The TV set of Emmerdale is a life size replica of Esholt where the show was originally filmed for 22 years. As early as 1989 the show's set designer had visions of building a purpose built set.
By the end of 1997 this had been achieved on the Harewood Estate with all architectural features having been produced in semi-dry cast stone. Each of the surrounds were produced using only the Set Designer's sketches and photographs from his survey of the Dales Villages.
No technical drawings were produced, only sketches and photographs. Woodside were given a booklet of some 100 pages and individual moulds were produced to reflect these photographs.
The Set Designer visited the Woodside factory to agree the "feel" of the units and how best to distress / age the freshly made edges and surfaces. Chisels, hammers and wire brushes were all employed prior to being treated with yoghurt on site to achieve that 300 year old look.