So, Season 4 of Outlander on Starz , featuring Outlander River Run, debuted back in November and this is my first post for the season. This season is based on Diana Gabaldon’s fourth Outlander book Drums of Autumn which sees our heroes, Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser and his twentieth century time-traveling wife Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser, settling in Colonial America in North Carolina in the mid-1760’s. The drum beats of the American Revolutionary War are beginning to be heard in the distance with only Claire really knowing what’s to come. In the present day era of the #MeToo movement, women’s empowerment, racial equality and the intersectionality of all of the above – this season is quite timely. There are those who think that there is some kind of political agenda on the part of the producers to push a “woman first” narrative, and to be too PC about the Native Americans. But, the series is based on the book, which was published in 1996. While I don’t intend to get political in this post beyond this paragraph, our American history is fraught with these uncomfortable topics. Women were chattel and even those of wealth and privilege held little to no property or actual power even when they did. Native Peoples were treated as savages, called savages, and they did, in fact, fight back against their diminishing world. Slaves were held and laws were enacted to maintain the “peculiar institution” for as long as possible. Into all this is drops a woman (and, spoiler alert, eventually her daughter) who left the twentieth century in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s respectively, at the height of the roiling Women’s and Civil Rights movements. And through all that, we’re seeing a production which is being produced in the 21st Century at a time where all of these issues remain as front and center as ever. We can’t help but feel, as Claire does, uncomfortable at the depictions of slavery and her inability to actually circumvent it. We have to look at the treatment of Native People for what it was – European people looking for opportunity and a better life moved into a new place and pushed out those who were there because they saw them as “less than”. There was great violence coming from all sides. It was a time of great promise and accomplishment for some and just the opposite for others. The history of the world was ever thus, I suppose.
Enter Outlander River Run.
In the story, Jamie’s Auntie Jocasta MacKenzie Cameron (younger sister to his dear late mother) is the mistress of a large plantation called River Run on the Cape Fear River, near Cross Creek, North Carolina. In the story, the plantation was purchased by her third husband, Hector Cameron, in 1746 after they immigrated from Scotland and it produces timber, pitch, turpentine, tobacco and indigo. It’s a large and successful plantation with over 100 slaves and Jocasta is one of the wealthiest women around. She’s formidable, despite her widowhood, advancing age and blindness.



Outlander’s production designer Jon Gary Steele has had quite a vast array of sets and settings to create over the course of the series. Filmed primarily in Scotland, each season has seen very different stage sets. Season 1 was primarily Scotland in the 1740’s and 1940’s. Season 2 moved to the opulent Paris of the 1740’s into the seat of political power and nobility, including scenes at Versailles. Season 3 encompassed twenty years in the mid-twentieth century Boston, 18th century Scotland, and the West Indies. (You can read all my past Outlander posts here.) And Season 4 has a smattering of twentieth century Scotland and the US, but is mostly set in North Carolina of the 1760’s. Jamie and Claire are settling Fraser’s Ridge, 10,000 acres in the wilderness of the mountains of North Carolina. So those sets are naturally quite simple and homespun. In other words, they are beautifully done, but not so much fun to write about.
The River Run set is an interesting take on the lifestyle of the wealthy plantation owner class of colonial American south. One that surprised me, to be honest. The sets are clearly designed to showcase how wealthy and successful River Run is. This is the height of 18th century design – in Europe. But, I can’t help but wonder how truly accurate it is for Colonial America. (More on that to come.)

The bedroom features a whole lotta imported silk. And the gray painted woodwork and trim… hmmm… heavy.


Jocasta throws a party to introduce Jamie and Claire to her neighbors. She intends to make Jamie her heir and put him up as the public face of River Run – whether he’s interested or not. Claire is absolutely not interested in owning slaves and Jamie comes to understand and agree with her views on the subject.

