeles, Matt's season shot across the country at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania.
"It worked really well and I think it gave us a blueprint that we could then apply to Matt James' season of The Bachelor and move forward safely and knowing that without any fear or worry, we're all good ", host Chris Harrison told Parade in October. "After going through all this, I think we can all go to the Bachelor Center and realize that if we all do the same thing, if we enforce the same safety standards, we'll be fine."
Bachelor Nation blogger Reality Steve first reported the filming location through sources in August, noting that the location, about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, is closed to the public from mid-September through Thanksgiving, ABC's usual Bachelor filming dates open. Nemacolin confirmed the news via social media in December, with the resort's president Maggie Hardy Knox telling the Daily Mail they were "extremely proud to be a part of the next season of The Bachelor" background, and hosting the cast and crew.”
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This 2,000-acre luxury resort features private residences and estates, as well as plenty of opportunities for creative dates.
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On-site services include: safaris, dog sledding, art galleries, jeep safaris and of course spas and fine dining.
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As if that wasn't enough to keep anyone entertained, the resort also has its own zoo. Billed as a "wildlife adventure," visitors can visit on-site habitats that include donkeys, wolves, tigers, lions and more, as well as exotic animals such as fennec foxes and kinkajou.
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Nemacolin even has his own private airstrip if Matt and one of his women want to fly.
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Over the past decade, the resort has spent $30 million in renovations to upgrade its bedrooms, amenities, ballroom, lecture hall, 2,200-square-foot terrace and more. From the glimpses given during the season premiere, it looks like the multi-million dollar investment will be well worth it.
Eagle-eyed Bachelor viewers may recognize the venue from JoJo Fletcher's bachelor season. In a 2016 episode, JoJo checked into the hotel's Chateau Lafayette Presidential Suite and even had a rose ceremony in the lobby, Parade reported . For reference, this is the same episode where she eliminated Chad Johnson on a two-on-one date. Since then, recently split couple Peter Weber and Kelley Flanagan and Bachelorette alum Jason Tartick have also visited the property.
Only time will tell if Nemacolin has the same Bachelor House magic that he did for Matt.