And a refreshing moment on the veranda with Jamie and Jocasta.
So, the Outlander River Run sets are undoubtedly gorgeous. But, do they feel right for a hot climate? And for Colonial America where so much had to be imported at great cost? After all, furniture capital of the US, Hickory, North Carolina, wasn’t yet a thing. On initial watching, I kept mentally comparing them to historic Colonial house museums here in Massachusetts. Given the climate differences, one expects Boston to have darker, heavier interiors. But North Carolina? Then, I wondered if the sets were created as an homage to the Cameron’s Scottish background – where things would definitely be heavier due to the colder climate. The Lallybroch sets are an example of this.
While researching this, I came across this quote from Jon Gary Steele:
When we first designed River Run, I had imagined it with pale, cool colors from looking at hundreds of plantation houses, but once we got closer, I changed my mind as pale colors just don’t feel Outlander to me.
The tobacco-inspired walls actually have about seventeen layers of paint on them, with a red base, building towards the depth of color of dried tobacco leaves, to show how the estate made its money.
Jocasta was very wealthy so I wanted her house to reflect that. She has a number of slaves so everything is very shiny and polished. The fabulous teal, floral, silk damask fabric that we have used for her chairs and sofas was the inspiration for the rest of the color palette of the house, so the house has balance and beauty.
I also went back to the book and searched for Diana Gabaldon’s descriptions of River Run. (This is where Kindle versions of books comes in very handy!)
River Run was an “imposing two-storied house, colonnaded and multichimneyed. The house was spacious and airy inside, with high ceilings and wide French doors in all the downstairs rooms. I caught a glimpse of silver and crystal as we passed a large formal dining room, and thought that on the evidence, Hector Cameron must have been a very successful planter indeed. The house and all its furnishings were simple but well crafted, beautiful, and arranged with something more than just taste.”
Various quotes from: Gabaldon, Diana. Drums Of Autumn (Outlander, Book 4) (Kindle Location 3504). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
So, clearly Steele, and this season’s set decorator Stuart Bryce, chose not to go with Diana’s description. I’m torn. I’m all for artistic license, I really am. I don’t believe that an adaptation, which this series is, has to follow the book letter for letter. I’m actually annoyed as all get out by the viewership/book fandom who whines about every wrong height or eye color of the actors, or changes to the story line. But… hmm…
What do you think and how do Outlander’s River Run sets compare to their real-life equivalents?
Enter George Washington.
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s father built the original 1-1/2 story house, later called Mount Vernon, in 1735. Washington acquired the house in 1754 and over the next 45 years expanded it to the 21-room mansion we see today.
There’s a lot of similarities with River Run, aren’t there?
Beautiful stained paneling and woodwork adorn the central passage.
The staircase is not as grand, but then it couldn’t be, because it has to actually fit the ceiling height…
One thing I want to point out about these images – they were taken as screen grabs from the virtual 3D tour they have on the Mount Vernon website – which I highly recommend. So much great information and detail, especially for those of us who have never been there. So, because these are from a 3D view point, the walls can be skewed a little, just a heads up. I’m not entirely sure why there is wall to wall carpeting on the floor and stairs. Maybe they still need restoration?
How gorgeous is the West Parlor??? That color blue is amazing. There is a really beautiful lightness to this room.
And speaking of ornamentation – note the beautiful Adam-esq plaster work on the ceiling of the dining room below. The verdigris green paint was original to the room – made from oxidized copper which required constant upkeep to keep it from turning black. An enormously expensive proposition.
The “New Room” was built in the 1780’s and decorated through the 1790’s. And look, there is a lovely Palladian window similar to the one at River Run!
The set of Aitken chairs are slipcovered in dimity skirts to protect the upholstery underneath. While this might look a little “modern” to our eyes, slipcovers were used in the 18th century. The silk and wool fabric underneath was likely of the kind original to the chairs, based on a remnant they found on one of them. (Seriously, the Virtual 3D tour is a wealth of information!)
Once we get into the secondary rooms, we see a much simpler style and level of ornamentation.
Below was the Washington’s bedroom and this is the bed in which George died in 1799. The simple design and plain white linens and bed curtains showed that the Washington’s personal style was one of simplicity.
I truly would have been much happier if the River Run bedroom given to Jamie and Claire were closer to this style than the overly ornate one in the series.
One of these days I’ve got to make it to Mount Vernon (and Monticello for that matter!) But I so appreciate all the wonderful detail on their website!
Next, we’ll travel to Governor William Tryon’s “Palace” which actually plays a role in season 4 of Outlander. There is mention of the Governor taxing the people in order to pay for this palace – which is why the regulator’s were so up in arms. They didn’t feel this was particularly the best use of their hard earned money.
Tryon Palace
The Governor’s Palace was built for Governor William Tryon to serve as the first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina, although he only spent one year there after it was completed in 1770. A recreation of the original is what visitors will encounter today, as a fire destroyed the main building in 1798. Information via Travel Through Life.
Because Tryon Palace was more of public space than a private home (like the Washington’s house), it’s more ornate and while maybe not larger than Mount Washington, it’s more grand.
The staircase is very similar to the one in River Run. Truly a spectacular work of art – and all made by hand.
There is a virtual 3D tour of some of Tryon Palace that was made in conjunction with Google. There’s no additional information, but offers an interesting perspective.
I’ll admit I’m surprised by the lightly stained, scraped, nature of the floors. I would have thought they’d be darker. But I’ve learned something new. They are beautiful.
The bedrooms, while larger and more formal than the Washington’s cozy bedroom, would have worked well for the Frasers. As an aside, I don’t pretend to be an expert on historical design, but I feel fairly certain the electric fan on the floor in the room below isn’t period… The window treatments throughout the house with the beautiful pelmets are a real treat. As are the gorgeous Aubusson carpets.
Here’s a fun little tidbit for locals of New Bern, North Carolina, or those traveling there. There will be a series of Outlander themed tours of Tryon Palace starting this month!
In doing my research and pondering my “feelings” about the set design of River Run, I guess I come to the conclusion that the interior design wasn’t impossible for the time and place. Not likely, mind you, but possible. I think I personally would have preferred a more period and location appropriate design over all. Something more like how it was described in the book:
River Run was an “imposing two-storied house, colonnaded and multichimneyed. The house was spacious and airy inside, with high ceilings and wide French doors in all the downstairs rooms. I caught a glimpse of silver and crystal as we passed a large formal dining room, and thought that on the evidence, Hector Cameron must have been a very successful planter indeed. The house and all its furnishings were simple but well crafted, beautiful, and arranged with something more than just taste.”
Various quotes from: Gabaldon, Diana. Drums Of Autumn (Outlander, Book 4) (Kindle Location 3504). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
I can look past the TARDIS-style proportion issues and understand that most viewers will never notice it. And since these sets are the only opportunity for truly beautiful design this season, I guess it makes sense to go all out.
What do you think? Yea or Nay on the set design for Outlander’s River Run?
Please also enjoy:
Outlander Elegant Scottish Mansions
Outlander Swans and Crocs and Versailles, Oh My!
Outlander Paris is Always a Good Idea
Outlander Boston – What’s Wrong and What’s Right?
Outlander River Run’s Dark Design
Outlander Big House on the Ridge

Love this post Linda! In thinking about previous visits to great Colonial homes and my own research for costuming purposed the deep teal walls are an absolute YES. The purple bedroom is a big NO. That hue in the 18th century was much more a mauvey/gray sort of purple and was primarily used for articles of clothing.
Hi Laura – totally agree about the purple bedroom. It’s way too purple for the period. And all that silk damask would have been exorbitantly expensive even for the wealthy. It does look more like a retread of the Paris apartment sets.
Wondering who is the maker of the teal fabric, thanks in advance. So enjoyed the post!
Hi Ali – I do believe I have tracked down this fabric. It’s from the fabric house Scalamandre and is called “Jardin d’Hiver” It’s a very expensive fabric – over $1,000.00 per yard.
I’m trying to find that out as well!
Hi Marilyn, I did determine that the Scalamandre Jardin D’Hiver is the same fabric. It retails for over $1,000.00 a yard, the last time I checked. It’s a very embroidered silk documentary fabric, which is why it’s so expensive.
Hello Linda,
I live in a town outside of Boston and didn’t grow up in Massachusetts. I’m a huge Outlander fan and discovered your detailed writings about the Boston episodes. Have you investigated where the ‘Logan airport’ scene was shot in Season 4, Episode 3 The False Bride?
Hi Rosanne – I didn’t even think that that was Logan when I saw the episode, but I guess it was. I’d guess they must have found an old looking terminal to shoot in somewhere in Scotland.
Paint colors please! Regardless of how historically accurate the colors were….I adored the colors in this house!!
Searching for the name of the colors and the company who makes it. Is this farrow Ball?
Anyone know?
Hi Margaret – I don’t know what the paint colors are. However, it’s likely they are not commercially available paints. When I hosted a podcast several years ago, called The Skirted Roundtable, we interviewed the set decorator for the movie “Something’s Gotta Give”. As with the River Run set, SGTG was totally built on a sound stage and lit with artificial lighting. They use special formulations of paints in order for them to be captured correctly on screen. She said people would be surprised how it looked in person. That said, I have a piece of the fabric that was used on the sofas and chairs in the sitting room and if it’s the teal blue color you’re looking for, I did a color match to the fabric and you might want to look at Sherwin Williams Seaworthy; Behr Midnight in the Tropics; Sherwin Williams Rainstorm; Farrow & Ball Hague Blue. Good luck!
Hello Linda, wonderful work! Could you please share what kind of damask is the purple room? where did you find it?
Hi Ricardo – thanks for your comment. I do need to be clear that I am not the designer for Outlander and River Run. The production designer is Jon Gary Steele and this season’s set decorator was Stuart Bryce. They are both on Instagram, which is fun to follow. So, I don’t know the source of the damask, but it’s vaguely Fortuny or any other high end fabric design house – Scalamandre, Schumacher, etc would carry a silk damask. The walls could be upholstered in a fabric, or it’s a wallpaper. Or, it could be hand painted as well. Sorry I can’t provide specific information but I will certainly post if I do!
I love the material used on the wing back chairs and matching settees in Jacostas Hóme. How would I locate this material? BTW I’ve enjoyed your work and am thrilled to find your website!
Hi there – thanks! The fabric is Jardin d’Hiver from Scalamandre. And it’s over $1,000.00 per yard – very, very expensive.
Yes Outlander! Interesting thoughts on the regality of european design in the colonies! I’m no expert, but I can see how the show runners may have taken liberties in order to play towards the narrative.
Grant –
Agreed!